LG TrueSteam, smelly steam cycle!

[pedro]

Hoping someone can offer some advice on here as I’m at a loss!

I’ve had my LG TrueSteam for almost 3 years now, it’s been good going and overall I’ve been impressed with its performance.

I use the steam ‘Refresh’ cycle quite regularly and for the last few months the machine has been smelling quite bad during the cycle, sort of an eggy-dirty drain type pong. Initially I thought this was because the bad plumbing set up in the flat resulted in some dirty water being drawn back in to the machine (there was a very noticeable ‘gurgle’ when the pump switched off and the water would run back in which would then trigger the pump again) but since moving to a new house and having the waste pipe fitted to a stand-pipe, whilst the gurgling has stopped and there is no water being drawn back in, the smell still remains during and after the steam cycle.

I’ve done everything I can think of, running endless cleaning cycles, using proper washing machine cleaner, running bleach through it, the lot, but the smell still remains…only when the Refresh cycle is used though.

My logic leads me to think the problem must be with the gummings that create the steam, perhaps the steam unit had some old water in it which has gone a little stagnant or has mould growing in it, but is there a way I can get to it and clean it? I’ve searched online for a solution but have found nothing

Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[henene4]

Sounds like a problem with the steam unit indeed. It should be located right under the top cover. To get it out, you'd have to open the top cover and unscrew the generator. Though, I am not sure if you can open it up and if not how far you can go with cleaning as I don't know how these generatore are constructed.
To make the procedure of removal easier, go to YouTube and search for LG washer steam generator replacement. There has been a Video made by repairclinic that shows the procedure of removal quite good.

 

[dyson2drums]

I have the very same machine LG F1479FDS5, ours is 3 years and 3 months old. I have never experienced any smells as such.

I usually run a 'tub clean' every 2/3 weeks as we get through a lot of washing. I use the refresh cycle quite regularly too and have never experienced such smells.

Could it be some mould accumulated around the yellow jet/steam injector piece? I usually clean that area with an anti bacterial kitchen wipe and sometimes use a small interdental brush.

Hope it gets sorted