Comments on: When Good Washing Machines Smell Bad

By: Tanya

Tanya — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 18:37:18 +0000

The diaper hyena link doesn’t appear to be active anymore?? Help please, my washing machine is stinky!! I mean, my friend’s machine stinks… :)

By: Zach Smith

Zach Smith — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 08:41:51 +0000

There is nothing embarrassing about a smelly washer because nearly all front load washers have this problem. Blame that on its construction that makes it easier for molds to form. Once you have cleaned the curds that might have formed inside the washer, maintain that by regular cleaning solution of vinegar and baking soda. If you have a spacious laundry, you can just leave the front load door open all the time to allow air to penetrate inside the washer drum.

By: Tanja

Tanja — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 03:50:10 +0000

Have I got a product for you that will save you some time. There is this product called Affresh made by Whirlpool that you should be able to find in most grocery stores and Walmart etc (in Canada – not 100% sure about the US but likely to similarly found). The product came out last year and is amazing. For 8.99 you get three months worth so about 3 bucks a month which is totally reasonalbe. You throw the puck inside the main part of the washing machine and run it through the hot cycle. Like magic for getting rid of the smell and importantly the residue build up that is allowing the bacteria that grows on that residue to cause the smell! They also have a grit grabber kit that comes with some wipes that you can use to clean the mildew around the gasket (seal) of the washing machine. Leave your door open and try this Affresh product once a month and no more smelly machine! The web site is affresh.com

By: domestika

domestika — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 20:59:57 +0000

Still could be those nasty sneakers of yours, Mitch! :D

By: Mitchell Allen

Mitchell Allen — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 18:43:57 +0000

Jen,

The fun thing about this coffee-table blog is that I get to stumble upon highly entertaining articles.

I always thought the smell came from washing my sneakers! LOL

Cheers,

Mitch

By: DazzlinDonna

DazzlinDonna — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 23:58:55 +0000

Makes total sense. Will absolutely do that from now on.

By: domestika

domestika — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 21:58:07 +0000

Donna, I’ve got another tip for you on this, something new to add — and by the way, my washer’s been sweet for 4 months straight, hurrah! — in the way of maintenance routine:

If you’ve got a dark load (cold water) and a light load (warm/hot water) to wash, do the dark load first, finish off with the light one, so the hotter water can help de-gunkify the machine’s secret parts. A small thing, but such a difference to ‘quality of life’ and laundry! :)

By: DazzlinDonna

DazzlinDonna — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 21:34:12 +0000

OMG, i just went thru this with my washer a couple of months ago, and smell isn’t the worst of it. Gunk can also prevent the washer from draining, so the clothes stay soaking wet. Called the repairman out and I felt like a dork when he took out all that gunk, but who knew? Frankly, I’m realizing that the second area needs to be cleaned out fairly often, but I didn’t know about the vinegar and baking soda trick, so I’ll try that first before taking everything apart every couple of months. Thanks!

By: Sharon Hurley Hall

Sharon Hurley Hall — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 13:54:36 +0000

Great tips, Jen. I must pass them on to my ‘friend’ ;)

By: domestika

domestika — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 03:03:55 +0000

Neena, thanks! — hehe, just wait till we get onto toilet-scrubbing techniques! ;)

By: Neena

Neena — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 02:18:16 +0000

Jen,
I love the way you write. This post is hilarious and helpful at the same time. I never would have thought that learning how to clean a washing machine could be so entertaining.