I need to get inside my Hotpoint WMA36.
There is easy access from underneath, and through a screw-on panel at the back.
But I need to get in through the top, and cannot see any obvious way of removing the top panel.

Ultimately, I want to get at the drum, as I'm convinced that the 'stale-water' smell I'm getting is caused by something trapped between the inner (rotating) part and the outer (fixed) part.

I've dismantled and thoroughly cleaned all the lower hoses and drain pump that are accessed through the rear panel.

But the smell persists.
A 'vinegar-wash' helped, but didn't completely cure.

Any suggestions please.

michaelcarts, October 2008

In the front of the top cover (left & right hand sides) there are 2 plastic covers, remove these to reveal 2 allen screws. once these are removed then the top panel slides rearwards & up at the front.
Good luck with the drum, all the electrics need to be unclipped, the motor removed, services to the drum disconnected, also the top front cross member removed. All this to just remove the drum assembly, then numerous screws around the circumference to split the drum itself.

Snowy, September 2010

Yep - there's foul air in your washing machine and it's collecting in the drum - strongest smell.

Nip outside and remove the cover from any drain inspection pit - wear boots, rubber gloves and have drain rods and a pressure washer handy - it worked for me!

Peccavi, October 2008

to tell u the truth u must take your drain hose from under the sink.your sink water is syphoning back in the washing .and that smells

amin eng, October 2008

On either side of the lid there is a little cap which covers a star headed screw, remove both the screws and lift the front of the lid up about an inch,now slide it back and the lid will come off. That is the easy bit! To get into the drum you now have to completely dismantle the machine and remove the outer drum from the cabinet before seperating both halves. Do you realy want to go there?

casper, October 2008

Thanks for the comments, Peccavi.
I agree..... getting into the drum would be a last resort. I like the idea of finding a filter to clean, but there's no mention of one in my owner-manual, and I can't see an access point low down at the front.
I don't think it's the outlet pipe. If it were, the whole kitchen would smell.
If we take the clothes out soon after the wash completes, they smell ok, but they do hum if left in too long.

michaelcarts, October 2008

The water in the drum is constantly replaced each time you wash - any foul water will be constantly diluted so the smell may be from the drum but is more likely to be lower down in the machine where any particles from washing; like skin flakes, soap residue and lint will collect and fester like a compost heap. Have you cleaned the filter? Usually accessible from the front - low down. Might the smell be coming from the house drains - sniff the outlet pipe. This was the cause when we had washing machine stink syndrome. If the drum is smelly then washed clothes would also "hum" a bit - do they?

I urge you not to "get inside" the drum - a neat trick if you can manage it but getting out may need cutting equipment.

Peccavi, October 2008