Please tell me your detergent/softener routine?

[Anonymous]

I have a front load washer that I need to clean every week or so or else it stinks. I feel like my clothes don’t smell nice and clean. What detergent do you use that lingers on your clothes and smells clean?

[Anonymous]

I use Tide free and gently pods (can't deal with heavy scents on my sheets). I don't use softener.

I also clean the inside of the door regularly (maybe monthly?) with Active Mold Stain Remover - that stuff is amazing.

https://www.amazon.com/Mold-Stain-Remover-Gel-Cleaner/dp/B0CTS8VQ85

[Anonymous]

Tide free & gentle. No fragrance. No softener, ever.

Are you leaving the washer door open to allow it to dry between washes? I'd do that and give it a swipe with a paper towel to get up any water that is puddled. Some just build up mold faster than others. I also used the Affresh tablets once a month.

[Anonymous]

I always leave the door open after I move the clothes to the dryer. I don’t use fabric softener.

How old is your machine? I don’t think this is as much a problem with newer ones

[Anonymous]

I use washing powder (Nellies laundry soda) and no softener. Clothes come out clean and unscented. I have a top loader so no odor issues with the washer.

[Anonymous]

You seriously want to mask the mold smell instead of cleaning out the mold? That's not healthy, OP. Also be aware that some people in your house might be allergic to softener. We can't use it in my house.

You need to review what makes your house prone to mold accumulation, and also directly address the mold in the washer:

1. For the house, keep your A/C on or run a dehumidifier during humid months of the year.

2. For the washer: Wipe down the gasket parts of the door every time you use your washer - I guarantee there's going to be gunk in there. Keep the door open all the time when you're not using it. You can also regularly run a cycle on the hottest setting with bleach or vinegar in addition to those two things.

3. If you're desperate, buy a top loader. As soon as my fancy front-loader started malfunctioning, I threw it out instead of fixing it because it was getting annoying to do all the above. I purposefully bought the most basic top loader in the store (no digital gizmos whatsoever), and it's worked beautifully, no mold. I always use the delicate setting, because since it's very basic and rugged, I'm afraid it might shred my clothes otherwise.

[Anonymous]

No scented detergent or fabric softener ever. Why would you want to add a layer of chemical film to your clothing?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I always leave the door open after I move the clothes to the dryer. I don’t use fabric softener.

How old is your machine? I don’t think this is as much a problem with newer ones

Yes I never close the door unless it is washing. It’s a whirlpool machine and is a few years old. Had the same problem with the last one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No scented detergent or fabric softener ever. Why would you want to add a layer of chemical film to your clothing?

Because I don’t want my clothes to smell like mold? It sounds counterintuitive to use free and clear but I will try it.

[Anonymous]

I hear you OP. I have a front loader and will never get another one. I leave the door open all the time, but it's about 10 years old and there is quite a bit of mold in the front gasket that I just can't get off anymore. We are about to just buy a new one and it will be a top loader. It's a shame because otherwise it works great still.

I don't think scented detergent is the answer, though. I use Kirkland free and clear and no fabric softener and I just keep cleaning that gasket best I can. Wipe it down between every load and use a cleaner designed for mold. If you use those too often, though, it will break down the rubber on the gasket.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No scented detergent or fabric softener ever. Why would you want to add a layer of chemical film to your clothing?

Because I don’t want my clothes to smell like mold? It sounds counterintuitive to use free and clear but I will try it.

You need to kill the mold. Or replace the washer. Front loaders are annoying in this way.

[Anonymous]

I have a front loader and use powder tide and just leave the door open when it's not being used. No mold.

I never use fabric softener, as I'm lazy and don't like the extra step. I just use a few tbsp of powder tide in the drum, add the clothes and go.

If you want the scent to linger I would look at something like those downy beads, or even just storing your clothes with fresh dryer sheets in the drawers.

[Anonymous]

There are tablets you can buy to clean your washing machine. This is one of the reasons I’ll never buy a front loader again.

[Anonymous]

I use these

Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean 5-in-1 Laundry Detergent Power Paks

Arm & Hammer Power Sheets Laundry Detergent, Fresh Linen 50ct

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I use these

Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean 5-in-1 Laundry Detergent Power Paks

Arm & Hammer Power Sheets Laundry Detergent, Fresh Linen 50ct

PS no fabric softener, I use wool balls in the dryer