my washer smells of stale water ?

Check your drains...

Nip outside and lift the lid of any inspection pit you find.

Test for a blockage by flushing a downstairs toilet - if the water rises further up the bowl than usual then there's a blockage in the system and the smell in your machine will be from the foul water.

If there is a blockage in the pit do not be tempted to push the obstruction away - get a stick and pull it back into the pit - wash your hands afterwards.

Good luck...

Peccavi
May 2013