Most people enjoy the fresh, clean aroma that comes from their clothing just after its folded in the laundry basket. 

What we don't like is when our washing machine produces anything besides nice smells. McCombs Supply hears from customers who say their washing machine smells like sewage, mold, mildew or even eggs. 

A smelly washer is frustrating, especially if it interferes with washing clothes. McCombs offers some tips to keep your washing machine smelling good. 

We will review cleaning (see related story on how to clean my washing machine) below, but what we want to focus on right now is another odor.

What if you notice that your washing machine is producing a burning smell. 

What does a burning smell mean? 

If you have a burning smell it likely means you have a broken part. A broken drive motor is one of the most important pats in a washing machine. When this part breaks, it can become overheated and start making a burning smell. 

McCombs sells replacement washing machine motors. 

Another more likely cause of a burning smell in your washer is overloading.

Adding too many clothes to your washing machine can stress the motor or transmission, causing them to overheat or malfunction and emit a burning smell. 

For top load washers, overloading can cause the agitator to freeze or malfunction, stressing the drive belt and causing friction, which could emit a burning rubber smell.

To prevent overloading, know the size of your washer. 

When it doubt, do smaller loads.

Below is a video talking about to do when you washing machine makes loud noise and has a burning smell. 

Broken Drive Motor Pulley

Washing machine drums often spin with the assistance of a drive belt, and if this belt is broken or not connected well, it can rub against other parts and create friction, which would lead to a burning smell. 

Most often, washing machines will not spin if the drive belt is broken. You can replace your drive belt at McCombs. 

Another item that can wear out and can a burn smell is a broken drive motor pulley. 

Through wear and tear, pulleys become rusted and create friction, causing the pulleys to burn and melt. The idler pulleys can jam or seize, causing the drive to overheat. 

Check the plugs

The burning smell may not have anything to do with washer parts. 

It might be the plug or cord. Check the outlet. 

This is an easy and inexpensive fix. McCombs sells 3-prong and 4-prong cords. 

Clean The Drawer

If the foul odor from your washer is not a burnt smell, but rather another harsh smell, perhaps you have a build up of detergent, powder or liquid inside the drawer.

 Remove the drawer, use hot water, a damp cloth and an old toothbrush and get to work.

Mold and other residue tend to gather in the drawer. Make sure you wear gloves when you scrub the detergent and residue away.

Run An Empty Cycle

These days people tend to use their washing machines on a cooler cycle and so it’s important to use a hotter cycle to give the washing machine a thorough clean regularly.

Put the washing machine on the hottest setting. Use white vinegar to flush out the dirt and grime by placing either the vinegar in the soap drawer or half a packet of soda crystals in the drum itself.

Once the cycle has finished, run another rinse at the highest temperature with nothing in again to ensure no vinegar mixture remains in the machine.

Check The Doors & Seals

Check all the doors and seals for any grease or slime build up. 

Pull away the rubber seals around the machine and wipe over with a damp cloth. 

This will hopefully remove any dirt and residue left from your previous washes and make your machine will be left smelling lovely and fresh.

McCombs also sells Glisten Washing Machine Magic cleaner and deodorizer, which helps extend the life (and smell) of your washer. Glisten removes odor-causing residue that causes smells and reduces your washers cleaning effectiveness and damages clothing. shes and leave the machine smelling fresh and clean. 

About Us

McCombs Supply Company, Inc.

In business since 1953, McCombs Supply Co., Inc. is a third-generation family-owned business that specializes in low prices and fast, reliable shipping.
Located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, McCombs Supply Co., Inc. offers replacement repair parts for dishwashers, dryers, microwaves, range-ovens, refrigerators, washing machines, HVAC, commercial refrigeration, commercial cooking, pellet stove parts and more. Some of our manufacturers we distribute for include – Backer-Chromolox, Broan-Nutone, Exact Replacement Parts (ERP), EZ Flo, Fasco, Mastercool, ICM, JW Harris, Packard, Robertshaw, Sealed Unit Parts Company (SUPCO), White Rodgers, Englander, Breckwell, Harman, Lennox, Napoleon, St. Croix and Quadra-Fire.

We supply contractors, service technicians, housing developments, hospitals, retirement communities, institutions, and do-it-yourselfers (DIY).

Today, we have nearly one million SKUs in our system. We are constantly upgrading our cutting-edge technology to serve our customers better.

Copyright 2018