Health & Fitness
Solve Your Washing Machine Woes
Tips for maintaining a clean and efficient washing machine. From the Famous Tate Appliance Blog.
Laundry Smells
By Famous Tate Appliances
OK, so tell me if you’ve heard this one. Your friend bought a top-of-the-line front loading washer and they hate it because after just a short time, the washer has a musty odor and they think they have mold. This is a very common complaint, especially among older models, and one with a very easy fix.
Front-load washing machines are great because they allow you to wash large loads very well with very little water and detergent. Front-load washers outperform traditional top-load machines in every category, but they do have limitations. You see, unlike the traditional top-load washer, a front loader has a sealed door frame. The door is designed to trap water in the machine and, as a result, leaks are practically unheard of. The downside is that moisture remains trapped inside the machine after each load if the door is kept closed. With the door left closed, non-evaporated water creates a musty smell which many customers identify as mold.
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You can prevent that by just leaving the door open after the last wash and letting the machine air out when you’re done washing. I typically leave it open until I’m done drying my last load and then close up both doors. This will keep the machine smelling fresh and prevent any stagnant water odor.
If you are having this problem and want to give your washer a fresh start, there are quite a few options available. Affresh brand laundry tablets are available at many appliance dealers and can work with any brand to periodically clean the interior of the washer. Oxy-type products are pretty common on the grocery store aisle and there’s even a product called “Smelly Washer” at ACE Hardware stores that I’ve heard some customers mention. Many of the current front load washers feature a ‘cleaning’ cycle that helps prevent any odors inside the tub. It’s basically a hot water wash just using bleach to kill any bacteria or smells that have developed.
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So tell your friend about the simple fixes available for his or her smelly washer and remember to keep the door propped open for a couple hours after completing your laundry routine. No smells, and big savings on water and electricity…not to mention cleaner clothes!
As a Tampa custom home builder, we enjoy helping our customers select the best home appliances to fit their needs. When it comes to dirty laundry, high-quality machines are a must have for new homes in Tampa Bay. We would like to thank Famous Tate for sending us this great post about maintaining a clean and efficient washing machine.
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