I know they now have a product to clean your machine that helps with the odor. I have not purchased any of it because it seems like a lot of expense just to clean the washing machine. Having said all of that, I think I have found a solution for the odor. I made up some of the homemade washing detergent from Farming On Faith that works fine for our laundry AND seems to keep the musty odor at bay. The first time I used this "recipe" I made up the liquid and filled the containers I had saved up. The last time I made laundry detergent I decided to go the "Powdered Laundry Detergent" route. Both work fine. They are also very inexpensive to make ~ another plus. The powered method does involve a lot less time and less need for storage than the liquid detergent. I was able to use a small plastic container and add an old scoop for measuring.
I still use purchased laundry detergent on occasion, but I try to alternate when I do to keep the odor under control. I am so glad to get rid of the musty odor in our clothes. Unfortunately, I have not found a solution for the door. It still has to remain open, even with the use of the homemade detergents. If anyone has a solution for this, I would love to hear it.
It's time to make some more.
Powered Washing Detergent
1 bar Fels Naptha (grated ~ this really doesn't take much time)
2 cups Washing Soda
2 cups of Borax
Put in container with lid on and shake to mix together. Use one heaping tablespoon for HE machines and 1/4 cup for top loaders. I haven't tried the additional squirt of Dawn dish soap ~ you might want to ~ see "Powered Laundry Detergent" link above. If you prefer liquid detergent check the Farming On Faith link above.
5 comments:
Thanks for posting this dry ingredient washing machine recipe. I just posted a water-based one on my blog with the same ingredients not too long ago. So glad to hear the homemade soap has eliminated the odor. Don't have any ideas for you as far as having to leave the door open. I've still got a traditional washing machine.
I am glad you like it. I sometimes make up my five gallon bucket~ I got it at Lowes~ and leave it in the garage. I then just refill my gallon jug. If I have a great coupon I add a jug of Tide or what ever is on sale to my 5 gallon mixture. I play around with mine a lot.
I too~leave my door open per instructions but don;t have the odor. My sister says hers makes her towels smell burnt. The repair man told her to only use 1 tbs. of soap. It was caused by using to much soap. He was right.
Patty, When they installed ours, they told us to leave the door open until it was all dry inside. That was the directive. We do and there is no odor, nor has there been.
I know, I didn't help.
Thanks, PJ ~ the "until it dries" part doesn't seem to work on ours. I try to keep the door dried off after use, dry the rubber seal inside the door, take the clothes out timely, leave the door open ~ but it seems that even after it dries and I close the door the odor increases. I've even tried leaving dryer sheets inside when it is closed to absorb any odor. Not much success with that either.
My husbands aunt says her daughters machine has no problem with this. Not all of them do. Unfortunately, the one we have seems to have this problem. I wish I had chosen a different model.
Anyway the homemade laundry detergent is helping ~ probably because of the washing soda.
Oh yes, I have a front loader too...but knew about the potential problem with the musty smell, so I have always just left the door unlatched. It never smells...ever. But I never shut the door except when washing a load. :) So glad you are finding a solution to your dilemma!
Blessings,
Camille
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