Washing machine cleaner

kellygirl

I got a new top loading 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.

TIA!

12 years ago

Off Topic

12 replies

Latest reply was from elpgal

Glory

Veteran

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.

12 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

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.

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.

12 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

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.

12 years ago

kellygirl

Veteran

Thanks, ladies. I knew I could rely on you for good information.
@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.
@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
@rachy: You make a valid point!

12 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

Kelly, I think you only need to do that if it smells bad. 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. You run an empty machine on hot on the shortest cycle with bleach and white vinegar.

12 years ago

kellygirl

Veteran

@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.

12 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I leave mine open too so no smells. Running a cycle without any detergent - I put some clean old towels in mine -stops any detergent build up in the filters/pipes etc.

12 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

From the Laundry Forum (laundry fanatics) on ths.gardenweb.com I learned the following:

Bleach helps some but does not really destroy the hidden detergent and gunk buildup. The real cleaner is citric acid as found in LemiShine and Smelly Washer.

Liquid laundry detergent and liquid fabric softener lead to build up. I've also noticed that liquid detergent and/or hot water gives me the most suds. I use powdered Charlie's Soap most of the time and never ever FS.

Always, always wipe up the water in the gasket and leave the door open.

It's been over eight years, and knock on wood, no smells. Dunno how much longer this $350 Slovenian front loader will last, however, since some parts sound like they are grinding a bit. With an internal heater that enables the water to get to 200 degrees, it has been quite a gem.

12 years ago

kellygirl

Veteran

Thanks, Caro and DonnaF!
@Caro: sounds like you are on to something with the non-detergent load.
@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

12 years ago

Isabel

Veteran

We have a top loader. 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. Sometimes I just run it with white vinegar.

Hope that helps.

12 years ago

MsMaven

Veteran

I just bought a new washer and dryer and the washer does have a cleaning cycle. The manual says to use it once a month--I haven't yet had it a month so I haven't tried it.

The tray for liquid dispenser says to pull it out if you are going to use dry detergent.

My old washer and dryer were 20 years old, and a lot has changed since then. I haven't gotten used to the melody it plays at the end of the cycle--this instead of a harsh buzzer. Also, my two cats often go into the laundry room to check out what this strange machine is doing.

12 years ago

elpgal

Veteran

Use bleach OR vinegar but never both of them together. I too leave the lid open when it is not in use.

12 years ago

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