Kazooski
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Not much of a TL;DR for this but, take better care of your washer and drier, or don't I'm not your real Dad and you people pay my bills.
I know what the detergent, boosters and fabric softeners say. Ignore it, please. 1-2 tablespoons of detergent (generally speaking the first line on the cap) or one pod per full load. With thee amount of concentration in soaps these days you really don't need that much. If you use a booster like Oxy clean I'd split it half detergent half OxyClean for full washes. Same with fabric softener (I don't even use it) minimal amounts first line. That goes with using Downey Ball measuring too, there is a line in that you don't want to exceed. Some home made and "natural' softeners and soaps may cause issues also. Especially Vinegar, I've seen it break down rubber seals and hoses over time. If your washer smells that's always too much soap, run a cleaner like Afresh maybe once a month to reduce build up and nasty odor from soap scum. Also clean your dryer vent out maybe once a year depending on the household and pets. Many servicers and brands also recommend changing out the washer hoses every few years. Now for loading a washer I say about 50-75% full on front load and same in top loads. Don't push down the laundry to make shit fit, it needs to be loosely so it has room to wash and agitate. Also that now "full" load is all you should put in the dryer, don't go packing 2 loads in one dryer. Oh and using excess fabric softener and soaps will also cause more lint build up. Another tip for smells is to leave the door of the washer and maybe even the soap tray open after use to help prevent odor, some companies have a magnet holder that keeps the door slightly open for this reason. Finally, clean the lint screen before or after every load. I tell this to all of my customers even if I'm not there for their washer or drier. Sorry I'm not the best at typing things sometimes but hopefully I got my points across. Thanks for reading.
Edit: I prefer solid vent Duct or heavy corogated. Don't get that thin foil crap and NEVER USE PVC!!!
Twinklepot
Thanks for that!
certainlynotaserialkiller
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vROdVsU_K80
AussieNotNamedBruce
Buy anologue equipment like SpeedQueen. It's what commercial laundromats use and for good reason, Electrical features are a problem in wait.
Kazooski
Love Speed Queen or Maytag Professional.
BatLadyRielle
i just bought a house and there's some mold in the washer which was gonna hit with some bleach and vinegar, but now i'm wondering...
unluckyandbored
That should be fine. Once or twice with vinegar won't hurt anything. Doing it all the time is not a good idea though. Vinegar is acidic.
Kazooski
Once a month don't hurt, I prefer a tub cleaner though.
Masonrig
If there is mold in the washer it's almost certainly elsewhere inside the machine...and since you JUST bought your home, you probably have >
Masonrig
a home warranty. I'd call that in and have them check out the washer. They will PROBABLY replace it w/ a brand new one.
jannw
Never add bleach and vinegar together - that makes chlorine gas.
Hekatombe
I have no idea what @OP would suggest but why not just do one empty wash (w detergent) on highest temperature setting?
BatLadyRielle
we did that and it smelled so bad...
dontmakemeanoptimist
Was it done with bleach? Bleach will kill the mould and not damage the machine.
Kazooski
In many cases its easier just to replace it. Bleach or a washer cleaner can help but it's a pain. Correct on high temp or "tub clean"
imnotgoodwithschedules
I'd say go for it. Sounds like it hasn't been treated well and the best thing is a good clean out. They were talking about continued use
Kazooski
Yeah the mold is always too much detergent.
imnotgoodwithschedules
Just don't forget a hot wash with nothing added afterwards to remove any residue
hnngh
Save your lint from each load. 3 loads into a toilet roll and pinched shut makes for amazing fire tinder.
JustitiaetFortitudo
So does like a million other things. Unless you are doing survival camping once or more a month, just throw your GD lint away
Kazooski
Instant fire!
xj4low
Same with pizza boxes.
Munchman347
Hung in some netting at nesting time makes the birds happy...
Wolfshead009
Varient. Fill a cardboard egg carton with lint and cover with melted candle wax. Tear off one egg cup and light. Enjoy fire.
wadatahmydamie
Been doing this since I saw it in Disney Adventures when I was a kid
NarratesTheDarkerStory
Also use your dryer sheets in a different toilet paper or paper towel roll, stuff a few inside, then rubber band/hair tie a dryer sheet ¹
NarratesTheDarkerStory
over one end. exhale all marijuana smoke through the open end. Comes out smelling like Moonlight Breeze. Neighbors won't complain.
kjb72
As much as you think it smells like a summer breeze, believe me, it still smells like weed. I switched to vaping carts. No smell.
nero4ty2
As someone that did this for years thinking I was being sneaky, it doesn’t work at all,weed itself smells a lot and once it’s lit it’s worse
arthonnen93
Yeah. That trick does nothing for the odor coming off your joint or bowl, and that alone is powerful.
goliathonline
Been caught this way too many times lol
millicentfrastley
Oooh. Burning microplastics!
popeyeNL
Better than in the soil.
DanceWithMeLampy
Some of us wear cotton???
paperfanman
Only cotton everythang
majorkira9
The touch, the feeeeel of cotton
smorsdoeuvres
The fabric of our lives
LrrrRulerofThePlanetOmicronPerseiVIII
Damn, that takes me back
smorsdoeuvres
BeeCeeBeeCee
If anyone is washing reusable nappies then follow the detergent volumes on the box! You do need that much, don't skimp on it!
Kazooski
Ueah different issue. These are general tips for everyday normal guy not straight up poo.
IamNotFunnyNeitherIsMyUserName
You’re not my Dad! I’ll listen anyway.
Jamerperson
Used to do W/D maintenance for Sears. Can confirm these tips are good.
Kazooski
Yeah I missed a few things but I keep answering the comments. My company is hiring if you're in the market.
Jamerperson
I got out of appliance repair about 15 years ago. Sorry.
justplainvanilla
DanTheDroneMan
I have a really weird issue that only black garments smell after a wash. And only certain black ones get really bad, certain tshirts.
Bunniesarefuckinggreat
Omg me too! Why?!
WonderfunkJones
I feel like laundry was something nobody really taught us how to do so we kinda wing it most of the time.
StepRightUp
Huh? Did your Mom (or ...?) just wash up for you your whole life?!! Man! My Mom made us each start washing our own clothes when we hit 10!
StepRightUp
And, hence, TAUGHT us how to sort the colors & fabric weights, select water temps, etc etc. Right? I mean, isn’t that Parenting 101???
WonderfunkJones
What does permanent press mean?
StepRightUp
Good question! That’s usually for synthetic fiber clothes that wrinkle less & uses LESS heat to protect the fibers. Machines vary tho so 1/2
StepRightUp
2/2 Read up for YOUR machine, i.e.: https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/washers-and-dryers/what-is-permanent-press.html
Vulpesferrilata
I repaired my own washing machine after a few evenings, and some youtube videos. Surprisingly easy when you put your mind to it!
Kazooski
Laundry for the most part is pretty simple unless. You gotta replace the tub or explain to a customer soap use.
BeeWoman
So I learned from my mom that you sometimes gotta wash on 95C to kill the "soap lice". Does that work?
Kazooski
This is murrica, but yeah but don't boil your polyester and nylon type stuff.
MJL88
+1 for solid advice that I’m sure a lot of people don’t know. ??
ExTechOp
@OP Here in Europe many detergents contain zeolite clay (to replace phosphates), an issue with deposits in washer & clothes. Used in US?
Kazooski
Not sure honestly.
xj4low
Anytime you move, replace the hoses. Rule my dad had (carpet cleaner and felt with emergency flood calls all the time).
LivesInThe90s
And always check dryer for cat before closeing. My grandmother killed a cat by accident. Family thought it was just the tennis shoes inside
cdub77
LivesInThe90s
And always check pockets and underwear before washing! I've washed crayons and used Maxie pads before. Not fun.
StepRightUp
A red lipstick in the dryer will really ruin your day too! (Ask me how I know....)
3dartwork
Clean your dryer vent......in back? Seriously I tell everyone and no one believes that exists
FlyingTigerRose
Thank you very much for taking the time to make this post. Much appreciated!
KnightWhoSaidNi
@OP how would you clean the drain ?
Kazooski
The washer cleaner would help but I'd honestly ask a plumber beyond the washer. I don't get into all that stuff
tweetlebeetlebottlepuddlepaddlebattlemuddle
And wool balls instead of drier sheets. It's insane what they put into those things.
100percentthatbtch
Yasss we switched and they also shorten drying time bc they move the clothes around!!
StepRightUp
Ugh! I did not like the wool drier balls result (too ruff!!) nearly as much as using plain (no perfume — gag!) drier sheets for clothes.
Kazooski
Absolutely love them
10Upvotes
Is there such thing as too much Tennis Balls in the Dyer? 15 yrs I've used 4 Tennis Balls to help agitate. Some say 8.
Kazooski
I use 3 just to keep things moving amd dry faster.
10Upvotes
notyourpartner
If you have a sensor drier, it will be significantly more efficient if you clean the lint tray every time. Even half way through a load.
100percentthatbtch
And dryer sheets can mess up the sensors fyi
notyourpartner
You know, I have never seen a dryer sheet. I don't think you can buy them in aus.
RobertTheBruise
Sensor's irrelevant. Lint reduces airflow, so clean it before each load as a minimum. I've got dogs, so start clean and then check >next
RobertTheBruise
after about 15 minutes, because most lint gets caught early.
YayItsMillerTime
Instructions unclear, now I'm stuck in the washing machine
Kazooski
AuntieCoddswaddle
I use a small shot glass to measure mine because I grew up poor and thrifty. Also diluting shampoo/conditioner.
Kazooski
I'm not too poor and thrifty but I do it because I'm lazy and buy the big bottles.
Shamorza
Whoa, thanks. So much astounding new information. First pics from Webb telescope and now this
ThaliusPrime
Learned to change my heating element clean these things all the time now
ideasplace
@OP - do you think it's worth using Calgon tablets when you have hard limescale water? We have an insanely expensive Miele washer dryer.
Kazooski
Yeah, insaine hard is a pain in the ass. Or get a softener system for the house. Expensive to do so but will save on repairs.
AntaNce
How to get weird smell out of sheets and towels? I've been using washing soda with detergent. Now I'll use less detergent. Soda OK?
necrojoe
I run one heavy/hot load with only vinegar, then a 2nd load, same cycle, with soap and 1/3 cup baking soda. Then dry on high heat, fully dry
lookingforapurpose
Dry time all the way. That smell is mildew. If you have a particular sunny day, hang them outside.
ThisPleasesMe
This. Sunlight is a natural bacteria killer due to the ultraviolet light. Fluff them up in the dryer for 10 mins then dry them outside.
AntaNce
thx, I will rig an outdoor line. :)
AntaNce
Do you mean they are still damp and mold while folded? I will try to rig an outdoor line and see if it helps. Thank you!
lookingforapurpose
Yes! You should mix them with normal wash and not be a load of just towels. They have a hard time drying.
AntaNce
Yeah, lol, the fitted sheets are fun when mixed with socks and undies. i getcha, tho.
lookingforapurpose
That’s the only exception to my rule just because my sheets are huge. They get one cycle in dryer then hung to finish drying. Blankets too.
LadyKettricken
Google laundry stripping! Very effective
AntaNce
Oooh, never heard of that before! Need some borax, I have the other stuff. Gonna give it a try! thx :)
Kazooski
Washing soda same difference. Maybe try a mix of vinegar and lavender oil but don't do it all the time.
badmedic504
I will occasionally use ammonia to get mildew out of towels and sheets. Is the occasional ammonia use bad? I need to know
Kazooski
I never thought amoonia but I'd say in moderation.
AntaNce
OK, will try vinegar. Van't do lavendar cause SO is sensitive. I get your point about the acidity, will use only on occasion. THX!
Kazooski
Understand yeah my dad is so I use clear soaps and no softener just out of habit.
AntaNce
Yeah, no softener. Are dryer sheets bad? it's so dry here, lots of static.
Kazooski
No but could get stuck in spaces or find it's way through shit. Also fires.
Rellian
This is the reason the mid 80's kenmore 70 series washer set I inherited from gran still works like new. Was and still is well cared for.
Kazooski
Good, keep it. My oldest dishwasher had the install date in the junction box 1972
QuetzalcoatI
I have a old Miele from the 90s that just keeps chugging. If it ever breaks, should I fix it or get something new?
Kazooski
Fix it if you can get parts. Old shit is good shit.
Hemispheres
I would add that if you have a very long dryer vent run (mine was a 25ft pvc pipe) clean it twice a year.
Kazooski
Yep because that's too long usually and will make dry times very long.
Hemispheres
That vent was so long I had to combine two brush duct kits to clean the whole run.
Kazooski
I've seen it before. Some houses have no choice and tend to have issues going forward. Some people have ductless driers bit I hate them.
Kazooski
I sure effin hope it's not PVC. Never a good idea
Hemispheres
We don’t own the house anymore, but it had metal at the outside junction to the vent, and PVC inside where it connects with foil duct.
Kazooski
PVC is something I document and take photos because it can be dangerous.
CatoTiger
It’s not as simple as that though. Water hardness, load size, dirtyness, all have an impact on how much detergent you need.
anyofmany
I put a random amount in there and there was never once a sign that it was too much or too little
CatoTiger
Also, running an empty cycle with a little bit of vinegar once or twice a year isn’t going to degrade the rubber seals.
Kazooski
But vinegar doesn't do a whole lot. Most washer cleaners use citric acid.
Wolfshead009
What about using CLR once in a while? Note, we have VERY hard water here.
Kazooski
Very hard maybe but clr will totally fuck shit up. Be careful.
Twrecks123
Some people use vinegar in every cycle.
CatoTiger
More fool them.
TheGodEmperorOfChaos
They deserve what they get.
Kazooski
Yes the customer with deformed internal hoses was using them for her disabled child who peed the bed till he was like 12 she said
aFlailingTuna
I put vinegar in my softener spot because I am allergic to softeners and have four d it to make a difference in how fresh my laundry smells
aFlailingTuna
Not sure what the best method is for maintaining that fresh and clean smell. I am extremely sensitive to odors, being autistic it can 2/3
Kazooski
I hear ya, I did the same but it can mess up the rubber over time. After finding that out with a customer I just stopped using any softener.
Kazooski
Well yeah in some areas bit not overall and it's still not much of a difference. Yes about dirtyness, I generally say more for some workers.
mrwthisusernameisavailble
Our water harness is 475 ppm. I soak towels monthly with 1cup dwv via the bleach dispenser. I don't use bleach and rinse well with water. Is
mrwthisusernameisavailble
that going to be ok for the machine over time? It really makes a difference on the mineral build up on the towels.
Kazooski
But Todd at the office probably is fine, but Bob at the auto service center needs to do his wash seperate.
itsokimaussie
I bought a smaller 2nd machine just to do my clothes when I was working as a smith. No way was I putting that stuff through the good machine
Kazooski
Ueah I prefer some perfessions just use a cleaners place or laundromat. Break their crap not yours.
itsokimaussie
I bought the machine from a garage sale for $50.if it lasted a year I would have been happy. It lasted 6 ?
Dxb105
I worked dirty dirty jobs in the oil sands. Soap bonds to dirt and if there is lots of dirt more soap is needed. Extra is a waste for sure
Kazooski
Yep I didn't mention but like cooks, mechanics, construction. Like dirty jobs yeah definitely more but still don't go crazy.
swanglemydangle
When I worked in restaurants I soaked my clothes in water with Dawn the night before and used the low line on detergent.
Kazooski
Be careful with that dawn= bubbles like a mofo.
100percentthatbtch
Agreed, the soap companies want u to use more...
Smoretank
I use the washer cleaner week due to guinea pig fleece. Tiny poos sometimes sneak in. Is that too much?
Kazooski
Moderation is key. Maybe there is a "pet" detergent I dont know.