Bad Odor From My Washing Machine

[Curious]

I am glad to find this site! My situation is: I have just moved into a new apartment and the washer has a bad odor that smells like rotten something? My brother says this can happen because the washer is old and residue from mold and soap builds up in the tub that holds the tub you put clothes in. Also, if you look on the top of the tub and move it around and look down the sides, it is gross and VERY grimey. I have washed bleach loads and left the lid open to air out the smell but it still reeks.

My questions are... What is causing the problem? How can it be solved? Is this washer healthy to be using?

[Whitegoodshelp]

Old washing machines can give off bad odors and nasty smells. A build up of grease and gunge can coat the washing machine inside. This gunge can be everywhere. The main cause of this is delt with in this section, and it features suggested remedies too - Washing machine smells - causes of grease, slime and black mould inside washing machines