Savvy Secret -Sweet Smelling Laundry

This savvy secret is the easiest of ways to insure you will have clean, fresh sweet smelling laundry.  No matter what detergent you choose, or how often you use your washing machine, there can develop a musty or moldy smell.  It can cause your laundry to take on that smell.  But there is a simple solution to this.If your washing machine is a top loading machine, set it on the hottest cycle possible and add 4 cups of white vinegar.  Allow it to run for about 5 minutes then open the lid and allow the vinegar solution to sit for 1 hour.  Close the lid and allow the machine to complete the cycle.  When it has finished remove the bleach and fabric softener dispensers and clean them with a solution of vinegar and warm water, then rinse thoroughly and dry before replacing them.

If your washing machine is an HE front loading machine, add 3/4 cup of white vinegar in the bleach dispenser and run your machine on the “white” cycle with the hottest water possible.  When the cycle is over, run an extra rinse cycle, then remove and clean the bleach dispenser and the fabric softener dispenser.  Dry well and return. Using a a solution of warm water and vinegar wipe down the rubber seal around the door to remove any mold or mildew that may be lurking there.  Then dry the inside of your machine including the rubber seal as thoroughly as possible.

Lastly leave the door of your washing machine open or ajar when not in use to allow it to dry out so that there is little opportunity for mold and mildew to grow.

In both cases the vinegar and hot water will kill mold and mildew and soften and remove any soap scum buildup.  If these are particularly heavy, repeat the process right away.  If you run your machine with this vinegar solution once every month you will be certain to have clean, fresh smelling laundry every time.

Happy wash day 🙂