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WardStradlater t1_ixtxs3x wrote

Distilled white vinegar has been a lifesaver for me. Every few weeks I will run 1-2 hot cycles set to the largest load with the highest wash setting and I use far more white vinegar than is probably needed (it’s super cheap so whatever) once the water is filled and the cycle starts I open the lid and then let it sit for like 30 minutes not washing, then I use a sponge and scrub the inside, under the lid, everything. Then I remove the fabric softener cup from the center because that stuff cakes inside the tube, and I thoroughly clean that. Then close the lid and let it finish washing, finishing and spinning. Then i typically do a second cycle with vinegar again or sometimes one is good enough. Usually does the trick.

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ShelfordPrefect OP t1_ixtz0rc wrote

White vinegar is my MVP because of the hard water, so I might give it a go. Does the next load of laundry not smell of vinegar?

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fuzzynuts77 t1_ixu05lo wrote

I actually use vinegar for my whites, does not smell at all.

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Westerdutch t1_ixu4q18 wrote

Vinegar rinses out very well. Ive been using it as softening agent forever and the only smell ive ever been able to pick up from anything coming out of the washer is that of the laundry detergent.

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thelilasian t1_ixu45pr wrote

No it doesn't smell. Vinegar is used as a deodorizer for stuff like smelly rooms and such. If you put a cup of vinegar with your clothes it tends to remove sweat stains pretty good.

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Obyson t1_ixu6r76 wrote

When vinager dries its oderless

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val319 t1_ixu8mwb wrote

It won’t make clothes smell I used to use as fabric softener. No smell. I’ve also used vinegar and baking soda to strip chemicals off sheets and make them soft.

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inanemantra t1_ixucxs8 wrote

I put vinegar in instead of fabric softener(don’t in the same load as bleach). Doesn’t smell when complete. Only smells while running if your using hot water for me. Also 2 other important things. Don’t let laundry sit wet and always keep the door open.

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Frankie_T9000 t1_ixuazkp wrote

Just run a rinse through it after if you are worried with an old towel

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Captain_Cockerels t1_ixud05p wrote

I put white vinegar in the bleach cup every wash. I have for years. The clothes never have a vinegar smell when they are done.

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witchyanne t1_ixug9cw wrote

When vinegar dries it usually doesn’t smell.

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Stock-Hippo9570 t1_ixuo26o wrote

You can actually use white vinegar in place of fabric softener and it will deodorize clothes.

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2-Skinny t1_ixubi1y wrote

Might? You asked what you can do to fix the problem, get a simple Nd inexpensive possible solution but you only "might" try it?

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[deleted] t1_ixuh7oc wrote

[deleted]

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2-Skinny t1_ixuno62 wrote

If it made the laundry smell like vinegar why would someone use it frequently to clean? The concept that vinegar smell evaporates is common knowledge.

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panterspot t1_ixu7uo1 wrote

Every few weeks? This doesn't sound normal.

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CygnusX-1-2112b t1_ixuaozo wrote

That's how I actually have to do mine. Probably a problem with the basin draining or using too much detergent. Still haven't figured out which mine is, yet.

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WardStradlater t1_ixurfyp wrote

Probably the latter. We all use wayyyy more detergent than is actually needed. I watched an interesting video online from a professional laundromat owner that showed how modern detergent is so concentrated that using more than one pod or a small capful is actually super bad for the clothes and the machine. In that same video he talked about how fabric softener is actually harmful for clothes and your washer too and recommends using natural fabric softeners like vinegar as well.

EDIT: I’m not chastising you either, I openly admit that I use wayyyy too much detergent hahaa. I’m a nurse so I’m paranoid about my clothes not being clean enough or the washer having bacteria in it for the kids clothes to get dirtied by when washing theirs separate.

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WardStradlater t1_ixur6wf wrote

You don’t clean your washing machine every few weeks? I’m not saying I HAVE to because of odor, I’m saying it’s part of my regular cleaning schedule to prevent sever build up.

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ropenhagen t1_ixu4z4n wrote

I fill the fabric softener dispenser (so its added to final rinse cycle) with white vinegar for all my loads. Coupled with leaving the door open to allow drying, no more stinky machine!

*edit I checked in the morning (muscle memory) and I actually add the vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser not the bleach.

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Ok-disaster2022 t1_ixuhd0v wrote

Misread that I thought you said you were mixing bleach and vinegar. For those not in the know, essentially don't mix bleach with any other chemical except water to dilute it.

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WardStradlater t1_ixurs6f wrote

If you do decide to mix bleach and vinegar in an enclosed area and stay in there you won’t have to ever worry about washing your clothes again! Chlorine gas fixes that problem right away! (DISCLAIMER: I’m being facetious, you’ll die)

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BizzyM t1_ixug18p wrote

Fabric softener is the devil.

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besee2000 t1_ixu83vy wrote

Heck I use white vinegar in the fabric softener cup with my loads. Definitely has cut the smell out.

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Mindraker t1_ixu47vr wrote

> Distilled white vinegar

WITHOUT clothes in the washer.

Also, there might be a little little drain hose in the back of the dryer. Water will "sit" there, too.

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Westerdutch t1_ixu4vow wrote

As long as you dont use gallons of the stuff you can run a wash with vinegar as a softening agent absolutely fine. Your clothes wont explode, just don use it on sensitive fabrics like wool or the likes.

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toxies t1_ixu9w1a wrote

It's actually fine to use on wool too, in moderation.

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Westerdutch t1_ixumkv2 wrote

Ive found that either wool programs dont rinse as proper or the lower temperature does something but for me with wool a slight vinegar smell remains in the clothes. Its very minor, my wife really doesnt smell it and she did a couple blind tests on me because she didnt even believe it but i could pick em out every single time. Granted, we've only ever had two washing machines that did this so with that sample size it could be a coincidence (or it could very well just be a fabric property thing i honestly dont know) but i really dont do that anymore.

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Captain_Cockerels t1_ixud9mg wrote

I wash my clothes with vinegar every time in the bleach cup. I have for years.

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throwaway939wru9ew t1_ixui30b wrote

> Here’s how.

Also, if you're running a cleaning cycle and adding the vinegar, you should wait until after the tub is filled.

Most machines run the pump at the beginning of the cycle to remove any left over water. So if you put the vinegar in first, it might pump it right out before ever filling the basin.

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