Hard water and washing machines.

[mrsfoamy]

I've been wondering why for the last few months why my towels don't smell fresh.
Today I had to wash a load of icky DH work clothes. It left a bunch of leaves and whatnot along the top of the agitator. As I started to wipe it off, I uncovered a whole new box of scariness
I found these tips here -
http://www.thediaperhyena.com/washingmachinecare.htm


Loosening the grunge and grime. Starting with an empty washing machine, run HOT water up to the highest washing level your washer offers. When the water is full and the washer begins agitating, add 3 cups of distilled white vinegar (2 cups of lemon juice can be substituted) and 1/2 cup of baking soda to the water. Allow the cycle to run almost completely, advancing it to 'spin' right as the water starts to drain. By doing this, the washer will spin and drain at the same time. Follow by wiping down the inner tub, removing any residue that has been loosened by the cleansing process. To remove all remaining residue, follow this with a complete COLD water cycle. Adjust your washer's agitation to high (where you would place it for heavily soiled clothing). This technique should remedy any lingering soap scum or mineral deposits both in the drums of your washing machine and the hoses.
Baking Soda and Vinegar :: neutralize odors and removes residue.

Basic Ingredients: Baking Soda and Vinegar - neutralize odors and removes residue.


Why Baking Soda and Vinegar?

Baking Soda :: Baking Soda lifts residue effectively from the inner tub of a washing machine to dissolve easily in the wash water, flushing out the pipes/hoses on the way. Because it is so very water soluble, it dissolves before its soft crystalline molecules can scratch or damage a surface. Baking Soda has the power to neutralize odors, instead of just covering them up. It deodorizes by bringing both acidic and basic odor molecules into a neutral state.



Vinegar :: Vinegar is mildly acidic in nature, which makes it ideal for cleaning. It has the ability to eliminate soap residue and build-up on any given surface while neutralizing odors.

I'm doing this tomorrow!

[Contrary Housewife]

Let us know how it works. Our water is so hard I've had to soak things like the aerator on the faucet in straight vinegar for a week to clean it of built up mineral deposits.

[frugalfranny]

Post back again here when you finish it........let us know.

I would try that......I have hard water too........it is really hard on water tanks......UGH!

[Siebrie]

I always use a de-calcifier (storebrand) with every washload, and still the calcium builds up. I think I should run an empty load with a whole bottle of vinegar!

[lisaflex]

also if you run an empty load of RustOut or LimeAway, then a load of vinegar, that helps wonderfully

[mrsfoamy]

Most of the gunk I cleaned out by hand. Running the vinegar and baking soda through really didn't make it shiny clean, but I could see the benefit of doing this once a week.