You had to know THIS was coming.
Earlier this month I shared important information from a Mom/firefighter about how to give your dryer a tune-up, then last week I posted about cleaning your dishwasher.
Well, it's a new week and today...by special request....I'm going to tell you how to clean your washing machine...specifically your high efficiency washing machine.
(Don't worry you "LOW efficiency" washing machine owners -- which includes yours truly -- I will get to you soon.)
The reason I'm focusing on the HE washers today is because I had lunch with my niece Ashley last week and she was complaining about "smelly clothes" coming out of her HE washer. To be honest, I didn't know much about HE washers except that they use less water and you usually wash with cold water, which required using a certain kind of low-sudsing detergent.
Well, after tonight, I feel like I could write a novel on the HE washer. :-) I have read dozens of online articles and I think I have a pretty good idea what Ashley's problem is. Apparently it's a VERY common one.
Since the HE washers use less water and energy (less HOT water)...detergent residue, dirt, mildew and minerals can build up inside the machine. This results in odors and laundry coming out less than clean.
There are some things you need to do each time you do a load of wash AND...you REALLY need to give your HE washer a good cleaning once a month! Fortunately, the machine will do most of the work for you!
High Efficiency Washing Machine Care
- Begin by filling the washing machine with hot water on the largest load setting. Make sure there is no laundry in the washer.
- Add 2 cups of vinegar to the water to get rid of odor problems.
- Allow the washing machine to run through a complete wash and rinse cycle.
- Fill the washer a second time with hot water, also on the largest load setting.
- Add 2 cups of bleach to the water to help with stain removal.
- Again, allow the machine to run through a complete wash and rinse cycle.
- If all of the stains are removed, run an additional cycle without adding anything to the water. This will thoroughly rinse away any remaining residue.
- Remove the bleach dispenser and fabric softener dispenser and soak them in a bucket of warm water. When they have soaked long enough, remove them from the water, lay them on a towel, and spray them with an all-purpose spray cleaner. Wipe away any dirt with the towel.
- Dry the dispensers and return them to their original places in the machine.
- Finally, inspect the rubber door seal for mold and mildew. Pull back the seal to examine the hidden crevices. Mix 1 cup of liquid chlorine bleach with 1 gallon of warm water. Moisten a clean white cloth with the bleach water solution, then wipe down the seal to remove any mold and mildew. Allow the solution to remain on the seal for five minutes, then wipe down the door seal with a clean, dry white cloth.
Follow these steps and your HE washer should be in tip-top shape once again and the stinky smell gone. Just remember...you need to do it REGULARLY! (once a month at least).
To keep the "smellies" from coming back...do the following EACH time you do a load of clothes:
1. Leave the door open after washing and always take items out of the washer when not in use.2. Wipe down the rubber seal and drum.
3. Take the soap/softener drawer out to dry.
These simple steps should keep your HE washer running efficiently AND clothes smelling fresh! (the best of both worlds!)
Keeping the "efficiency" in HIGH efficiency washers is today's.....
What would we ever do without vinegar?? And bleach for that matter? Great post!
ReplyDeleteGreat! Can't wait for the tips on the LE washing machine!!
ReplyDeleteWhat do you do when your machine sets the water level based on the weight of the load?
ReplyDeleteI'm with Ila. Also, I have no way to open the washer without draining the water first, so not sure how to add the vinegar/bleach unless I put them in the dispenser or directly into the drum before pressing "START."
ReplyDeleteI always leave the door open and empty the dispenser when I am finished washing. I try to wipe down the rubber seal, too, that's really where all the gunk collects.
Rebecca...I have no idea! lol. :-)
ReplyDeleteNatasha...I won't let you down! ;-)
Ila and Sandi...I should probably re-word the instructions. I believe you are supposed to pour the vinegar directly into the basin...then press "START".
My machine sets the water level by weight also. I know that my sister's machine is the same way. I think most (or all) HE machines add water based on the weight inside the drum. Which is part of the water savings, there is no human setting the machine to use more water than it needs. My machine has a setting for cleaning the machine. I would just add the vinegar and bleach in the dispenser if you have enough spaces to put both. DO NOT mix vinegar and clorox!!! When mixed together they make clorine gas and it WILL kill you!! The two can go thru your machine one after the other since they will be greatly diluted by all the water. When we bought our HE machine we were told to leave the door and the dispenser drawer open so it can dry out and that would keep it from getting stinky. We have had it for 6 months now and still not stinky!
ReplyDeleteOh Jillee... do you ever take a break? Man oh man all these housechores you're doing are making ME tired!
ReplyDeleteMy machine has a 'bulky' setting which fills the tub with water. It's for sleeping bags, etc, but will fill when empty. They also sell something called "Afresh" to do this deep cleaning with. It is a tablet. Kinda pricey but does a good job. I also add vinegar to my wash sometimes. Mostly to a load of towels or something.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your great how-to's, Jillee!!
Do you think there is a difference between running the "cleaning cycle" or running a full wash and rinse cycle? When adding the vinegar, do I add to the dispenser? and If so, which section, the bleach part the soap part or the liquid softener?
ReplyDeleteJenny....I actually feel like I'm on "vacation" everyday, now that I'm not doing the 9 to 5 thing anymore. :-))
ReplyDeletekaDee you are welcome!
KorFor...I think the "cleaning cycle" is basically the same thing...HOT temperature....FULL basin of water. I would add the vinegar to the soap part.
This was AMAZING!!! My washer looks like new. Thank you, thank you. Happy Birthday, Jillee. I hope you day was one of your very BEST!!! Thanks for your help.
ReplyDeleteI chose the "delicate" cycle that helps with the weight problem. On mine there is an "add garment" light that is on during the filling, I let it fill for a few seconds, pause the machine, add the vinager or bleach, and let it run, I also have a "no spin" selection I use during this.
ReplyDeleteMy dispenser drawer also has a latch in the back that allows it to come all the way out. OH MY GOSH It was so nasty in there! Especialy on the roof (or ceiling) part of the drawer holder. I cleaned it the same way you suggested to clean the rubber and it worked great! THANK YOU for all the posts! It has motivated me to get done all these little things that I know in the back of my head I need to do but just put off! LOL!
--Jessica
Thank you for posting this, I have an HE and hate it. I have so many problems with stinky clothes and feel the clothes do not come out as clean. I will admit I do not clean it regularly and the idea of paying more for a machine that requires more maintenance (Monthly cleaning) just gauls me. I wish I would have returned the machine when I first got it and bought a good used top loader for a heck of a lot less. I have not noticed any savings in water as I often have to double wash my clothes. If I forget them in the machine for more then an hour they start to stink. I will have to be more active in cleaning and thankfully my machine as a cleaning cycle, but I used it for got to open the door when done and 2 days later it stank even worse. Sorry to rant, just those thinking of buying one, think twice. I had a great used Kenmore for 20 years that cost $150 when we could no longer fix it I thought I would treat myself with a fancy new HE. Big mistake.
ReplyDeleteDespite my frustration with how to add the vinegar/bleach, your post still inspired me to pull out that dispenser drawer and really scrub at it. I wiped the seal down good too. I just wanted to thank you for your daily inspiration to get things done around here! I'm so glad I found your blog!
ReplyDeleteLove my HE!! Instead of fabric softener I use 1/4 C of white vinegar and I have never had a smell problem. This also cuts down on the chemical residue from the fabric softener. You have great ideas - thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteI would love an HE but it is not in the budget at the moment since the other one is still kicking.
ReplyDeleteI clean ours out once a month. I figured it is the least I can do for the poor thing. The first time I cleaned it out I thought I was going to get sick with how bad the water looked. It took me about 3 times to get the water to look better. I know it washes for 3 kids every day but nothing crazy.
I will admit our washer has looked better since I started making our laundry soap a few years back.
I have a HE washer that I bought 7 months ago. I love it! I couldnt afford the matching drier, but thats ok.I bought it brand new as last years model...huge savings. I did notice a savings in the water bill and electric! The washer spins the clothes so dry that when I put them in the dryer it takes under 40 min. to dry compaired to almost 1 hr!
ReplyDeleteMine also has a sanitizer setting. Takes over 2 hours to clean, using extremely high temp setting, compaing it to using your self cleaning on your oven. Also uses less soap! Would never go back to a regular washer!
One thing to add--many HE washers have a filter. My LG has a filter down on the bottom left front and a drain hose. I make sure to regularly let the hose drain out, then remove and clean the filter with bleach. I have occasionally even poured diluted bleach into the drain hose. Then I will wash something with bleach with an extra rinse cycle. Basically I like my washer, but I have to say I am not a fan of having a washing machine that has to be...um...washed.
ReplyDeleteI have an HE Washer also....They make something called smelly washer that I got online (www.smellywasher.com)....You run a cycle and add like a tablespoon of this to it once a month and it takes care of the problem....I also leave my door open once I put the clothes in the dryer and never leave wet clothes in the washer.
ReplyDeleteMy HE washer has a "tub clean" setting, I add a little bit of bleach and then let it go. I do leave the dispenser drawer and the door open when it's not in use. I have had my washer for 3 years and have never had a smell problem. Love your blogs Jill!
ReplyDeleteI have had my HE machine for over a year now and have not had a problem (knock on wood). I contribute it to once I month I put vinegar in the soap dispenser and run it in the 'tub clean' cycle. I also make an effort to keep my door open when possible. However, my son and husband often forget. I do not go through all the other extra steps listed on here.
ReplyDeleteI use vinegar as a fabric softener and always leave the door open when not in operation. Never needed to clean it for the past 3 years .... I wipe the lint out of the holes of the rubber liner... That's it!
ReplyDeleteOur HE has a drain catch that catches things before it goes down the drain - that gets some really nasty stuff in it! Money, hair, stickers, etc. My hubby has to clean it out once a month to keep the smell down.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I agree, I dislike having to clean my washing machine!
I have a top loading HE, I clean once a month on the clean cycle with Affresh. No stink. It is kind of spendy, but not much more than vinegar and bleach, plus I don't have to think about it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! To invent an "improved" washing product that requires special maintenance to prevent clothes from smelling.
ReplyDeleteOnly in America would we call this...an improvement!
haha...kind of ironic isn't it? ;-)
ReplyDeleteBe careful using the bleach if you are on a Septic System....the immediate savings on cleaning supplues in the short term may cost you tenfold in the long term if you have to replace your septic system.
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog, and having a great time looking all over! I have a HE machine - we've owned it for 9 years. I've never had a problem with stinky clothes, because I do my white bleach load last on wash day, then leave the door open.
ReplyDeleteI will have to take the detergent drawer out, though, like a previous commenter said. I'm curious what that looks like after 9 years of use....
I regret buying a front loader....I really dislike it. I have always left the dispenser and door open when not in use and my gasket is black in spots that I can't clean off. The machine has mold growing in behind the dispenser where I can't reach to clean. It smells really bad. I use white vinegar often in place of softener and I have run cycles with nothing but hot water and bleach.
ReplyDeleteYou have very helpful tips. Thank you
ReplyDeleteOur serviceman told us if we were getting a "smell" it meant we were using too much soap. With these washers you don't need nearly as much soap. If you have too much soap it will cause your clothes to look faded as well. I do a double rinse and love my washer!
ReplyDeleteI add the vinegar to all my loads of laundry-not much just a splash in with the soap. It keeps everything smelling fresh and I have never had anything smell.
I always substitute vinegar for the fabric softener, it keeps the soap dispenser clean and never mildews like it used to when I used fabric softener - it is also way cheaper too :)
ReplyDeleteI've had my front loader for over 8 years with 5 people living in our home. I use vinegar in place of fabric softner with every load. We have a pool and our towels use to smell soured, now using vinegar they don't have that smell. I've never had to clean mine except wiping off the rubber seal and inside and out.
ReplyDeletehad a front loader for nearly a year and hated it. broke 3 belts within 1 month. never really had the odors bad but the rubber seal did mold and cant get the black color out of it.I loved the fact I could wash big loads of towels at once but thats the only wow factor about it. I still use the matching dryer to it but now I use a very old dented up washer that washes small loads but washes very well without all the problems I had with the front load
ReplyDeleteI solved this problem by first cleaning the washer well with 2 cycles using Affresh tablets and then switching to powder detergent. Liquid detergents and softeners contain animal fat that gets left behind on the rubber gasket as well as the outside of the drum. I have not had an odor issue in 6 months. Google it...it's true!
ReplyDeleteI didn't notice anyone else mention this so hope it helps! I was having a problem with my clothes coming out smelly. I tried many different detergents and non of them made a difference. The problem (which I read online) was that I was using a liquid detergent and a lot of times would put the clothes in before I went to bed and would set the timer so the load would be done just before I would get up in the morning. However the liquid detergent basically is drying out while sitting in the dispenser all night...causing it to build up. Ran some cycles with bleach and the Tide washer cleaner and once I got the smell gone, switched to powser detergent and havent had any problems since!
ReplyDeleteThere is no problem mixing bleach and vinegar together. Consumer reports actually recommends it to get things cleaner. The toxic fumes come in if you mix AMMONIA and BLEACH. Those fumes can kill you!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree w/checking the rubber around the door for mold..however, cleaning the inside is just scratching the surface.
ReplyDeleteWith HE washers there is a DESIGN problem w/many older models. The pumps/drain catches get clogged and moldy--it's absolutely disgusting & the problem is so bad there is a class action lawsuit pending against whirlpool/kenmore.
If you are into an easy home repair every 6 mos. or so, you take off the front panel under the door & remove the offending parts (see youtube directions for your machine). Make sure you have plenty of rags & a drip pan to catch the excess water which sits there in the bowels of your machine. Pull all the gross stuff out and soak the black moldy parts in bleach, scrub it off & rinse well. It truly is the only way to keep the parts (which do not drain well) from getting deathly moldy & putting off offending odors. Get to the heart of the problem, don't just make the inside smell good.
With six kids we never have to worry about it sitting empty... we do two loads a day, every day. We've never used a cleaning cycle but we do run a large load of whites through with a cup of bleach AND 1/4 Cup of diswasher powder on HOT. Yes, diswasher powder. Not sure if it's manufacturer ok'd so check your manual, but it works great for us. The clothes come out super bright and nothing smells. We don't leave it open cuz it's usually running, but I would if I had less laundry. Two loads a day for 8 of us is pretty good!!
ReplyDeleteexcept these washers add enough water for the weight of the clothes inside so you can't just "fill with water" because these washers don't work that way. your washer should have a clean cycle on it and you can add bleach or cleaner or whatever on that setting. also, use a couple tablespoons of TIDE SPORT in every load and you will eliminate odor in your clothes and your machine.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I usually do a monthly-ish cleaning. I use the "clean" setting on the washer (I have a front load HE machine). I fill all the soap/bleach/softener dispensers with the vinegar. I have never had a smell problem with my machine. I also use vinegar as fabric softener in EVERY load--this helps to rinse soap our of your clothes keeping them soft and fresh, and I think it helps rinse out the machine as well. It really is not a lot of work to do a monthly cleaning of your machine, and will save you time and money in the future (replacing clothes, repairing machine, etc.) Great blog!
ReplyDeleteJessie
I leave the door open and wipe out insde the rubber seal each time. Never had any smell problems. Chorine bleach will damage the rubber over time with consistant use. Try another disenfectant.
ReplyDeleteI also leave the door open when I take things out of the washer. I've never had a problem with anything being smelly (unless I leave it in the machine for 3 days after it's done washing, lol). Tide makes a product made specifically for washing your washing machine that works well and doesn't cost much.
ReplyDeleteI have always thought it was funny that we have to wash our washing machine, dish washer and showers... seems like they should be washing every time we use them... sigh!
I hate my new front load washer! I use vinegar all the time and my towels still smell when you start to dry off and get them damp. I also cannot get makeup out of my towels and feel like they aren't getting clean! I spray them with oxyclean and use borax and vinegar with my Planet powder soap. Any ideas how to get mascara and other makeup out of the towels?
ReplyDeleteThe Sears man who repaired our machine once said to just set the washer to the whitest whites (hottest and longest cycle) cycle and add bleach to the tray and run the full cycle. Never have a problem. Always leave the door open until it's fully dry and I only "wash" my washing machine ever 3-4 months or more. Also, check for missing little socks that might get stuck in the rubber ring, that can lead to smellies.
ReplyDeleteMy repair man advised me to use liquid instead of powdered detergent in my HE washer. I noticed some of you suggested just the opposite. My washer has mold buildup on the rubber and I haven't been able to get it completely off. I would never buy a front load machine again! I have had nothing but problems, the mold buildup and the pump getting clogged up has been a problem as well.
ReplyDeleteThe reason clothes still smell bad when the load has finished is because HE washers don't add enough water to the load. You can fix this one of two ways - either stop over loading the machine OR pour more water into the machine via the soap dispenser.
ReplyDeleteAfter I began supplementing the water my machine 'thinks' my load of clothes needs, I've never had a problem with 'smelly' clothes because all of my clothes are finally getting WASHED! To prevent the 'mold' from getting on the rubber of ANY washer, be it a front loader or top loader, leave the door open to allow the machine to dry out after using the machine. My mother always did this because she knew a closed 'wet' washing machine would never dry out and it would begin to smell. If your machine already has an odor, just put the vinegar in with a load of clothes, it won't hurt the clothes and will cleanse the washer without all that trouble.
Problems solved.
I'm cleaning up front loader (Spring Break thrills) and I'm on the bleach step. Wowza! Why in the world do I have a thick layer of suds with only bleach in the washer? I'm wondering if the hot water and vinegar loosed up old soap that was lurking inside the tub. Or does bleach create suds and I just never knew? I'm not so much a fan of my front loader set. The thing I'd miss the most if I went back to a top loader is the space on top for detergent, radio, etc.! I would NEVER miss the smell.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip. I had this problem and didn't know why my clothes was not clean enough. I am defiantly trying this today!!
ReplyDeleteOur HE has a drain at the bottom that has to be drained every once in awhile or it smells. Might want to read your owner's manual to make sure that this isn't the case for your individual machine. Will try this though too!! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI have a top load HE and the clothes especially darks come out filled with lint. Clothes look all stretched out and faded. I HATE this machine. Any tips/remedies?
ReplyDeleteJule Barta has it right. A top loader that uses actual hot water and thoroughly soaks clothes does the job.
ReplyDeletePeople have been getting clothes 100% clean for centuries using enough hot water and basic soap. It's not supposed to be high tech. The fact you guys are wasting time on all these HE washer tips basically shows that HE washers are a mfg con and don't actually do the job.
-Jeff
Have you ever heard of union springs wellness. They have a detergent that will clean your washer and it reduces cross contamination in your clothes. It will kill molds and Bactria. You should check out there website. Unionspringswellness.com
ReplyDelete