Assuming your machine is otherwise working OK, it's normal for a small amount of water to remain in the pump sump area which is toward the right side in the outer tub. You may be able to see it beneath the inner basket with the agitator removed. Of course, the residual water shouldn't develop a foul odor. You don't say what model is your machine. There may be a programmable "cleaning" cycle to help flush the outer tub of any scum/detergent/softener residue. Check your instruction manual for details. I suggest using a good dose of *enzyme*-based dishwasher detergent with the cleaning cycle. If the residue is more than a cleaning cycle or two can handle, you may need to remove the inner basket so you can scrub and flush the outer tub. It sounds like a chore, but removing the inner basket isn't difficult. I can provide instructions if you're interested, but please do provide the model number of your machine.

Thank you so much. That is the water I am seeing, and it works otherwise. I used cascade complete, which I think is enzyme based. There is no odor this morning. I have the ecosmart GWL 11. I would love instructions on removing the inner basket,, just so I can give it a good clean. Also, is there any way to keep it from happening again, like using HE detergent or powder vs. liquid? We usually use liquid but if something else is better I will use that. Thanks again for your help!

By and large, powders are better than liquids. Some people using liquids in frontloaders have reported that a musty odor developed, but the problem didn't recur after cleaning their machine and switching to powdered detergent. HE detergent isn't necessary, but it *can* be helpful to prevent oversudsing during the EcoActive wash period. A full dose of a regular/high-sudsing detergent can generate a lot of suds during the EcoActive wash.

Also, DON'T wash in only cold water and don't skimp on the detergent dosage (don't overdose, either). The EcoActive wash period sprays detergent water around the tub, but if it's cold, that doesn't do much to keep body oils, dirt, grease, and detergent/softener residue dissolved and washed away.

To remove the inner basket:

1. Unplug the machine and turn off the faucets. I recommend disconnecting the water supply hoses from back of the console so the water valve doesn't get cracked if the top is forced back too far when raised up ... although that's not necessary if you're careful.

2. Remove the lid for ease of access. Carefully pry out the two lid bumpers at the sides of the top. Remove the two screws (Phillips screwdriver).

3. Raise up the top. BE CAREFUL not to break the out-of-balance lever that protrudes down at the right-rear from the console. Pull the tub toward the left-front to help the lever clear the tub. An assistant to hold the top up is helpful.

4. Remove the softener dispenser, reach down into the agitator and unscrew the wing nut. Take the agitator out.

5. Unclip the bias spring from the left-front suspension strut. Leave the spring connected to the tub ring. Unsnap the tub ring all the way around and remove it.

6. The inner basket now simply lifts out. Any scum/residue on outside of the basket can be scrubbed with a brush. Be careful of the sharp perforations on the outside. Likewise, the inner tub can be cleaned. Be careful not to damage the seal around the drive shaft. Lay the drain hose on the ground to drain the tub by gravity.

7. Reverse the steps to reassemble. Again, BE CAREFUL of the out-of-balance lever when lowering the top back down.

Thank you so much for your very helpful message. I got some HE detergent, I didn't see HE powder without dyes so I got liquid. I'm sure it's just a matter of being at the right store to find the powder. Also, thanks for the directions for taking out the basket. There is definitely some grime underneath so it probably would help to clean it. Thanks again for your help!

dadoes,
Can u tell me if these steps would also pertain to my Oasis w/out the agitator??
I had posted earlier for help in doing this and got no replies.
This sounds doable and I'd like to try it if you think the steps would be the same except for removing the impeller.

I thank you for your wonderful help to us all!!
Sharing your knowledge with us is beyond kind. =)

This link show a full teardown, but it should give you an idea of what to do. :-)

Here is a link that might be useful: Cabrio Teardown