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Musty laundry smell
Has anyone else here struggled with laundry coming out smelling funky?
I mean, it would happen to us in Illinois if I accidentally left the clothes in the washer for a couple of days in the summer. But here in TV, this is starting to hit too often for comfort (and utility bills.) I mean, three pods and deep water wash, and our clothes still come out smelling like swamp water. Just ordered up Unstoppables until we find the culprit. But the ultimate goal is a solution, not a coverup. We suspect it might be the water. Or could it be an issue with our washer or dryer. Would love to hear other folks’ experiences, even if to tell us we’re crazy. 🤪 - K & J, newbies here. |
First, where do you live (area, not specific address), then people can comment on the water.
Second, do you have any water treatment in the house? We (area of Brownwood) found the water to be very hard and smelled of chlorine. This required an in-house treatment system. Finally, most washers have a filter, you will need to look at the owners manual to find it and see if this a clogged. |
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We live in Duval We have a (salt) water softener we’re not confident is working up to par. Seriously, our former IL county home won awards for water quality. We’re not connoisseurs of wine or cheese. But water? Yep, that’s our claim to fame. LOL And we will definitely look for a washer filter! Thank you for the tip. |
When I was a runner, I was told to put a little white vinegar in place of softener in the washer. It worked pretty well for my extra strong running clothes.
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A while back we had a funky smell lingering in the laundry room. Seemed to be emanating from the washer. We don't use softeners or bleach. I put a cup of bleach in the empty washer and let it set over night. The smell has never returned.
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Plus an extra rinse
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They also sell over the counter commercial products that you can add to your washing machine as well as your dishwasher on a monthly basis. That's what i do. I have no issues
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Washing Machine Oder
You may want to try washing machine cleaner tablets as well as the other suggestions.
They are relatively inexpensive and might be worth a try. They are available on Amazon with everything else. |
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I agree with previous posts about cleaning rubber seals if it's a front load machine. I always dry the excess water in there after my washes and leave the door open so the washer can dry completely. It works for me. I also add vinegar to my wash.
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We also never use fabric softener, it is mostly animal fat and tends to linger in the machine. We use Tide for sensitive skin (the white bottle) or Kirkland brand when available. We also use Bounce dryer sheets. Laundry is fresh smelling. |
Add vinegar to 1/4 cup vinegar
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Check your filters as the tinker mentioned. |
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Try a cup of bleach in the brine tank of softener
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If you have a front load machine, its the washer. The door must be left ajar between cycles, you should wipe the gasket with a towel every time you do a towel load before throwing them into the machine. You should also use a monthly cleaning regimen like Tide Washing machine cleaner and don't forget to check the basket filter thingy that is in the front bottom of the machine somewhere (google your specific model).
If you are wearing more synthetic active wear, it could be the clothes too. Look in the detergent aisle for a laundry boost for "active wear" as those fabrics tend to hold odors and sometimes it just does not come out in the wash. |
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Lysol Sanitizer is no bleach, goes in the fabric softener tube.
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I never use pods. I always use liquid laundry detergent and it seems to work better and not clog the washing machine. I also have a top loading machine which I leave the top open to completely dry after use.
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Washing Machine Door Prop
We use this to keep the door on our front loading machine propped open. Keeps the funky smell at bay.
https://a.co/d/dqGxahj |
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I did not see it mentioned but most washers have a self cleaning function that some machines will let you know when it’s due after so many cycles or you can just start it off without waiting for it to tell you, etc.
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When we moved to Florida, we purchased a top load Speed Queen which is not HE and the lid doesn’t lock. Think 1970 Kenmore. It does fill the tank for large loads. It never stinks. It runs like a champ. |
This used that happened to us when we had a front loader washer. It was really bad with towels. We ended up buying a new washer that you load from the top and all our problems went away.
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Also, if you have a cleaning cycle on your washer, running that every so often really helps. I also leave my lid up on the washer at all times with the detergent tray open. Hope you find a solution! But seriously, try powder Tide! |
Always keep the lid of the washer open when not in use, take clothes out as quickly as possible and never leave them over night. Once a month run the clean cycle and use something like Tide washing machine cleaner. If all else fails keep running cycles without clothes and use the hot water and lots of bleach. Do it several times if possible. Good luck
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Would also add that "ounce of prevention" thing...We run our washer empty on hot with about a cup of bleach once a month or so. Dishwasher as well. Odor is never a problem. |
Saw a related problem solved on YouTube by cleaning the door seal, filter, and stop using liquid detergent. Run a few empty loads with hot water, bleach, and vinegar. Years later and no more problem. It seems ingredients in liquid detergents
build up over time in the lines causing a musty odor. |
Funky laundry smell
Yes, we had the same problem when we first moved to The Villages. Unfortunately it’s the water. We didn’t get a full house water filter (Nova filters) And that helps. But we also use Unstoppables
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New pos washers and mold under the rubber door seals, inner basket slimmed up, especially if have front loader..
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The tr7 model the drum moves with the agitator forcing the water through the clothes. It has no transmission. The direction of the motor is changed electronicly. It uses a dc motor. Think 2020 Samsung. All SQ have water saving features which you can disable by switch. There are multible reports that the tc3/5 get your clothes cleaner but the agitators are harder on fabrics |
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You have permanently ruined your washer. Get rid of it. Buy a new one. After every load leave the washer door OPEN to air dry and it won't happen again. However, close it only once after a wash and you will have ruined another machine. Nothing fixes it after you get the mold started. Nothing. Bleach, vinegar, you name it. Nothing fixes it after you have ruined it once.
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an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. On the first of each month i used the cleaning cycle on the wm with cleaner, dw with cleaner, 2 ht's for half hour each , and add vinegar to drain line for hvac. It all becomes simple routine. You can learn a lot of methods by plugging in your issues and scanning youtube videos by others who have overcome your same challenges. Gl. |
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