Always use Hot Water
The repairman said the biggest mistake people make when washing, or doing anything with their machines is not using hot water. Use hot water for washing, rinsing, or cleaning it with vinegar.
The Vinegar Trick
How to clean your washing machine using vinegar to get rid of that moldy, foul smell ... the right way.
It's pretty simple once you have the right info.
I bought a new top loading washer and after only 6 months the laundry room started to develop a moldy smell to it. As the odor got worse, it began to carry through to the rest of the house, until it became unbearable.
I went online looking for fixes. I tried putting the machine through a rinse (and then full) cycle with vinegar which changed nothing. I tried lots of other suggested fixes too with no results. I mean nothing, no decrease in smell at all. I thought perhaps something was wrong with the machine mechanically to cause water to pool or something, so I called up the company and they sent someone over.
The first thing he asked was if I tried using vinegar to which I replied I did. He pressed on and asked me exactly how I went about it. I told him. Then he shook his head and explained that most people don't use the vinegar method properly and proceeded to show me. After one cycle, the smell that had infested my house for months and made me feel ill at times (I have a very sensitive nose), was gone.
Here's exactly what he told me to do:
How to Implement the Vinegar Trick
Below are the steps I used that day to get rid of the smell and clean the entire machine as a bonus.
A Few Notes
Some important points told to me by the repairman about using vinegar to properly clean your machine.
3 Full Cups of Vinegar Required
Some people only use a cap full. Most, about 1/2 a cup. But his instructions were clear that a minimum of 3 cups of regular, white vinegar was needed for an effective clean.
Not too much Soap
Another common mistake according to this service guy was that people use too much laundry detergent when washing a load. It leads to soap build up which, when combined with using cold water, can stay around the drum or tub of the machine and create a smell over time. Use the recommended amount and no more.
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More on the above notes:
Hot Water - The service guy explained that many people are under the impression that by using cold water to wash their clothes they are saving money, and helping the environment at the same time. The amount saved in both cases he said is negligible, or so small as to give almost no benefit. Washing your clothes in cold water doesn't clean them properly, nor does it keep the machine clean. Using hot water all the time is important, to the point he recommended I turn on the hot water in the sink adjacent to the machine until the cold ran hot before starting a cycle. This brings the hot water to the surface and ensures that only hot water enters the machine.
Vinegar - works just as well as other washing machine cleaning products and is his preferred method for himself and his customers. Only if the smell of vinegar really bothers someone does he recommend other products.
Soap Amount - The most common mistake he sees people make is using too much soap, because they believe that more is better and will result in cleaner clothes. The recommended amount per load on the detergent package is more than enough he says. Any more and soap build up can occur - especially if you're using cold water - which can cause grime and bad odors again.
So that's basically it. Pretty simple. It was an education for me and an inexpensive method that I'd say is worth trying to solve your issue.
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Some other methods and products people use to clean their machines are:
More Ways to Clean your Washer
Some machines may require mold removal in certain spots that don't come out too easily, or, they have other cleaning issues. The products below will help:
Mold Remover Gel
Mold cleaner for washing machines and other appliances. This gel cleans tough-to-get-rid-of mold after using it only once or twice. It takes 5 minutes to apply. The product works its' magic and after a couple of hours the mold on the surface disappears and your appliance will look as good as new.
Buy Online Here - (paid link)
Service-it Washing Machine Cleaner
Dr Beckmann Service-it Washing Machine Cleaner - Easy to use effective cleaner you simply pour inside your washer. Has a lot of repeat buyers and great reviews.
Buy Online Here - (paid link)
Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler
Best for HE front-load and top-load washing machines to really clean the inside of the drum and the drum seal where mold tends to build up more frequently.
Buy Online Here - (paid link)
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Washing Machines available on Amazon:
Check them out Here - (paid link)
*** As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Some Cool Portable Washing Machines
Uncommon yet handy machines available below that are portable and easy to install .. and cheap!:
15.6lbs Small Washing Machine
Multi Apartment Washing Machine with 10 washing programs, 4 water level modes and 8 water level selections. Small, handy and powerful for those needing to save space, or who don't want to have to hire movers to lug their machine around.
Buy Online Here - (paid link)
Mini Washing Machine for Baby Clothes
This mini washing machine is light and easily portable, making it an excellent choice to wash your baby clothes wherever you happen to be. Good for apartments, dorms, camping, and traveling in RVs too.
Buy Online Here (paid link)
Stacking Kit for Washer and Dryer
This washing machine stacking kit will make it easy for you to install your dryer on top of your washer, saving you precious space.
Buy Online Here (paid link)
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☆ Here's to easily solving problems.