Front loader washers have some pretty good attributes but one thing they are known for is developing a nasty stench. I may have stumbled on a good cure to rid the reek.
A little background info...
We have a well. Very nice water...soft, no odor. And since it's a well, there's no chemicals (like chlorine) like city water has, but at the same time our washer doesn't get a regular drink of chlorine via city water or bleach (I don't want that in my septic tank).
We've never used any perfumed detergents. We've always used some sort of "free and clear" type detergent.
I run a tank-clean cycle a few times per year with a product made for front loaders.
And really important, we leave the door open when not doing laundry. Closing the door creates a science project.
BUT, even with those precautions, our washer was still developing a bit of an odor from time to time. Another note...leaving clothing inside the washer for even a couple hours after a cycle can have them smelling a little "off".
Here's what I've started doing and it really seems to be making a big difference.
For the last couple months, I've only been using Atsko Sportwash and the washer odor is pretty much gone (to my human nose).
Sportwash directions calls for only 1 oz per load but I've come to realize that, unless there's a lot of dirt and grime, 1/2 oz or even less Sportwash is all that's needed, especially when washing base layers which are never really dirty.
In fact, Sportwash does have a slight odor if too much is used. I've cut way back on the amount for general washing of hunting clothes and there's no residual odor at the lower rate and the washer tank and door's rubber gaskets are so much cleaner.
Sportwash is very concentrated. They claim that a half gallon jug will do 64 loads, but I can say that I'm getting way loads more than that.
I've used a tiny amount in my boot tub to scrub it out (boots too) and it's amazing how far a tiny amount will go...even with cold water. (MY well water so YMMV).
Sportwash has no UV brighteners and it's also marketed to be best for breathable fabrics (like Goretex) because it rinses thoroughly and won't leave residuals that can clog the breathable pores. That claim might be hype...I have no way to quantify it.
Anyone else using Sportwash?
BTW, Debatable topic but Atsko also makes a UV killer for gear that's been subject to detergents with brighteners. I have some of their UV killer but the jury is still out on if it actually works or not. But I digress.
A little background info...
We have a well. Very nice water...soft, no odor. And since it's a well, there's no chemicals (like chlorine) like city water has, but at the same time our washer doesn't get a regular drink of chlorine via city water or bleach (I don't want that in my septic tank).
We've never used any perfumed detergents. We've always used some sort of "free and clear" type detergent.
I run a tank-clean cycle a few times per year with a product made for front loaders.
And really important, we leave the door open when not doing laundry. Closing the door creates a science project.
BUT, even with those precautions, our washer was still developing a bit of an odor from time to time. Another note...leaving clothing inside the washer for even a couple hours after a cycle can have them smelling a little "off".
Here's what I've started doing and it really seems to be making a big difference.
For the last couple months, I've only been using Atsko Sportwash and the washer odor is pretty much gone (to my human nose).
Sportwash directions calls for only 1 oz per load but I've come to realize that, unless there's a lot of dirt and grime, 1/2 oz or even less Sportwash is all that's needed, especially when washing base layers which are never really dirty.
In fact, Sportwash does have a slight odor if too much is used. I've cut way back on the amount for general washing of hunting clothes and there's no residual odor at the lower rate and the washer tank and door's rubber gaskets are so much cleaner.
Sportwash is very concentrated. They claim that a half gallon jug will do 64 loads, but I can say that I'm getting way loads more than that.
I've used a tiny amount in my boot tub to scrub it out (boots too) and it's amazing how far a tiny amount will go...even with cold water. (MY well water so YMMV).
Sportwash has no UV brighteners and it's also marketed to be best for breathable fabrics (like Goretex) because it rinses thoroughly and won't leave residuals that can clog the breathable pores. That claim might be hype...I have no way to quantify it.
Anyone else using Sportwash?
BTW, Debatable topic but Atsko also makes a UV killer for gear that's been subject to detergents with brighteners. I have some of their UV killer but the jury is still out on if it actually works or not. But I digress.
