World of Washers

Anyone searching the Internet for information on washing machines will find many references to mold and mildew build-up leading to a horrendous stench that eventually permeates anything washed in the machine. While most of the cases of smelly washers seem to be related to frontload washers, build-up of mold and mildew is not exclusive to them. Yes, you can still have the problem in top load washers. The thing is, the problem is much less noticeable so people don't even realize they have the problem.

But never fear, for I am going to lay out for you exactly what you can do to prevent the problem, and how you can fix it if you've already got it.

Wanna see something gross? Check this out. That, my friends, is the inner wash tub of a Maytag Neptune frontload washer. For those not aware, the first and second generation Neptunes were notorious for developing a pretty nasty case of mold on the interior, and this is a perfect illustration. And while you may discount the Neptune as an anomaly, a worst-case scenario, I would urge you to reconsider. It is very likely the interior of your washer has a build-up, also. It may not be as extreme, but it is there.

So what causes it? Several things.

1) Washing primarily in cold water. This is bad, so very bad. And also pretty much useless. In older machines without automatic temperature control, the cold setting on your washer will give you water at whatever temperature it comes out of the ground. So if the water temperature is fifty degrees (or colder) in the winter, that's what it is going into the drum. And that is bad because if the water is less than 65 degrees or so, the detergent will not properly activate or dissolve. This is especially bad if you use liquid detergent as the waxy chemicals used to create the detergent do not dissolve properly and build-up on the inner workings of your machine.

You need to do warm and hot water washes in order to keep the machine clean. These temperatures will help to prevent the build-up of crap on the inside of your machine, and that build-up of crap is what leads to mold and mildew. Besides, warm and hot water washes simply do a better job of cleaning.

2) Liquid detergent and liquid fabric softener (LFS). These are just as bad, or worse, than cold water washes. The three combined are just asking for trouble. Use a high-quality powder detergent, and skip the LFS. If you must use a fabric softener, try a quarter cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle.

3) Not performing routine maintenance. The prospect of having to perform routine maintenance on your brand-spanking-new $1,000+ washing machine tends to piss some people off. The common argument is that they shouldn't have to "do anything special to a washer" they just spent over a grand on. After all, they didn't have to do anything with their old top load washer!

In all reality, they should have. Top load washers are just as susceptible to the problem; people just don't realize it.

The routine maintenance is really quite simple. Wipe down the inner door and gasket with a clean rag after you are done washing for the day. Also, it is best to leave the door open for a few hours to allow any remaining moisture to dry out. A lot of people do not want to leave the door open because they have cats and do not want them getting into the machine. Well, if you are worried about that, then check the drum before stuffing it full and starting a load to make sure Fluffy doesn't go for a joyride.

Finally, once a month or so, you need to clean the inside of the washer. To do this, I recommend running an empty load on the longest, hottest wash cycle available. But instead of using laundry detergent, I want you to use Cascade Complete powder detergent, about a half cup. Why? Dishwashing detergents are formulated with enzymes to help break down and dissolve food particles. These enzymes are equally effective on particles inside your washing machine. Do this once a month, and you will likely never develop a problem.

But what if it's too late and you already have a problem? No need to drag the washer out to the curb or start doing Google searches for "x-brand class action lawsuit". If your washer or clothes are smelling a bit funky, then get a box of Cascade Complete like I suggested above and get to it. Run a complete cycle and let it do it's thing. If your washer has a sanitary cycle, use it. You want the hottest water you can get. Try doing that a few times, let the washer dry out, and then stick your head right in the drum to see if you smell any mold. Still there?

There are a few products available on the market designed especially for cleaning washing machines. Affresh and Washer Magic are a couple. There is an interesting thread over at GardenWeb about Affresh and the results from people who have used it. The product does work. It's just a matter of how severe the problem is that determines how well it will work and how many times you have to use it. There is also a product called Smelly Washer available online. This product was mentioned in the thread linked above, and the results appear to have been good.

Do not let the prospect of mold or mildew scare you away from a frontload washer. Follow my advice above, and you likely will not have a problem. And remember, just because you have a top load washer does not mean you do not have a build-up of crap inside your washer. I guarantee I could rip that thing apart and you would be disgusted. Top load owners should follow my advice above.