why does my ge top load washer smell like mildew, i just cleaned it with affresh last week.

Diagnosis

> The GE GTW685BSLWS is a high-efficiency (HE) top-load washer designed to use significantly less water than traditional machines. While Affresh tablets are effective for removing mineral buildup and some surface biofilm, they often fail to reach "dead zones" where stagnant water collects. The primary cause of the mildew smell is the accumulation of a "scrud" layer—a waxy mixture of undissolved fabric softener, detergent residue, and skin cells—that clings to the outer tub (the area you cannot see) and the underside of the agitator. Because this model uses a deep-fill option but often defaults to lower water levels, the rinse cycle may not fully flush out the thick residue left by heavy-duty detergents or liquid softeners. This residue traps moisture against the metal and plastic components, creating a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. If you smell a damp, sour odor even after a cleaning cycle, it confirms that the biofilm has penetrated the outer tub's crevices or the drain pump filter area, which a standard chemical tablet cannot fully penetrate.

How to Fix It

> To fully eliminate the odor and strip the biofilm from the machine, follow this deep-cleaning protocol:

1. Manual Dispenser Purge: Remove the detergent and fabric softener dispenser drawer completely. Use a toothbrush and a mixture of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water to scrub the housing where the drawer slides in. This area often hides a thick layer of black mold that tablets cannot reach.
2. Agitator Inspection: While the GTW685BSLWS has a fixed agitator, debris often collects at the very bottom of the tub beneath the agitator vanes. Manually scrub the bottom of the wash tub with a nylon brush and a bleach solution.
3. High-Heat Bleach Cycle: Set the machine to the "Heavy Duty" cycle with the "Deep Fill" option selected to ensure the maximum amount of water is used. Set the temperature to "Hot." Add 1 cup of liquid chlorine bleach (5.25% concentration) directly into the bleach dispenser. Do not add detergent or vinegar, as mixing these with bleach can create toxic fumes or neutralize the cleaning agent.
4. The "Double Rinse" Method: After the bleach cycle completes, run one additional "Rinse and Spin" cycle with no chemicals. This ensures no bleach residue remains to damage your clothes in the next load.
5. Air-Dry Protocol: Immediately after the final spin, wipe down the top rim of the tub and leave the lid wide open for at least 4 hours to allow the internal drum to fully dehydrate.

If That Didn't Work

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• Check the Drain Pump Filter: If the smell persists, there may be a trapped piece of clothing or a "slug" of lint in the drain hose or pump. While this model doesn't have a front-access filter like European machines, check the external drain hose for kinks or standing water that could be siphoning odors back into the tub.
• Switch to Powder Detergent: Liquid detergents and fabric softeners are the primary contributors to biofilm. Switch to a high-quality powder detergent for 30 days. Powder is more abrasive and helps "scrub" the outer tub during every wash, preventing the buildup that causes the smell.
• Reduce Detergent Volume: Over-sudsing is a common culprit. If you see bubbles remaining in the tub after the rinse cycle, you are using too much detergent. Reduce your dose to 2 tablespoons per load; HE machines require far less soap than users realize.
• Vinegar Shock Treatment: If bleach didn't work, the mold may be alkaline-resistant. Run a hot cycle with 4 cups of white distilled vinegar. Note: Never do this immediately after bleach; run a clear water cycle in between to avoid creating chlorine gas.

Heads Up

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• Stop using liquid fabric softener: These are oil-based and act as "glue" for mold. Use white vinegar in the softener compartment instead; it softens clothes and kills mildew without leaving a residue.
• Lid Position: Never close the lid immediately after a load. The GTW685BSLWS creates a humid microclimate that accelerates mold growth. Keep the lid open until the drum is bone-dry to the touch.
• Avoid "Quick Wash" Overuse: Frequent use of the Quick Wash cycle doesn't provide enough water or time to fully flush out detergents. Use the "Heavy Duty" or "Deep Fill" setting once a week to flush the system.
• Wipe the Rim: Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the top edge of the tub where the lid meets the machine. This area collects moisture and detergent splashes that can seep back into the drum.