How to Take Apart A Whirpool Washing Machine

So, this is going to be a total departure from my regularly scheduled posts but my stinky washing machine has been bothering me!  And if I have an issue with my washing machine there is probably a couple of other people out there who are having one too.  Here is my Whirlpool washing machine and over on the right you can see the matching dryer.  They actually belong to our landlords and I was not the one who purchased them.  As you can see, it is in great shape and more importantly, it looks clean.

It’s the same story when you open up the washer…nice looking and clean.  But what you can’t see in this picture is the smell!  My washing machine smell like mold or something…whatever it is it stinks!  I use powdered laundry detergent, Downy Unstopables and when I wash my whites I add a splash of bleach.  I do not use fabric softener but use dryer sheets in the dryer instead.  I also keep my washing machine lid open so that the inside can dry out between loads.  This should help prevent my washing machine from getting stinky!

So, I thought, no problem…it will just wash the washing machine and it will all be great but that was not to be.  Here are some of the things I tried:

Baking Soda:  I added baking soda to loads of laundry hoping that would help but it didn’t.

Now what??  I took a cotton swab and stuck it in the holes in the tub and it came out clean.  I stuck another one in different cracks and crevices but they came out clean…all the while I am smelling the musty, moldy smell!  So, I turned to the instructions manual so that I could get to the inside of the dryer.  But the first manual talks about accessories, safety, use and care within a couple of pages…nothing about getting inside.  The second manual is the installation instructions which is basically, to set it in place and plug it in.  The third manual is the washer cycle descriptions.

Back to square one…a stinky washer and no clue what to do about it!  So, we got online to search for how to clean a stinky washer and for a manual for the washing machine…we were not able to find help for either one.  I pulled the washer out and tried to figure out a way to get inside but it looked impossible.  While back there, I pulled out the drain tube from the wall tube where it drains and smelled inside…it smelled normal,,,not musty or moldy.

Finally, I found a video for how to removed the cabinet on a Whirlpool washing machine. Before starting to work on it, I unplugged my washing machine.  First, I unscrewed the 2 screws, one on each side of the controls panel, on the back.

Next, I had to disconnect this switch.  I used a screwdriver to make it easier.  (Make sure washer is unplugged before doing this step)

Then, I had to remove these gold clips.  I stuck a flat head screwdriver inside, pressed the screwdriver away from me and they popped out.

Now, the cabinet can tip forward and away from the rest of the washing machine.

Success!!  But what did I find inside and what did I do about it?

I will tell you about it in….

The Case of the Stinky Washing Machine {Part 2}