Getting rid of damp smells on clothes and saving money on washing?

Slowly57

I use a bit of cheapy (supermarket own make) 'Vanish' alternative in each wash as it is a mild oxy-bleach. You can also get a build up of gunk in the drain pipe at the back of the washer. Just going to put some towels in a hot wash now.

MrsTinks

If after a good scrub of the washing machine your clothes is still coming out "smelly" then check the drain pipe... gunk will often congeal there and the smell will go back into your wash - at 90 it seems to control it but only if you're quick and get your stuff out quick LOL

If you have or are a handy man then it could be worth disconnecting the washing machine and putting some drain cleaner down the outlet pipe and letting it sit - then pour down boiling water to flush or follow manufacturers recommendations. If the pipe looks spiffingly clean and there is no smell from it then your problem is in the washing machine somewhere...

Some local companies will actually come out and do a clean where they take it apart and check everything inside and clean it. Check their prices but it might be worth it to extend the life of the machine too!

I do have friends who have jobs or certain medical conditions where things can react in the wash and some detergents work far better than others on neutralizing this so don't be afraid to try other options. I'm a liquid girl myself - I don't like powders, find they clog up more in my opinion, don't like tabs as I can't change the dosage to reflect what I'm washing LOL I also have ecover laundry bleach for the whites (so many shirts and school polos!!!)

As for cleaning the machin you can put the drawer in the dishwasher if you are feeling lazy LOL I find it satisfying to clean it personally but dishwasher does a decent job!

Good luck!

(oh and a weekly 90 degree wash for towels seems to help too)