How I finally solved that deep machine funk — steps that actually worked

I did this exact thing with my Whirlpool WTW4800 last weekend after the "Clean Washer" cycle failed for the tenth time. I had to buy a dedicated TB123A spanner wrench just to get the tub nut loose, and even then, I had to whack it with a three-pound sledgehammer for ten minutes before it budged. When the inner drum finally popped free, the smell of rotting eggs was so strong I had to open every window in the laundry room. The buildup on the outside of the basket was nearly a quarter-inch thick in some spots. It wasn't just slime; it was like a calcified layer of gray clay mixed with old dog hair. I spent two hours with a stiff nylon brush and a bottle of Simple Green. Even the pressure washer struggled with the gunk stuck near the balance ring at the top.

One thing I'll add is to be realy careful with the tub seal while you're in there. I accidentally nicked mine and had to wait three days for a replacement part before I coud actually use the machine again. But man, the clothes finally smell like actual detergent instead of a wet basement. If you’re on the fence about doing this, just go for it.

I'll never go back to those tabs, they don't do squat for the real gunk. When I took mine apart, I found a bunch of hair ties and pennies jammed in the pump filter that'd been slowing things down for ages. If you're gonna go thru the trouble of pulling the drum, you might as well check the drain lines and the pump housing too.

Also, pro tip: wear some heavy-duty gloves. That sludge smell is no joke and it'll stick to your skin for a week if you aren't careful. definitly a gross Saturday project but man, it's way cheaper than buying a new unit.

Back in the day, we didn't have these fancy 'Clean Washer' cycles or scented pucks. We just ran a load of whites with a cup of real TSP and boiling water. These new HE machines are the real culprits—not enugh water to acutally flush the grease out, so it just sits there and rots.

If you've got it stripped down, check the drive block for wear while the basket is out. If that's loose, you'll get a roar like a freight train during the spin. Once you get it clean, quit using so much damn softener. That stuff is basially liquid fat that builds the swamp right back up.

Oh my gosh, this is EXACTLY the motivation I needed! I just bought my first place and the washer smells like a literal pond. I'm totally grabbing my toolkit tomorrow to tear it apart! Quick question though for anyone who has done this—does anyone know if those super-strength degreasers are safe to use if you have a septic tank? I don't want to fix my washer but accidentally kill all the good bacteria in my yard!