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Re: Observations (Reply to this comment)
by randis4927
When you choose "cold," the machine does not merely use your tap water exclusively. Doing so could result in rendering the detergent useless.
Tap water, depending on your location, can be anywhere from 35-55 degrees Fahrenheit. Detergents need to be at least 55 degrees, and preferably 65 degrees, before they can do anything to wash your clothes. Your washer is sensing the temperature of the water and adding hot water to bring the temperature high enough for the detergent to work. Your machine is very smart, and most people aren't fully aware of all the thinking involved in doing what they consider a simple load of laundry.
I could bore you with information about enzymes and catalyzation, but the fact is, your water is just too cold straight out of the tap for the detergent to work properly.
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Jan 14 '09
11:15 am PST
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Regarding top loaders (Reply to this comment)
by randis4927
They actually are just as bad as front-loaders when it comes to residue and the mildew that grows in it, it's just that it resides out of sight. If an owner of a top-loader runs their finger under the rim of the top surface of the opening of the washer, they'll discover a slimy black/green mess. That's the exact same disgusting brew, but hidden from view. Every washer would be happiest with regularly used washer cleaners; top-loaders would do well with products like "Washer Magic," front-loaders with "Affresh" or "StinkyWasher."
As a salesman for one of your competitors (where you'll find more for your life *WINK*), it's nice to see someone else trying to spread the gospel of simple common sense and listening to the salespeople.
We (at least, I know at my company we are) are trained on this stuff, we study this stuff, and this is how we make our living. The average customer thinks about this when their machine breaks or they decide to upgrade. The days or even weeks of research (in tiny bursts) pale in comparison to the training, manufacturer representatives, customer testimonials, and months or years of research we do.
I don't go to the doctor thinking I'm going to have superior or even adequate knowledge in the medical field to treat myself; why, even armed with the customer's bible (Consumer Reports), would the average non-salesperson think they are knowledgeable enough to make an informed decision without the salesperson? Well, as long as people are only buying appliances every 8-10 years, there will be work for us.
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Jan 14 '09
11:10 am PST
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Re: Observations (Reply to this comment)
by johns1947
In your effort to 'get rid of the smell', you will need to 'kill' all the spores. That's VERY hard to do. You have to remove the 'slime' that's on the other side of the rubber seal, also.
Try Affresh, and/or go to 'stinkywasher.com, and/or massive doses of bleach, and/or Dishwashing detergent. Without being able to physically 'scrub' the stuff, you have to get REALLY nasty 'chemically'.
Note: DO NOT MIX THESE CHEMICALS, USE THEM ONE AT A TIME. It probably won't be necessary to use more than one or two. But I listed four fairly effective solutions.
Whenever using chemicals, pour the chemicals directly into the tank, set the machine to run in the 'tub clean' cycle (to add additional water) and with the machine set to 'sanitize' (to get the water up to 160 degrees).
When ever you employ 'Chemical Weapons' you need to completely rinse the unit to remove any remaining chemical.
Empty the 'sump' (wait till it cools down first) and then flush it with AT LEAST ONE empty load on the tub clean cycle.
'Tub clean' over-rides the automatic 'level sensor' and manually fills it to the maximum level
If you go to the laundromats, most of them have an odor, but not to the same degree. That's because they get too much use for mold to build up to a really nasty level. This is to be expected, because the people who use these machines use ANY kind of detergents, and way too much of EVERYTHING. Greasy residue can build up in them, big time.
As for the 'erratic' wash temp,... you have a malfunctioning machine.
I suspect it's a 'relay', or a malfunctioning sensor, but I'm not an electrician or qualified repairman.
One last thought,.. AFTER you get your washer 'clean',.. I would use Dryer Sheets. I would recommend not using fabric softener in the washer, altogether.
I wish you the very best of luck
John
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Nov 17 '08
10:13 am PST
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Observations (Reply to this comment)
by posthinker
We have had our frontloader for 5 years. We have tried many many tricks... We are going to try your instructions on 1/4, 1/3 and 1/6. You make very good scientific points! Thanks!
A comment on people who do not report a bad odor... we have four (4) friends who have the same unit we have. Two (2) of them report the smell and two (2) of them report no smell. We visited all the friends who report no smell. Their washers and wash smelled terrible. When we pointed out the smell they all said, "Oh, that... it does have a little odor but it doesn't bother us." To us it smelled just like our smell... an awful stench that smells like stale puke! :)
So, after reading your article and before replying, we called our dealer... he said "Wow, we have never heard this before..." Unfortunately there is only one male who works at this dealer and it is the same guy we bought the unit from and who we talked to at least 3 times over the past 5 years... Also, we have called WhirlPool several times for suggestions... they say "You are the first..." every single time. :)
Please post more ideas... I am sure we can figure this out and everyone can be happy!
I am sure we will eventually figure out how to get rid of the smell and enjoy the machine.
Another question: How do we deal with the problem where we put delicate clothing into the machine and choose cold water and about once in 20 (a guess), the machine puts in hot water? As a temporary remedy, we either feel the water as it is flowing or we hand wash all delicate clothing. Please help.
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Nov 15 '08
8:15 am PST
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Good Article (Reply to this comment)
by unhappywithlg
Thanks John. I would like to note that I took all of the steps you had indicated except cutting the detergent in fourths, all to no avail. I followed the manufactures instructions to the letter. It was an expensive adventure and one I am glad to be rid of! The world I am sure will appreciate your attempts to help with this very frustrating and expensive problem.
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Nov 01 '08
9:24 am PDT
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Re: Fascinating! (Reply to this comment)
by johns1947
Thank you for your reply,...
This is something I've noticed, People who use VERY LITTLE detergent and no fabric softener don't have a problem. I didn't have a large enough 'sampling' to be able to say for sure.
The people who are most angry, don't volunteer that kind of information (generally). When you question them, they just get 'angrier'.
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Oct 24 '08
8:14 am PDT
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I'm Happy with my loader. (Reply to this comment)
by traneman
I've had ours for about 2 years now, and I use powder instead of liquid. To me the liquid is like the oily softner. I don't use the dryer sheets, I use vinegar instead.
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Oct 24 '08
6:59 am PDT
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Fascinating! (Reply to this comment)
by Trawma,  in Home and Garden
I hope some folks give your suggestions a shot and report back! I've had a front loader for almost a year now--no smell, but we've always left the door open, and have never used liquid fabric softeners. We use only the HE detergent, with the occasional blast of color-safe bleach.
I enjoyed reading!
Kris
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Oct 23 '08
10:33 pm PDT
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