How to Prevent Moldy Smell in Your Clean Laundry

Member

By voliegurl
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (99 Ratings)

Dreaded moldy washer stench

Got busy with more important chores and left your clothes in the washer. Now your laundry smells like mold and that is a horrid stench. Here's a few tips to help your next load smell fresh again!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Choose one only of these two cleaners / odor eliminators (NOT BOTH)
Apple cider vinegar
or Bleach
Be sure to run entire wash and rinse cycle using hot water
Use baking soda and repeat entire wash and rinse cycle using hot water
Washer should not have any clothes while you are cleaning it.

Step 1

WWW.biblicalwomanhood.com

So, your washed clothes now smell like your son's locker? A lingering stale stench of mold and even after you threw the clothes into the dryer they smelled awful... Then the following loads of your washed items seem to get the odor even worse. Here's a couple of tips and ideas to try before you throw out that washer!
Step 2

Be sure to NEVER mix chemicals because they may react and cause harmful problems or injuries. Use only one ingredient and then allow the washer to go through a complete wash and rinse cycle before trying any other ingredient or cleaner. First problem, try not to leave wet clothing in the washer when it has finished. This is a perfect set up for the mold or mildew odor to get into full swing. But we are past that point and need to get the smell out so the strongest and most effective is use of bleach. Be very cautious not to splash it onto your skins and always wear eye protection as well as use in a well ventilated area - use a fan if needed. Pour at least 1/2 cup to 1 cup into the washer - close the lid and place the machine to small load with the option of hot water. Allow the entire cycle to complete and then run the washer through an entire second cycle of only water to rinse completely.
Step 3

WWW.newhomestarterkits.org

If your out of bleach you may use apple cider vinegar, I would use at least 1 cup and maybe more if your washer is large. Go through an entire wash / rinse cycle and follow with another cycle using baking soda and go with a repeated complete cycle to rinse completely. This should take care of the horrible odor, leaving your washer clean and fresh.