Q: We have a top loading washing machine and after 2 years it has developed a musty odor. I've heard there are commercial chemicals/tablets that can be bought for cleaning, but I was wondering if anyone has found a less toxic cleaner that works? Maybe like white vinegar?
Asked by Sherri
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First of all you need to keep the door open when you are not washing clothes, it help alot! Run a load of vinegar with hot water and also throw some baking soda, powder, ( I always forget which is which!)you know the one I mean, and run it with hot water too. Clean the rubber gasket too.
We always leave the door open when the washer is not in use and it has never smelled.
Keeping the washer open helps, but running a load of vinegar once a week is where it's at. I also wipe down the seals and rubber gaskets with it as well.
That looks like a front loading machine in the pic above. With my Maytag high efficiency top loader (which I *love*) a monthly cleaning is recommended (it reminds you) using either store-bought stuff or regular bleach. The machine adds the proper amount of (very little) water. All you need to do is pour the bleach to the marked line and turn it to the 'clean machine' setting!
I've also had success with getting rid of the smell by running a cycle with hot water and vinegar. Also, you can try your machines cleaning cycle (I don't think you're supposed to put anything in it).
If your washer isn't high-end enough to send you messages (like mine) run it empty on hot water with detergent with bleach when it gets smelly, and leave the door open between washings after that. If that doesn't work I can't help you.
Good old vinegar and baking soda is where it's at. A cup of vinegar in the soap tray and a cup of baking soda in the drum should be sufficient. Just run it on hot for a cycle and you're good to go. Don't forget to use hot water and vinegar to clean the tray and gasket, too.
If you put vinegar in with the wash every time you run the machine, it will not only keep the machine cleaner, it will also act as a fabric softener, and keep colours from running.
Another vote for leaving the door open. But I would add that you don't have to leave it open all the time. I leave it open for about 30-60 minutes after doing the last load (ours is in the kitchen), by then it's all dried out and safe to close the door. No more musty smell in our house.
Also, I use vinegar in every load in place of bleach and color brighteners so that may be helping as well. An added bonus is that if I forget the clothes for a bit after they finish washing *they* don't smell musty either. All the vinegar smells evaporates in the dryer or while they cool as I'm folding (the fluffy bath towels).
How much vinegar per load? I have this problem with my washer, and I can't leave the door open because it is in a closet in a high- traffic area.
Thanks, Trish! I'm going to try this tonight (yes- it's a front loader).