Let’s just answer this one right out of the gate. YES! Mold, mildew, and fungus can be harmful to your health. Mold is a growth of fungi that lives and feeds off an organic matter in moist conditions. Damp clothes left in your washer, residual water, lint, hair, and detergent suds can all lead to an infestation of washer mildew.
Washer mildew is not only a source of embarrassment due to its offensive odor, it can also be a source of illness for children and those who are sensitive.
Not only can washer mildew live in your washer, but it can also transfer to your “clean” clothes while they are being washed. This is why your towels and clothes may come out smelling worse than when they went in.
This “hitchhiker” mold stays on your clothes throughout the day and can transfer into your body through inhalation or skin contact. For children, it may be ingested orally if they chew on blankets or clothing.
Health Effects & Symptoms
The severity of a reaction to mold and mildew can vary from person to person and greatly depends on the type, amount, and duration of exposure. Children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems or known respiratory illnesses are the most susceptible.
Reactions to mildew can be as mild as sneezing, coughing, and itchy, watery eyes, which are often the same as a reaction to other various other allergens. Inhaled mildew can also cause an irritated throat and lungs. More severe reactions may mimic flu-like symptoms including headaches, fatigue, nausea, and an inability to concentrate caused by neurological problems.
Eliminate Washer Mildew
If you know you have a problem with mildew in your washing machine and are experiencing health problems, it’s time to take control. A washer cleaner, such as Smelly Washer, uses all natural, safe ingredients to effectively eliminate and prevent mildew, odor, and fungus in your washing machine.
A washer cleaner should be used in your washer with no clothes on the machine’s hottest or “clean” cycle. For more stubborn mildew, allow the solution to soak (up to overnight) before running the cycle. Smelly Washer can be used up to twice a month to inhibit the future growth of mildew.
After your washing machine is free of mildew, use Smelly Washer to remove the mildew from your clothes. Simply add 1 tablespoon of the washer cleaner to a load of laundry using hot water. Allow the load to soak for 2 hours, and then complete the cycle.
You can use Smelly Washer to eliminate and prevent mildew from growing in other places around your house as well. Mix with a gallon of hot water to pour down drains and disposals and mix with a spray bottle of hot water to remove mildew on shower walls, tubs, and canvas boat and grill covers.
Posted under How to Avoid Health Issues, How to Clean Your Appliances, How to Get Rid of Mildew Smell from Towels and Clothing
This post was written by smellywasher on August 28, 2009
I have been suffering sinus infections for the past 5-6 months which I think coincides with when my towels started to smell. Just after i’ve finished my antibiotics, the symptoms come back again! I’m really looking forward to trying your product and will be a very happy customer if it not only helps with the smell in the washing machine but also my health!
Hi Kasey, I hope this finds you well. Odor in towels and clothing is almost invariably being transferred from the clothes washer. Smelly Washer will clean them all but the washer must be cleaned first. After odor is removed washing habits should change and preventative maintenance done.