Why Do My Clothes Smell Sour From My Front Load Machine?
Finding the cause of a sour smell on clothing out of a front load washer is the first step to resolving the issue. When laundry comes out of a washer, the expectation is a clean and fresh smell. When a sour smell is instead the result, there may be several reasons as to why the expectation failed. Does this Spark an idea?
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Overloading
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If a front load washer is overloaded, the laundry does not move around freely. This lack of movement may lead to laundry not rinsing and spinning out properly. The excess of water and remaining detergent or fabric softener may lead to clothing smelling sour. Check the load capacity of the washer to determine the appropriate amount of weight for each load before using the machine. With a front loading machine, the appropriate load of laundry will not necessarily fill the barrel. Keep in mind with each load that certain clothes, such as jeans or jackets, weigh more than others. Do two smaller loads instead of one large one to help avoid this issue.
Pooling Water
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Certain front loading machines do not completely drain after use. A small pool of water gathers after the rinse cycle and sits just below the barrel of the washer. The machines are designed this way and do not require repair when this occurs. After a period of time, however, mold and mildew may begin to grow in this leftover water. Regular or daily use of the machine may prevent bacteria from growing. To rid the issue, use liquid bleach especially designed for front loading machines to clean occasionally. Run the bleach in a hot cycle without laundry.
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Dirty Clothing
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A sour smell left on clothing after washing may not be clean. Sweat and grime on laundry that is not washed away in the cycle may emit a sour smell if the machine fails to clean thoroughly. Try pre-treating laundry with heavy soiling. Laundry that has sat dirty for a long period of time may grow bacteria and require pre-soaking prior to entering the washer. Use detergents made especially for front loading machines and follow the manufacturer's recommendation for the proper amount to use with each load. Always select the right settings on the machine for each load. Most machines have a separate setting for heavily soiled items.
General Cleaning and Care
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A sour smell may be left on clothing if the washer is dirty. The barrel of a front loading washing machine may gather debris, especially on the bottom. A general cleaning of the inside of the machine on a regular basis will prevent this issue. Wipe out the machine with a clean cloth after each session of laundry to remove remaining dirt. Try adding a cup of white distilled vinegar to an empty wash cycle once a week to clean the interior.
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References
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