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You're using a front load machine?
I have a top load - I've read WAY too many complaints about front load machines and their tendency to build up gunk behind the door seals.
From all I've read, you need to leave the door open after washing to let everything thoroughly dry out. Leave it open for a minimum of 23 hours. Some people also pull the seal back and carefully wipe it out.
Another thing is to be sure to use the HE or High Effinciency detergent. Also, towels seem to do better with a powder detergent rather than a liquid detergent.
For front loading machines, using the HE detergent is important. Also important is to not use too much. Front-loading machines use less water than top-loading machines, so it is possible that the clothing is not getting thoroughly rinsed, leaving soap and/or liquid softner residue in the clothing and in the washer.
With our front-loading washer, we have taken to using white vinegar instead of a liquid softner (we have noticed that the clothing is softer with this approach as well, leading me to believe that the front-loading machine rinse cycle was coming up short). We also add an extra rinse cycle from time-to-time on loads of laundry.
And - with front-loading machines - you really do need to clean them, ideally wipe dry the gasket with each use and leave the door open when not in use. Then - also ideally - clean the soap/bleach/softner tray insert and pull it out, cleaning that area as well (look up when you clean, you may find mildew forming there).
With newer top-loading machines now being designed to use less water per cycle, many of those will need similar cleaning. I have read that Speed Queen still makes and sells a top-loading washer that does not (and will be on my list when we need to buy our next washing machine).
You're using a front load machine?
I have a top load - I've read WAY too many complaints about front load machines and their tendency to build up gunk behind the door seals.
From all I've read, you need to leave the door open after washing to let everything thoroughly dry out. Leave it open for a minimum of 23 hours. Some people also pull the seal back and carefully wipe it out.
Another thing is to be sure to use the HE or High Effinciency detergent. Also, towels seem to do better with a powder detergent rather than a liquid detergent.
In Europe (or at least in Belgium) top loaders are not really something you will find in shops.
I always leave the door open after a cycle.. it is always open unless I use it.
I'll have a check at the front rubber to check if there is some mold.
Adding baking soda to your wash cycle can help. Also, we use vinegar instead of fabric softener. It's better on the clothes/fabric although not any cheaper
If you have a front loading washer, you need to clean behind the rubber gaskets on the front of your machine... there is absolutely mold/mildew built up there. Cleaning gaskets is something people don't think of, but if you haven't washed the gasket on your washer (or refrigerator), I guarantee you it needs it, monthly at least
I actually just checked the rubbers: its really clean!
So this is not the issue.
For front loading machines, using the HE detergent is important. Also important is to not use too much. Front-loading machines use less water than top-loading machines, so it is possible that the clothing is not getting thoroughly rinsed, leaving soap and/or liquid softner residue in the clothing and in the washer.
With our front-loading washer, we have taken to using white vinegar instead of a liquid softner (we have noticed that the clothing is softer with this approach as well, leading me to believe that the front-loading machine rinse cycle was coming up short). We also add an extra rinse cycle from time-to-time on loads of laundry.
And - with front-loading machines - you really do need to clean them, ideally wipe dry the gasket with each use and leave the door open when not in use. Then - also ideally - clean the soap/bleach/softner tray insert and pull it out, cleaning that area as well (look up when you clean, you may find mildew forming there).
With newer top-loading machines now being designed to use less water per cycle, many of those will need similar cleaning. I have read that Speed Queen still makes and sells a top-loading washer that does not (and will be on my list when we need to buy our next washing machine).
HE detergent? What? I do not even knew this is a real thing.
I just buy detergent I know my skin likes.
(I never use powder form: it makes my skin itchy and now I most often use a biological detergent like ecover because my skin seems to like those detergents).
I could do that perhaps!
I already cleaned the soap dispenser once, for some reason those things (and internally the machine) do get dirty.
Kinda weird.
I never leave wet clothes behind! I always take them out right after the cycle to dry.
I do not have a top loading machine! I always figured this to be something only found in the USA
(in Europe I am not really aware of those machines )
The vinegar and bleach thing is something I might give a try.
The vinegar was something I already figured to try, bleach might be another interesting approach.
Front loading washer are known to get smelly. Leave the door open after every washing.
It's good to run a bleach load at least once a month, with hot water. You can bleach white socks and dish towels, if you have them. Otherwise, just run a load with nothing in it, and use bleach. It gets out a lot of the gunk that hides in places you can't see in the washing machine.
I've never taken apart a front loader so I don't know how they compare, but the top loaders still have a smelly part that water stands in, it's just down inside the machine in the pump and the hoses that connect to the pump. Once you've smelled it while working on the machine, you'll recognize the smell sometimes when you're loading clothes, just a faint whiff of that dirty water smell, and that's a good reminder that you need to run a bleach load to freshen up the machine.
If you want your clothes to smell nicer, try using fabric softener in the wash, or drying the clothes in the dryer with a dryer sheet.
I add 20 mule team borax to my wash. I also wipe the washer down after each wash, leave the door open, and open the soap dispenser. I have not tried it, but you might look at Downy Unstopables to add to your wash.
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