does anyone else have to "clean" their

[lost-in-nj]

washing machine every month or so? I have to buy washing machine rinse and run it through my machine because it starts to smell really bad. It's a 1 1/2 years old and NOT a front loader. They did tell me I would have to do this when they installed the machine....
just wondering why this needs to be done on the newer machines...


thanks


lost

[Juneboarder]

1. This is the first I've heard of cleaning a washing machine

LOL!!!

:rofl:

[Dr. Strange]

2. I thought this was going to say "does anyone else have to 'clean' their

vuvuzela?"

[geardaddy]

3. Only when it gets all slobbered up.

[LynneSin]

4. Do you leave the lid up after you're done using it?

I have no clue why but my mother insists I keep the lid up on the washing machine when it's not in uses. Not sure why but never had a smell issue with the thing. Perhaps that's why.

Of course your water might be the issue. Is the water too hard or too soft or any other strange consistancies?

[Gormy Cuss]

5. Energy efficient?

The lower temps of the "hot water" cycles aren't killing the bacteria and they're growing in that lovely warm, moist environment behind/beneath the drum.

Hard water can be a culprit too.

[Kali]

6. do you ever use bleach?

probably cheaper than any "cleaner"

[SunnySong]

7. I have never had that problem either. And I live in Florida with hard water and high humidity.

Maybe you need to turn up the temperature on your water heater.

[guitar man]

8. sounds like

it may not be draining good all the time. The only time I ever had that problem I found that the drain was partially clogged, once I got it cleared, no more problem

[snooper2]

9. you are supposed to take the clothes out after the final spin cycle

not leave them in overnight to be dealt with in the morning :)

[MicaelS]

10. Never heard of this with a top loader..strange

My suggestion, go over to the

Laundry Room Forums http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/laundry/

Laundry Room FAQ http://ths.gardenweb.com/faq/laundry/

And see if THEY can help you. Those folks over there, eat, sleep and breathe laundry.

[ipfilter]

11. Just use vinegar. nt

[Catshrink]

12. Yep. Vinegar is the best!

I use it as a fabric softener in my Downy ball. It works great and is so much cheaper. Pick up a big jug of it at Costco for about $3. I also make my own laundry soap - it's easy and cheap.

http://tipnut.com/10-homemade-laundry-soap-detergent-recipes/

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

13. Dogs should be hand-washed

machine washing just clogs the machine and makes it stink.

:hi:

[BlueJazz]

14. LOL! nt