Hoover CA230 smells & makes washing smell what can I do?

I have a Hoover CA230 washing machine. It's the 1300 special edition if that helps? I wash at low temperatures using liquid mainly as read that powder blocks machine up. I live in a hard water area. It's about 6 years old and I've had it since new.

A couple of weeks ago it started to smell. I cleaned out the seal which had a bit of yuck stuff in it and washed it empty at the higest cycle-was 90 I think!

It still smells as do washed clothes. I bought some stuff that's supposed to clean and descale the machine. Used that on a high temperature as stated but my machine still smells badly.

I'm not sure if this is linked but my clothes feel funny too-almost like they've not been rinsed properly. They're dry enough so spinned OK but do feel odd. This has been happening for a bit longer than the smell-a few weeks maybe?

I have no idea where the filter is-is it at the back and would finding that help?

Do I need a new door seal, can I get one and can I fit it myself (not very able DIYer!)?

What can I do to stop this or is this it for the machine? My washing smells, is this smell going to remain in my clothes forever or just until washed in a proper machine? Are items washed in this machine safe for children and animals albeit smelly!?

I'd be grateful for any advice as I don't know what else to do, my house smells, my clothes smell and it's really worrying me.

Thank you.

Jennie
May 2009