Community Forums

trafman · 10-17-2020, 09:52 PM

The washer in our 2018 DS 4018 has a foul odor and moisture condenses on the clear plastic portion of the door. It appears the the moisture is getting into the washer via the sink drain, but not sure about that. Washer door is open when coach is in storage and the odor goes away. It comes back when the sink is used. The washer has not been used in months due to Covid 19.

Any thoughts on what is happening would be appreciated. I’m guessing the dryer and washer will have to come out to get to the problem and it isn’t obvious what steps are needed to do this and if this is a job that is difficult enough to that professional help is required. Thoughts/Ideas, suggestions please.

followingsea · 10-17-2020, 10:18 PM

Try running a load through the washer.

Full time and do not run the washer when dry camping. Noticed an odor problem but when I got to a place with hook ups and did a load the odor went away.

Dutch Star Don · 10-17-2020, 11:29 PM

Make sure the drain/strainer is clean. It's that door at the bottom right corner of the machine.

JFXG · 10-18-2020, 12:25 AM

Trafman .... your problem is simple evaporation. The washer has a p-trap in the drain line specifically to block system odors from drifting up into the washer and thus into your home. When in regular use the trap will remain full of water between cycles, thus blocking odors. Not in use, the trap water evaporates, opening your laundry drain line to the entirety of your drain system.
If you’re not going to be using it often, just run a quick wash cycle- no soap, just run the wash. That will fill up the trap. Or, if you can access the rear of the machine, just pour a quart of water down the drain tube. Repeat as necessary, maybe once a month?

SomeDay · 10-18-2020, 03:06 AM

I recall someone else had a similar problem. Maybe You Me and The RV (Stacey?), I think but not 100% sure. Anyway, they had to access a filter that was a bit of a doozie and they found a sock blocking. Maybe you have a filter that needs cleaning as well. Read your manual and check it out. Also yes the P Trap drying, but do check your manual or online manual for your model and find out where there is a filter. I know we think of dryer filters but I believe there is one in your washing machine as well that needs periodic maintenance.

Let us know, in case I'm barking up the wrong tree so to speak.

Just googled and this is answer I got: Most washing machines will have a filter – you can find it at the front of the washing machine, behind a small hatch. It is essential that you regularly clean this filter, as it will collect everything from lint to hair, coins, tissues and more.

bentjm · 10-18-2020, 04:49 AM

2X on the P trap being empty.

hohenwald48 · 10-18-2020, 05:16 AM

Google "front loading washer odor" and you'll get dozens of articles and videos. Pretty much the nature of the beast. I have never heard of any kind of long term solution.

RVRon · 10-18-2020, 06:12 AM

All of the above to check/do plus, check the door seal for mold/mildew buildup. Mostly on the bottom.

USMCRET · 10-18-2020, 06:38 AM

Just put a gallon of water in the tub and run the spin cycle for a few secs. Problem will be gone.

Xmcdog · 10-18-2020, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hohenwald48

Google "front loading washer odor" and you'll get dozens of articles and videos. Pretty much the nature of the beast. I have never heard of any kind of long term solution.

X2 on this.
We are going back to a top loader. Not sure if we could do this on a RV.

Webz · 10-18-2020, 08:21 AM

After every load I dry the inside of the door and the door seal. If you notice, the seal has a deep groove between the door and the tub. You can easily use a small dish towel and dry the deep groove. Quite a bit of water stands there. After putting the clothes in the dryer, I leave the washer door open slightly. Shut the door after the dryer is finished. I have not noticed any smells using this process. Depending on humidity, the door may have some condensation the next day. We use our washer and dryer daily.

PaulTNaples · 10-18-2020, 09:51 AM

You can order “refresh” for front load washers on Amazon. Use it once per month to clean the inside and the rubber seal. Keeps it clean and mildew free. I agree with the p trap remedy also.

Cidmiller · 10-18-2020, 11:03 AM

We have had the same problem with smell from the washer after storage and found it’s the p-trap drying out. Just a wash load and it should stop.

RRR · 10-18-2020, 12:13 PM

FWIW I just had my Splendide out a few weeks ago and called Westland Sales on a question.

After I got my answer I asked him why the factory wrapped the discharge hose and drain pipe with what looked like butyl tape, as I was under the impression that it needed air to drain properly. His reply was that he asked Fleetwood about it and the reply was they were getting complaints about odor and the P-trap was drying out during light usage. Fulltimers weren't having a problem.

I never had a odor issue, just a leak due to Fleetwood's poor install of the plumbing