https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/washing-machine-cleaner Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 01:16:37 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/washing-machine-cleaner#post-994945 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 04:34:00 +0000 elpgal 994945@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Use bleach OR vinegar but never both of them together. I too leave the lid open when it is not in use. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/washing-machine-cleaner#post-994899 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 03:21:55 +0000 MsMaven 994899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just bought a new washer and dryer and the washer does have a cleaning cycle. &nbsp;The manual says to use it once a month--I haven't yet had it a month so I haven't tried it.</p> <p>The tray for liquid dispenser says to pull it out if you are going to use dry detergent. &nbsp;</p> <p>My old washer and dryer were 20 years old, and a lot has changed since then. &nbsp;I haven't gotten used to the melody it plays at the end of the cycle--this instead of a harsh buzzer. &nbsp;Also, my two cats often go into the laundry room to check out what this strange machine is doing. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/washing-machine-cleaner#post-994833 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 02:16:48 +0000 Isabel 994833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We have a top loader. &nbsp;And yes, I do a hot water short cycle ( about 20 mintes ) with baking soda in the detergent receptacle and vinegar in the bleach one. &nbsp;Sometimes I just run it with white vinegar.&nbsp;</p> <p>Hope that helps. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/washing-machine-cleaner#post-994808 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 02:01:13 +0000 kellygirl 994808@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Caro and DonnaF!<br />@Caro: sounds like you are on to something with the non-detergent load.<br />@DonnaF: You are a rock star. I can't believe there is a laundry forum. I lead a sheltered life! I saw that Tide has come out with a washing machine cleaner. I will have to read the label and see if it has citric acid. I don't know that I would do the cleaning as often as my machine wants me to but I'd definitely do it. Thanks for doing the research for me! I appreciate it </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/washing-machine-cleaner#post-994687 Wed, 31 Jul 2013 00:25:39 +0000 DonnaF 994687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>From the Laundry Forum (laundry fanatics) on ths.gardenweb.com I learned the following:</p> <p>Bleach helps some but does not really destroy the hidden detergent and gunk buildup.&nbsp; The real cleaner is citric acid as found in LemiShine and Smelly Washer.</p> <p>Liquid laundry detergent and liquid fabric softener lead to build up.&nbsp; I've also noticed that liquid detergent and/or hot water gives me the most suds.&nbsp; I use powdered Charlie's Soap most of the time and never ever FS.</p> <p>Always, always wipe up the water in the gasket and leave the door open. </p> <p>It's been over eight years, and knock on wood, no smells.&nbsp; Dunno how much longer this $350 Slovenian front loader will last, however, since some parts sound like they are grinding a bit.&nbsp; With an internal heater that enables the water to get to 200 degrees, it has been quite a gem. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/washing-machine-cleaner#post-994593 Tue, 30 Jul 2013 23:17:09 +0000 Caro in Oz 994593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I leave mine open too so no smells.&nbsp;Running a cycle without any detergent - I put some clean old towels in mine -stops any detergent build up in the filters/pipes etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/washing-machine-cleaner#post-994456 Tue, 30 Jul 2013 20:44:28 +0000 kellygirl 994456@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@IK: Thanks--that's kind of what I was beginning to think. I've never had odor issues in any of my machines but I've only ever had top loaders. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/washing-machine-cleaner#post-994448 Tue, 30 Jul 2013 20:39:23 +0000 ironkurtin 994448@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kelly, I think you only need to do that if it smells bad.&nbsp; I have done it for mine because it's badly designed (front-loader) and keeps a small store of water in various pockets that need to get flushed out.&nbsp; You run an empty machine on hot on the shortest cycle with bleach and white vinegar. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/washing-machine-cleaner#post-994441 Tue, 30 Jul 2013 20:36:22 +0000 kellygirl 994441@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, ladies. I knew I could rely on you for good information.&nbsp;<br />@Glory: Do you put the powder in the drum? Mine only has a liquid dispenser. I do use Clorox bleach for towels and sheets--I suppose that works the same.<br />@Gaylene: Thanks. I heard the same thing about not using too much detergent. These high efficiency machines need very little. I'm afraid if I use any less, I won't be using any! Our clothes don't really get very dirty--my yoga towels--those were another story. Alas, that hasn't been an issue for me as of late :(<br />@rachy: You make a valid point!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/washing-machine-cleaner#post-994322 Tue, 30 Jul 2013 19:31:34 +0000 rachylou 994322@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's a good idea. When it's your own machine, you don't notice so much... but years of going to the laundromat... mm, clean cycle is a good thing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/washing-machine-cleaner#post-994314 Tue, 30 Jul 2013 19:27:32 +0000 Gaylene 994314@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've never had a problem with a smelly washing machine--either front or top load. But my mom was adamant about teaching us to always leave the door open so the washer could "air out". I have run the clean cycle on my front loader a few times (maybe three or four times in the past 5-6 years?), although it doesn't seem to do much. I also regularly wipe around and under the rubber seals, as well as the drum, to get rid of any gunk or debris.</p> <p>The one big tip that I received from a repairman was to use as little detergent as possible--just enough to get the clothes clean. Because our clothes are rarely very dirty, I can usually get away with half the recommended amount. I think it's the detergent residue that supports mold growth which, in turn, causes the odor. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/washing-machine-cleaner#post-994237 Tue, 30 Jul 2013 18:49:32 +0000 Glory 994237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>With my previous Kenmore front loader I used all sorts of cleaners, wipes, bleach etc but it had a terrible smell. I have a new one - also a front loader and I don't use anything. However, I use powder detergent once every few loads. It has some bleach in it which seems to clean things out. No smell with this one.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/washing-machine-cleaner#post-994226 Tue, 30 Jul 2013 18:43:23 +0000 kellygirl 994226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I got a new top loading&nbsp;washer (and dryer) this year and the owner's manual says to use a cleaner every twentieth or so cycle to clean the drum. The "clean washer" light has been on for awhile now. I assumed that the clorox loads I run kind of act as a cleaner already--am I missing something? Do you guys do a dedicated clean cycle? My washer never smells bad--I guess that would be an indication that it needs one. Anyway, I'm curious if my washing machine hygiene needs attention.</p> <p>TIA!</p> <p> </p>