Category Archives: How To Get Rid of Washer Odor

Advice and Tips to remove smell from washing machines and stinky laundry!

Instructions for Smelly Cleaners

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To use Smelly Washer Cleaner:

Most users find adding 1 level cap to a hot setting and allowing the washer to complete will remove odor. More extreme cases may need to do a long soak or “cleaning” cycle. If the washer doesn’t have a “clean” or “soak” cycle pause the washer and allow it to soak.

If odor persists or returns: Add 1-2 caps (tbsp) of Smelly Washer or Smelly Towel Cleaner either directly into the tub or through the detergent dispenser (even liquid dispensers) with a full load of white towels or laundry. The added bulk of the laundry will raise the water level to include the splash area. Intermittent pausing to soak and restarting will give the cleaner time to dissolve the mold, bacteria and residue.

To clean your dishwasher with Smelly Washer: Split a level cap of cleaner between both dispensers and the floor of the unit. Start a hot cycle and allow it to finish. More extreme cases may need to reapply and/or allow the unit to soak.

To use Smelly Towel Cleaner:

To initially remove odor from your towels and clothing use a level cap of Smelly Towel in place of detergent. More extreme cases will need to do a 2 hour soak. Smelly Towel Cleaner also makes a great detergent booster. Just add a 1/2 tsp to your regular detergent to really enhance colors! It won’t hurt to use Smelly Towel Cleaner with every load but it isn’t cost effective. If odor returns washing habits should be changed.

Other uses: Smelly Washer Cleaner can be added to hot water in a spray bottle to clean or sanitize your rubber door gasket. Stains impregnated into the gasket may take repeated appliaction and/or vigorous scrubbing to lessen or remove. It can also be used to naturally clean showers, bathtubs, hot tubs, canvas, window trim, etc. by applying with a spray bottle.

Star Tribune Favorite Product of the Year

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StarTribune.com

Consumer champs and chumps

By JOHN EWOLDT, Star Tribune

January 20, 2009

Time for my annual look at some of the best and worst moments for shoppers and consumers last year. Send me your own rants and raves if I’ve missed something. No doubt the biggest story for us in 2008 was the loss of many retailers, including Steve & Barry’s, Linens N’ Things, ReFurnish, and selected locations of Home Depot. In 2009 we’re losing Macy’s Brookdale, Circuit City, Club Libby Lu, Smith & Hawken in St. Paul and Cost Plus World Markets. Who else is vulnerable in 2009, according to Walletpop.com? Office Depot, Pier 1, Sears, Ethan Allen, Fashion Bug, Ann Taylor, PacSun, Mattress Discounters and Limited Too

Favorite product

I read a lot of Heloise-type columns in which the writer can’t get the mildew-y smell from towels or clothes, but an appliance repair man from Savage, Paul Flynn, went to the origin of the problem: the mold and mildew inside the inner tub of front-loading washers. A capful of Smellywasher ($16), available at participating Ace Hardware stores, gets rid of the problem. Flynn explains how to prevent the problem from occurring at www.smellywasher.com.

Classiest, cleverest GOB sale

Quitting-business sales are by nature depressing, but the classiest going-out-of-business sale that I witnessed was the recent demise of 42nd Street Gifts (4165 Minnehaha Av. S., Minneapolis). Annie Hines, who owned the shop for 12 years, included games and prizes at her sale. Customers were allotted points for their purchases but also just for coming in the door (no purchase required). Many customers came in multiple times, unlike most GOB sales where customers come in only once, said Tom Son of Wingate Sales Solutions, the sale organizer. Prizes included a 42-inch flat-screen TV, a wool rug, and a Sheraton hotel stay. “It made the atmosphere feel less like a wake and more like a game,” said Hines. She closed the store last week after a six-week sale. A word to the wise — if you have beloved, independent stores in your neighborhood that you’d hate to lose, support them before the GOB sale.

Longest GOB sale

Wickes won the award in 2007 for a going-out-of-business sale that lasted four months. The 2008 winner easily surpassed Wickes’ “longevity.” River of Goods in St. Paul started its sale in August and kept it going until mid-January, a six-month last gasp. The funniest thing about the marathon? Discounts started at 70 percent and by January had “shot up” to 80 percent. Even at 80 percent off, I was never convinced that the merchandise was a good deal. The fact that its imported items could not easily be found anywhere else in the Twin Cities for comparison’s sake made the discounts more suspect.

Weirdest sale

Opitz Outlet had a quirky, amazing shoe bargain — mis-mates one-half size different than the other shoe for $5. Opitz’ Annex (4300 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park, 952-922-3536 ) sold hundreds of pairs of men’s and women’s new, undamaged mis-mates from designers for $5, regularly up to $400. The sale was so successful that a new shipment of 1,200 women’s and 200 men’s mis-mates starts tomorrow. Women’s shoes and boots are priced at $10 to $15 and men’s are $15. This time most are athletic shoes including Nike, Timberland, FUBU, Baby Phat, Skechers, Converse and Ralph Lauren. Original retail prices range from $75 to $375. Since many of us have one foot slightly larger anyway, try on a pair. Why the need for a sale like this? Buyers try on several sizes of the same shoe style and deliberately or mistakenly take two different sizes of the same style.

Bad ads

Ultimate Electronics ignored several requests by the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota to change its advertising or be more accurate when its ads say it shops Best Buy, Circuit City and Wal-Mart and adjusts prices to give customers the absolutely lowest prices. The BBB comparison-shopped five times in 2008 and on every occasion found that Ultimate did not have the lowest price on the sampling of items checked. A Sony S750 camera, for example, was priced lower at all three competitors than at Ultimate. The BBB has asked Ultimate to modify its ads, but the company has not done so. Ultimate’s president, Jim Pearse, said the company’s intent is to adjust prices to beat the competition and has no plans to change its advertising. “Prices on electronics change daily,” he said. Although I think the company’s ads mislead consumers into thinking they don’t need to comparison-shop, I applaud Ulimate’s customer service and its competition in the marketplace. Ultimate, with six Twin Cities locations, offers a 60-day price guarantee if the competitor has the item in stock.

Worst and best outlets

Worst: Pawn America outlet (5600 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park, 952-926-1379 ). Open about a year, the outlet has a lot of merchandise that is not discounted further from the regular stores. For better deals, look for the yellow “an additional 25 percent off” stickers. Last week, a used Sharp 37-inch flat screen was $712 after the extra discount, about the same price as new online.

Best: Lofthouse/ C2B Concepts (7350 Commerce Lane, Fridley, 763-586-6241 ). After a reader tipped me off, I visited Lofthouse in June, when the artisan, preservative-free bread loaves were 50 cents and rolls a quarter. Prices have since doubled, but they’re still a steal. Only a few flavors are sold each day, but favorites are cranberry walnut, chocolate, black bean/salsa and multigrain. The outlet might add waffles and muffins in 2009. Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

Best sales

Many readers loved the Department 56 sale that the American Cancer Society had in May. But with Department 56 in bankruptcy, any repeat of the sale is in limbo. The Cancer Society’s mega garage sale in October was its last, said coordinator Leah Swenson. The costs of collecting the goods year-round and storing them for the sale were too high. It probably will be replaced with smaller, more frequent sales, with an emphasis on furniture, household goods, art and knickknacks. Clothing will not be included, said Swenson.

Other favorite sales included the BlueMountain.com gardening accessories sample sale and the Spectacle Shoppe’s “All eyeglass frames for $39″ sale. Both are expected to return in slightly different formats this year. Stay tuned.

Retail genie opens a door; closes a window

A North Face store appeared at Lake and Hennepin in Minneapolis, but then the wonderful selection of North Face samples at Thrifty Outfitters in Midwest Mountaineering disappeared. Something tells me there’s a connection.

Readers alerted me to many good sales and stores last year. I suspect that 2009 will be an even bumpier ride than last year. Please keep your tips coming.

John Ewoldt • 612-673-7633 or jewoldt@startribune.com. If you spot a deal, share it at www.startribune.com/blogs/dealspotter.

© 2012 Star Tribune. All rights reserved.

Affresh vs Smelly Washer products

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuV8TFfsxGE

Affresh washer cleaner has been sold at many retailers since 2009. Created and sold by Whirlpool in their effort to contend with alleged design flaws, Affresh is sold in foil pouches consisting of 3 tablets. To use Affresh washing machine cleaner:

*Directions: (from Affresh website)

1. Empty your washer.

2. Place one tablet of affresh® Washer cleaner directly in the washer tub - not in the dispenser.

3. Run the washer on a clean washer cycle or a normal cycle with a hot water setting.

4. Simply wipe away any residue that may be left behind after the cycle ends.

5. Throw away whatever cleaners you were using before.

6. And, always be sure to follow your washer’s Use & Care Guide for instructions on proper maintenance.

*Do Not Use With Clothing.

*For washers with a “Clean Washer” cycle, add one tablet to the washer and run the cycle.

*For machines where odor is present, run 3 wash cycles consecutively using 1 tablet in each cycle.

Our advantages of Affresh are:

1. Smelly Washer is completely organic and odor free. You don’t need fragrant harsh chemicals to clean your washer!

2. One bottle of Smelly Washer has 24 treatments compared to 3 for Affresh.

3. Smelly Washer can safely and easily be used with or without clothing in your washer. This is important because suds and soiled water build up in the splash area just 3 to 5 inches just above the normal waterline and cause odor. To remove residue from the splash area the added bulk of laundry raises the water level to include the splash area for much better cleaning. This makes all the difference in cleaning a front loading or top load washing machine!

4. Smelly Washer also works great to clean your dishwasher! Simply split a cap of Smelly Washer between the dispensers and the floor of the unit then run the dishwasher in a hot setting. Smelly Washer gets rid of the bacteria and the bad odor it causes to leave your unit smelling brand new! What better to use than an all natural cleaner for dishwasher cleaning? You’ll be amazed by how much cleaner your stainless or plastic tub will be!

What laundry detergent does not cause your washer to stink?

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Washing machine odor, especially in the new front loading clothes washers, can easily be avoided by using the best detergent to reduce odor. It is necessary for high efficiency washers to use HE detergent. HE stands for high efficiency which means low sudsing.

Suds left by overuse of detergent and softeners will feed bacteria and mold to make your washer smell.

Suds also can change the surface tension of water which allows it into smaller spaces such as the spin bearing in back of the stainless inner tub. Moisture will ruin the sealed bearing and, although it may have a limited warranty, the labor to put it in is expensive.

Powder detergent causes odor much less than liquid. As with any business, detergent makers are in business to make money. The vast majority of store shelves are stocked with liquid detergent because detergent makers push liquid as it is less expensive to manufacture. Everything from drying times to transportation costs to the necessity of exhaust fans in factories to protect the workers affect manufacturing costs.

There are all natural detergent powders that clean very well. Liquid detergent fillers will accumulate deeper inside the washer and studies show some to be carcinogenic. Detergents in powder form are much less prone to cause odor compared to liquid. Powder can be used in liquid dispensers. If the soap is not dissolving too much is being used.

Whatever type of detergent is used, it’s necessary to use no more than 1 tablespoon unless washing very soiled clothing. Studies show that in normally soiled laundry there is almost no difference between using recommended amounts and not using detergent at all! Detergent companies are also notorious for advising to use too much detergent in order to increase profit.

What causes odor in my washing machine?

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When washing your clothes, you obviously expect them to come out clean and smelling fresh. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen because of washing machine mold. When it develops on the rubber gaskets inside your washer, it can cause washing machine smells and mold that spread to your clothing and throughout your home.

Too Much Detergent

One of the main causes of mold on the rubber gaskets of your machine is using too much detergent. This creates more suds than the machine can rinse away. As your machine runs through its cycles, these extra suds and dirty water splash on the walls and above the splash line of your machine. The grime that collects above the splash line isn’t rinsed during the rinse cycle, often reaching the interior of the rubber gaskets. This causes a contained, moist environment, which is ideal for the formation of mold.

Looking For Mold

You may first notice mold because of washing machine smells and spots or odors on your towels, clothing, sheets, and anything else you launder in your washer. To check for washing machine mold, open your washer and look for the rubber gaskets on the inside of the door. Run your hand along the rubber gaskets inside your washer. If the gasket feels slimy, mold is probably the cause of your washing machine smells. The rubber gaskets of your machine should never have a slimy feel.

Preventing Mold

Every time you finish using your machine, taking a few simple steps will work to prevent mold from forming on your rubber gaskets. First, wipe down the inside of your rubber gaskets with a towel after running a wash cycle. This will remove any soap and water that splashed on the gaskets. Mold can’t form without moisture, so by removing the soap and water, you can avoid mold and washing machine smells.

In addition to wiping down your rubber gaskets, wipe to dry the inside of your washtub after a wash cycle to prevent mold. You can also use a good washing machine cleaner to help prevent and remove mold. It’s simple to use a washing machine cleaner to sanitize the interior of your machine.

Using Washing Machine Cleaner

To clean the interior of your washer with washing machine cleaner, begin by setting your machine to the hottest water possible. When using a top load washer, select the clean, tub clean, or sanitize cycle. Add washing machine cleaner and allow the washtub to fill with hot water completely before stopping the cycle.

Add a few bucketfuls of extra hot water or some towels to the washtub so the water rises higher than the splash line. This will ensure the washing machine cleaner can do its job on the entire washtub, not just below the splash line. Let the washtub soak so the washing machine cleaner and hot water can eliminate the mold and dissolve any residue buildup. The longer you let the washtub soak, the better the results. You can even let it soak overnight.

After a good soak, turn your machine on and let it complete the rest of the wash cycle, through rinsing, draining, and spinning. Wipe down the inside of your machine with a clean towel to remove the moisture. That’s all there is to it.

Monitoring Your Machine

Keep an eye out for mold, but your best defense is usually your sense of smell. Take a sniff every time you open your washing machine door to make sure you don’t have any washing machine smells. In addition to smelling your machine, also check the items washed to ensure a fresh smell.

If you do discover washing machine smells, take action immediately. Mold can develop into a nasty problem that can spread to other areas of your home quickly. By using less detergent, hot water, dryer sheets instead of fabric softener, and washing machine cleaner in addition to taking the time to wipe down your machine after use, your washer and home are sure to stay mold free.

Does Smelly Washer Cleaner Work?

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Do an internet search yourself for Smelly Washer to prove washing machine odor is still a huge problem.

Over the past several months we’ve been contacting bloggers and asking them to review Smelly Washer Cleaner and our newest product Smelly Towel Cleaner. We asked them to give their honest opinion on the products and if they’d like… to give away a bottle to a winner of their selection. Here are a few Smelly Washer and Smelly Towel reviews. You can do an internet search for “smelly washer review” or “smelly towel review” to read more.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmfxLDtCXJk

http://www.sweetsillysara.com/2012/12/smelly-washer-review.html

http://www.homegrownmommy.com/2009/12/14/review-smelly-washer/

http://voices.yahoo.com/cleaner-review-smelly-washer-smelly-towel-smelly-dishwasher-9449371.html

http://mimilovesall8.blogspot.com/2011/11/smelly-washer-review.html

http://www.babesandkidsreview.com/2009/12/smelly-towel-cleaner-review-giveaway/

http://callistasramblings.com/2010/05/review-smelly-washer-washing-machine/

http://livingmymoment.com/2010/05/smelly-towel-cleaner-review

http://lindseylu8.blogspot.com/2011/11/smelly-washer-cleaner-review-my-new.html

http://www.justthetwoofusanddeals.com/2011/09/smelly-washer-review-giveaway.html

http://www.jennsreviewblog.com/2013/03/smelly-washer-review.html

http://www.simplysoutherncouponers.com/2013/03/the-smelly-washer-smelly-washer-and-smelly-towel-cleaner-review.html

http://www.thebraggingmommy.com/2010/05/04/smelly-washer-towel-odor-remover-review-and-giveaway/

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.

What’s Causing Your New Washing Machine To Stink?

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So you just bought a brand new washing machine and it stinks! That stinks! But don’t despair. Once you figure out the cause of odor your new stinky washing machine, you can take steps to eliminate and prevent it.

Front Load Washing Machines

Unfortunately, front loaders have gotten a bad rap over recent years. While front load washing machines receive praise for their high efficiency by using less water and energy they are notorious for causing odor.

One of the biggest culprits of a smelly washing machine is residue buildup on the inside of the outer tub.. If you notice a musty washer odor, chances are you have mildew in your washing machine. Mildew thrives in damp conditions, feeding off of lint, detergent suds, and even hair and other organic material left behind after a wash.

To prevent this problem:

  • use less detergent. It’s odd to think that all you need is a tbsp. of detergent but, generally speaking, we’re only washing perfume and sweat out of out clothing!
  • stop using fabric softener. It’s dispensed in the rinse cycle and leaves a film that becomes a food source for bacteria and mold to grow. Dryer sheets or dryer balls area better options.
  • Maintain your washer by running a hot cycle as your last cycle on wash day and even an extra rinse if doing especially soiled laundry.
  • Clean the filter. The filter can be partially plugged to slow the drain of water to cause problems.

 

to dry any excess water from the machine after a wash. Places like the rubber door gasket and detergent drawer harbor hidden water in a front loader. It also helps to clean the drain pump filter located in the bottom, front panel of the washer. This filter catches lint and other material as it drains from the washer; which, combined with water can be the source of your stinky washing machine.

Finally, front loaders require a special high efficiency (HE) detergent. They also require a lot less of this special detergent than you’re probably used to using. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and measure carefully. Detergent mistakes can cause over-sudsing and poor rinsing, both of which can cause washer odor.

Top Load Washing Machines

A top loader can also harbor mildew caused by residual water. In this case, the water, lint and other material can become trapped under the agitator or under the lid of the washer. Wipe these areas down with a clean towel after each wash and remove and clean under the agitator periodically.

A good habit with any type of washer is to always leave the lid or door open in between loads. This will allow any residual water to evaporate completely.

In both types of washers, not using the machine regularly can also cause washer odor. Because a washer doesn’t drain completely and a small amount of water remains in the tub, it’s important to use the machine regularly to flush out the system.

Use Smelly Washer To Eliminate And Prevent Odors

Using a washer cleaner, such as Smelly Washer, a couple times a month will eliminate and help prevent future washer odor. Smelly Washer uses all natural ingredients to eliminate odor, fungus and mildew that can cause a stinky washing machine. Smelly Washer should be used in the hottest or “clean” cycle of your washer with no clothes.

If your stinky washing machine doesn’t smell musty like mold or mildew, then you may have a different problem. If you ever smell an electrical or burning smell, you should unplug the machine and contact the manufacturer.

Tips For Removing Smoke Smells From Clothes

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If you’re a smoker or are around people who are, you’ve experienced the smell of cigarette smoke ligering on your clothes long after the butt has been extinguished. Washing smoky clothes over time can even cause a smelly washing machine. Here are a few tricks for removing smoke smell from clothes and using a washing machine cleaner to keep your washer fresh.

Remove Smoke Smell From Clothes

Smoke is particulary hard to remove from clothes because of the tar in the tobacco; the tar causes the smoke to adhere to your clothes more readily than other offensive odors. So to prevent a smelly washing machine, it’s a good idea to remove as much smoke as possible before washing.

Trick 1: put the smoky clothes in a plastic bag with 2 dryer sheets and 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Secure the bag, and shake. Let the clothes sit overnight, then shake out any remaining baking soda and wash as usual.

Trick 2: add 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of white vinegar to your washing machine and allow the smoky clothes to soak for at least an hour. Add detergent and wash as usual. This will also help neutralize your smelly washing machine.

Both baking soda and vinegar have remarkable odor-neutralizing abilities. For clothes that are not washable, hang them outside to air out before dry-cleaning.

Use A Washing Machine Cleaner

If you’ve been washing smoky clothes for any extended period of time, you may have a smelly washing machine. While the tar and smoke may be eliminated from your clothes in a typical wash cycle, the odors can remain and cling to the inside of your washer. The smoky smell is then re-deposited onto your “clean” clothes, making them come out smelling… not-so-fresh.

Using a washing machine cleaner, such as Smelly Washer, effectively removes odors from your washing machine; and the natural ingredients in Smelly Washer are safe and gentle and can be used up to twice a month. A washing machine cleaner is used in your washer’s hottest or “clean” cycle with no clothes.

Smelly Washer not only removes odors; it also effectively eliminates mildew and fungus that can make your clothes smell musty.

Freshen Up In Between Washes

In between washes, there are a few simple tricks to minimize smoke clinging to your clothes. Whether you are a smoker, or are standing near someone who is smoking, stand upwind so the smoke blows away from you.

You can also use an odor-eliminating fabric spray on your clothes. Certain fabric sprays are designed to actually remove odors, not just cover them up with flowery smells. And if you don’t plan to wash smoky clothes right away, instead of throwing them in the hamper, try hanging them up instead.

3 Tips For Preventing Washing Machine Odor In Your Front Loader

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If you’re struggling with washing machine odor in your front load washer, or just hoping to avoid it, here are a few simple tips to ensure you always have a fresh washer.

The Water Factor

Water plays an important role in the function of your washing machine. Not only does it clean your clothes, water is also responsible for ensuring your washer is clean (or not!)

When a cycle is complete, there is a gallon or more of residual water left behind that does not drain. This water is not visible as it remains on the bottom of the plastic outer tub and in the drain pump in the bottom of the washer.

Many people like to use only cold water for washing in order to save energy. This is great but a hot wash or soak should be done as the last cycle on wash day. It’s a perfect chance to do more soiled laundry! If leaving for a vacation or the washer is not going to be used soon a second rinse is a good idea. These methods are the easiest ways to prevent a smelly washing machine. The temperature of the water can also be a culprit of washing machine odor. While it’s unrealistic to wash all your laundry in hot water, heat kills bacteria and can help prevent mildew from growing. At the very least, run the hottest cleaning cycle once a month with no clothes in the washer.

Don’t use fabric softener

If it’s a fresh washer you crave, liquid fabric softener is one of your worst enemies. Liquid fabric softener has a tendency to leave a residue behind that builds up on the inside of outer tub. It also accumulates in hard-to-reach places such as under the agitator and above the splash line. When combined with water, this residue makes the perfect food source for mildew to grow and cause washing machine odor.

The solution is simple: switch to fabric softener sheets or dryer balls. The sheets can be cut in half and even reused and still be effective. They even have an added bonus of preventing static in the dryer. Keep in mind softener and/or sheets can be overused and cause problems with long dry times and multiple repair attempts by coating the lint screen and/or the moisture sensor in most dryers.

Use A Washer Cleaner

Using a washer cleaner, such as Smelly Washer, monthly will ensure you always have a fresh washer. Smelly Washer uses all natural ingredients to eliminate odor, fungus and mildew that cause washing machine odor.

Smelly Washer should be used in the hottest or “clean” cycle of your washer with no clothes. For more stubborn odors, allow the solution to soak in the washer. If odor persists add a cap of Smelly Washer or Smelly towel to a full load of whites. The added bulk of the clothing will lift the water level to include the splash area 3-5 inches above the normal waterline. This “splash area” is always the worst area for buildup. Use Smelly Washer before washing machine odor begins and you’ll always have a fresh washer.

Smelly Washer can also be mixed in a spray bottle of warm water to clean the detergent drawer, rubber door gasket, or under the lid – all those hard-to-reach places! Just spray liberally and allow to soak. This method is also great to remove mildew stains from showers and tile grout.