Think again. Front load washers use much less water. When large amounts of soap and fabric softener are added to a washer that uses less water, a large amount of the product does not get fully used or rinsed away. Instead the detergent and fabric softener mixes some oils, soils, and fibers from clothing. It is trapped in a warm, moist machine or drainage pipe, just waiting for mold or mildew spores and bacteria to grow and start to smell.
There are thousands of people who never have an issue with front load washer odor. You can be one of those people too.
- Forget everything you know about using laundry detergent. More is not better. Always use an HE approved laundry detergent like SmartWash available at Midland Appliance. Use only 2 or 3 teaspoons or less per load.
- Skip liquid fabric softeners. Use a dryer sheet instead.
- Make sure your laundry room has good air circulation. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help dry the air. Check your dryer vent to make sure it is tight and not leaking moist air back into the room.
- Clean the washer's lint trap often and check under the rubber door seal. Alwasy leave the washer door ajar to allow air circulation. Do you laundry more frequently - don't allow moisture to sit in the machine for extended periods.
- Run a cleaning cycle at least monthly. There some good products available for this (Affresh is available at Midland Appliance) or use a homemade cleaner made with common household ingredients such as vinegar and baking soda.
