Washer smells foul...this is often a build up of soap, water, too many chemicals and this has left a residue, and the mildew moves right in and it stinks. This builds up is often on the inside of the outer tank - picture help. 

Many times that this happens is when people use to much soap and then they only do laundry once a week.

One good solution to help your odor problem...it works well...in a top loader I recommend 2 cups of cascade and 2 cups of bleach, fill your machine with hot water and let it agitate. At the end of the agitation/wash cycle, let the machine sit and soak for about 10-15 minutes to work on your scum, then close the lid and let it complete. Next load run whites to be safe all bleach is out. This should help.

On some really bad odor problems, you may have to remove the inner basket to scrap off the build up from the inside of the outer tank. You may will need special tools to remove the inner basket. 

Fabric softener is also nasty for building up inside and under the agitator. 

It is recommended to use half to a quarter of the detergent that the package  recommends.

Other things that may help, leave the washer lid open between laundry days. Never cover your washer with those plastic covers. 

ODORS IN DUET HE3 & HE4 WASHERS CLEAN OUT PROCEDURE

NOTE: Make sure that you read these instructions completely before beginning the clean out process.

1. Open the washer door and remove any clothing or items from the washer.

2. Inspect the gray colored seal/bellow between the door opening and the basket for stained areas. Pull back the seal/bellow to inspect areas under the seal/bellow.

3. If stained areas are found, wipe down these areas of the bellows using the following procedure:

a) Mix a dilute solution of liquid chlorine bleach and water (3/4-cup bleach in

1 gallon of warm tap water).

b) Wipe the seal/bellow area with the dilute solution.

c) Let stand 5 minutes.

d) Wipe down area thoroughly with a dry cloth and let the washer interior air dry.

e) Please note:

- Do not use bleach at full strength for cleaning surfaces.

- The use of rubber gloves is recommended when cleaning for prolonged periods.

4. To begin the clean out cycle, do the following:

a) Open the washer door and remove any clothing or items from the washer.

b) Be sure door is closed.

c) Open the dispenser drawer and remove the detergent divider from the main wash detergent compartment. See the Use and Care Guide for instructions. No additives will be added at this time. You will be required to add them at a later step.

- For Whirlpool Duet, select the “Power” button.

- For Kenmore Elite HE products, move to the next step.

d) Select the “Normal” wash cycle.

e) Select the hottest wash water temperature available, (not all temperatures will be available).

f) Select the highest spin speed available.

g) Select the additional or 2nd Rinse option (if available).

h) Press and hold the “Start” key for 2 seconds. The door will lock and filling will begin. NOTE: The water will dispense for a moment, then the door will unlock and re-lock and the cycle will continue.

i) Once the filling has begun again, open the dispenser drawer and immediately add 1 cup liquid chlorine bleach to the main wash detergent compartment.

The liquid chlorine bleach should immediately flow through the dispenser.

NOTE: Do not add any detergent to this clean out cycle. Use of more than 1 cup of bleach per month will cause product damage over time. Addition of bleach without immediately starting the cycle will cause product damage over time.

Related links:

~ Odor problems with your tumble style washing machine

~ Washer Magic removes lime scale, soap scum, iron and mineral stains from washing machines

~ Glisten dishwasher cleaner will remove food stains and discolorations due to hard water or other impurities and leaves your dishwasher sparkling clean. Also works well with washing machines and other porcelain lined products such as sinks and tubs. 3 oz Package