Do you have a stinky front-load washing machine?
With the new condo came a new, front-loading washing machine. I love it. It’s quiet, cleans really well, and spins out far more water than my old top-loading machines of the past.
But… It’s got a serious problem. The clean clothes that come from it, in a word, stink.
At first, I believed the problem was caused by Barry washing his running gear with the towels… But, that wasn’t it. In an unrelated issue, we had an appliance guy come by to remove an underwire from a bra that fell apart in the wash, and got lodged in the motor — He asked Barry if we were dealing with a musty smell coming from the machine. We were.
As it turns out, we were using the wrong detergent! I didn’t know that the new front-loading machines require HE (high efficiency) detergent, which foams less, and gets completely drained with the water, versus the concentrated regular detergent which doesn’t completely rinse out, leaving foam to sit on the rubber seal — This causes… You guessed it. Mold.
Here’s some other tips I found online to reduce the odor:
- Only use high efficiency (HE) detergent and never use more than the recommended amount.
- Remove wet wash right away.
- Keep the door open a bit to let the washer dry out (or, dry it out after each load).
- Run a “cleaning cycle” once a month – no clothes just hot water and a cup of bleach.
- If there’s a lint tray accessible, clean it out frequently.
I just received a Green Works(tm) starter kit from Clorox, which is a HE (and fantastic smelling) detergent. I can’t wait to run a few more loads with this new detergent, to see if it helps solve the problem.
I’ve got a few more Green Works(tm) free full-size detergent coupons, if you’d like one, drop me a comment and I’ll give one to you the next time I see you!
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I forgot to mention… I also have some samples of the Green Works detergent left, if you would like one, drop me a comment!
.-= Tanya (aka NetChick)´s last blog: Do you have a stinky front-load washing machine? =-.
Good tips Tanya, and with ours we need to look inside that front rubber seal and make sure there is no lint or debris blocking the holes under the rubber rim. Otherwise I love my machine.
What “is” Clorox Green Works says the lazy guy who can’t google it himself? =)
Marnie and I have been using our front loading washing machine since we moved in during the Summer and did know that HE was required. That said, we sure as heck didn’t know that it should be cleaned monthly – although I did notice it had a “clean” cycle available. Hmm…
.-= Chris´s last blog: Review: HP A646 Photosmart Printer =-.
[...] Do you have a stinky front-load washing machine? @ (Tanya Davis … [...]
I totally miss having an in-home laundry machine, (so I’m experiencing laundry machine envy of you right now). Instead we have a laundry room with “hours” open (we don’t have a basement so it can be real noisy), with a timer so that they click off at 9:30 pm. Oh well, at least the machines are brand new and work
Hey Lisa — That’s a good point, too!
Chris, Clorox Green Works is a new HE detergent — I got a starter pack to try… More info is found here: http://www.greenworkscleaners.com/laundry/
Hey Patty — I remember those days. I am spoiled now, and couldn’t ever go back to that. But, it does save money, as it costs less to pay by coin then run and pay for the electrical bill.
.-= Tanya (aka NetChick)´s last blog: The “Hello NetChick Sent Me” Meet n’ Greet! =-.
Vineagar may be good as well. That works on clothes that stink after being in the wash too long, evidently.
.-= Jon the Intergalactic Gladiator´s last blog: The Life Cycle of a Delicious Smiley Face Cookie =-.
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