Kenmore 90 series washer and mildew smell

[Pamzella]

I've tried the cleaners, I just can't shake it completely, and with face mask wearing now, "just a hint of mildew when moist" on your face is a NO.

Almost 2 years ago my refurb Kenmore 90 series top loader washer stopped draining and repair guy accurately predicted baby socks in the pump itself, I got a new pump (and zipper bags for socks) and I've since run everything I can think of... Affresh, bottles of vinegar, etc etc and the smell still returns.  I've put things in the sun - - it's like the washer is putting it back in the fibers of things.  Course that's not going to work with when it is winter. 

I see debris through the cloudy plastic around the drum, and since I apparently ran the washer  a lot with one sock only partially blocking the pump, maybe this is the source.  Can I take this apart to clean and expect I can safely put it back together?  Is it worth the effort?  Anything else you can think of? 

[Hiroshi]

Stop using liquid detergent, leave the lid open when not in use- eventually, you will defeat the residue!

The trick to these Kenmores is getting the cabinet off... 

Edited June 29, 2020 by Hiroshi

[DADoESTX]

Sometimes the only way to effectively deal with mold/smutz is disassemble the machine for direct access to scrub the inside of the outer tub and outside of the inner drum.  THEN after it's clean you change your usage habits to prevent the problem from recurring.

[Vance R]

Post a model number so we can give better information.