Monthly Archives: September 2009

Can mold in my washing machine cause health problems?

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Mold can cause a host of health problems including asthma, increased susceptibility to flu and colds, and sinus infections. Because mold thrives in damp conditions, it can live in many places around your home such as the shower, under carpeting and wallpaper, in the basement and surprisingly even in your washing machine. Washer mildew can linger in your laundry room and transfer to your clothes, increasing your risk for mold-related health problems.

Asthma

People with asthma may have an increased sensitivity or allergy to mold that can trigger an asthma attack. Asthma is an inflammation of the airways that makes breathing difficult and sends more than 2 million people to the emergency room every year.

For many people, inhaling mold can trigger severe asthma attacks. By itself, inhaled mold spores can irritate the respiratory system, so people with asthma should take additional measures to eliminate mold in their home by reducing moisture and humidity.

Flu And Colds; Sinus Infections

Inhaled mold spores can wreak havoc on your respiratory system. Inflammation of the sinuses, irritated lungs, sore throat, runny nose and irritated eyes cause the body’s immune system to work overtime to help heal these areas. A weakened immune response and a weakened respiratory system can make you more susceptible to catching colds and the flu.

These same symptoms can increase your risk for chronic sinus infections, especially if you have prolonged exposure to mold, as with washer mildew and mold hidden under your carpeting.

To help prevent mold-related health problems, it may be necessary to have your home inspected for mold and thoroughly cleaned. Then take steps to reduce moisture and humidity to prevent mold from returning.

Washer Mildew

Places like the basement and shower carry a moldy stigma, but most people overlook one of mold’s favorite places to hide: the washing machine. The washing machine actually is an ideal place for mold to thrive if not properly maintained.

Since mold loves water, one of the main causes of washer mildew is residual water. As a rule of thumb, always leave the lid or door ajar to allow water to evaporate.

Detergent and fabric softener mistakes are often a common cause of washer mildew. Using too much detergent, especially in new high efficiency machines, causes excess suds that lead to mold. Read the manufacturer’s instructions and measure carefully. Likewise, liquid fabric softener leaves a residue behind that mold can grow in. Switch to dryer sheets instead.

Use A Washer Cleaner

To eliminate and prevent washer mildew, use a washer cleaner such as Smelly Washer up to twice a month. This washer cleaner uses all-natural ingredients to safely and effectively remove mold, odor and fungus from your washing machine.

You can also use Smelly Washer cleaner mixed with water in a spray bottle to remove mold in your tub and shower, and even your canvas boat and grill covers.

What’s Causing A Burning Smell In Your Washing Machine?

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If you notice a burning smell in your washing machine, the cause could be any number of things. Regardless, this is one smell you shouldn’t ignore. It’s important to quickly diagnose the problem and find the solution.

The “Burning Belt” Smell

Many top loaders are “direct drive.” This means they do not use a belt. The motor is directly connected to the transmission. If you have a direct drive machine and your washer smells like it is burning, read on.

In Whirlpool and Kenmore models there is a rubber coupler between the motor and transmission that takes much abuse. It’s very common for the fingers or the rubber itself on the coupler to break. A clicking noise with no spin or agitation along with a slight rubber smell are symptoms of this problem. DIY repair is possible.

Older models and also new model HE front loading and top load washers may have a drive belt.

To work on a top load HE washer pull the empty unit away from the wall. Drape a small rug or towel over the control to minimize damage to the wall and the panel. Lean the unit against the wall and the bottom will be clearly visible. Lie on the floor and note if there are rubber pieces or shavings under the washer. The belt may be rubbing against a plastic guard attached to the motor. The solution is actually quite simple: If the belt is shredded or worn you need to replace it. You can call a repair person or, if your washer is under warranty, the manufacturer. Or, if you or someone you know is handy, you can do it yourself!

Electrical Problems

If your washer smells and you have a direct drive machine, it may be the motor, transmission, or both. If these are shot on your washing machine, the result may be an electrical burning smell. Both are necessary to run your washing machine and can be costly to repair. The first thing to do if you notice an “electrical” smell in your washing machine and not a “rubber” burning smell, is to unplug the machine and call the manufacturer or a repairperson.

An electrical burning smell may also be caused by a water leak coming into contact with electrical wiring. Both are major concerns and should be addressed immediately. A water leak can cause structural damage in your home and can short out the electrical wiring in your washer and cause additional damage to the machine.

Other Causes

Another more likely cause of a burning smell in your washer is overloading. Adding too many clothes to your washing machine can stress the motor or transmission, causing them to overheat or malfunction and emit a burning smell. For top load washers, overloading can cause the agitator to freeze or malfunction, stressing the drive belt and causing friction, which could emit a burning rubber smell.

To prevent overloading, know the size of your washer. They are measured in cubic feet. In addition, know how many towels, pants, shirts, and other items you can safely load. When it doubt, do smaller loads. Not only will this prevent overstressing the machine, it will also ensure clothes are thoroughly cleaned and rinsed.

How To Remove Mildew Stains From Your Clothing

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If you’ve ever battled washing machine mold and been left with stinky, unsightly stains on your clothes, you know that getting rid of them can be a challenge. Here are a couple of safe and effective tips for removing clothing mildew.

First Things First

Before attempting to remove clothing mildew, you must eliminate the washing machine mold that’s causing the problem. However, it’s important to note here that you may have clothing mildew caused by leaving damp clothes lying around, not from your washer. Regardless, read on for some helpful tips.

To eliminate washing machine mold, use a washer cleaner such as Smelly Washer. It uses all-natural ingredients to safely and effectively eliminate and prevent washer mildew, fungus, and odors. Use Smelly Washer in the hottest or preset “clean” cycle of your washer to eliminate mildew. For tougher cases, allow the solution to soak for several hours before completing the cleaning cycle.

Once you have removed the washing machine mold, you can focus on removing clothing mildew.

Pre-Treating The Stains

If you have really bad mildew stains, you’ll actually see fuzzy or dark colored patches “growing” on your clothes. Mildew feeds off of organic matter, including fabric. So, in the right conditions (damp washer or laundry basket), your clothes literally become a smorgasbord for mildew.

If you have visible clothing mildew, take the items outside and use a bristle brush to remove the mildew. If possible, leave the clothes in the sun to help kill the mildew (hot, dry conditions are mildew’s nemesis).
Next, soak the clothing in a sink with a solution of warm water and Dawn dishwashing detergent. Use a toothbrush or other soft bristle brush to gently work the stains out. After soaking, rinse well and again allow the clothing to dry in the sun. If possible, you can also use a non-chlorine bleach solution to dab at the stains.

Put Your Washing Machine To Work

Most washing machines come with a preset “clean” cycle. If not, you can always use the “sanitary” or “whitest whites” cycle, which use the hottest water temperature possible. If the clothing with the mildew stain can be washed in hot water, this is the next step. If possible, non-chlorine bleach can also be added to the wash. For a more natural solution, baking soda or vinegar can be added to the wash.

Smelly Washer is not only useful for getting the mildew out of your washing machine. It can also be used in a regular load to help eliminate clothing mildew and odors. Simply add 1 tablespoon (or 1 capful) of Smelly Washer to your load of laundry (preferably with hot water), and agitate the clothes. Then stop the cycle and allow the clothes to soak in the solution for two hours. Complete the cycle as normal.

How To Extend The Life Of Your New Washing Machine

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A washing machine is an everyday household essential. Foods, clothes, and shelter are a human’s necessities. Clean clothes? Even better. But as you may have already learned through experience or read about through others’ woes, washing machines can be a finicky lot. So here are a few tips to help you extend the life of your new washing machine.

About Your New Washer

The good news is that the average lifespan of a new washer is anywhere from five to twelve years… wow, that’s a big disparity. So what makes a washer last five years and not twelve years? Well, the brand certainly makes a difference. Before you even buy a new washer, do your homework; read some reviews. It’s a fact that some manufacturers have gotten it right, and others haven’t.

It’s also important to (gasp!) read the manual that came with your new washing machine. This seems unimportant, especially as newer models are so user-friendly with their digital displays and touch pads, but the manufacturer provides important instructions for caring for your washer that shouldn’t be ignored.

Hard Water Is The Enemy

You’ve probably heard about hard water; especially from women about how their hair is frizzy or their skin is dry, or maybe you’ve had dishes come out of the dishwasher with streaks on them? These are all the result of hard water. When mineral deposits, such as magnesium and calcium, build up in your pipes, the result is hard water.

Hard water entering your washer can result in mineral deposits in the lines, which can eventually lead to your washer not working efficiently or malfunctioning altogether.

The best solution is to install a water softener or filter on your main water line. This will remove minerals from your water before they enter your house. Not only will it extend the life of your washer, it will also fix your hard water-related streaky dishes and dry skin problems.

Use A Washing Machine Cleaner

A common complaint among owners of new washing machines (especially front-loaders) is washer odor. Washer odor can be caused by a variety of things including residual water, detergent mistakes, and a build-up of lint and other material. Washer odor can transfer to your “clean” clothes and cause an embarrassing, and stinky, situation. But the real “ick” factor is what causes washer odor: mildew.

To dissuade mildew from ever dreaming of taking up residence in your washer, use a washing machine cleaner, such as Smelly Washer, regularly. A washing machine cleaner should be used with no clothes in the tub on the hottest or preset “clean” cycle, about twice a month. Smelly Washer is made of all-natural ingredients that safely and effectively eliminate and prevent mildew, fungus, and odor from your washing machine. Use a washing machine cleaner to maintain that fresh-out-of-the-box “new washer” smell for years to come.