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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

Original poster

Clothes smelling sour - only some

26 replies

DraeneiMage · 25/08/2016 09:49

Any idea why only some of my clothes smell sour when they've been taken out the wash and hung up outside? It's bizarre, some clothes from the same wash smell lovely and others have this weird sour smell?!

I use Fairy non bio powder, lenor softener and I do it on a 40 degree wash for an hour and 4 minutes.

Any ideas?!

OP posts:
Saucery · 25/08/2016 09:57

Have you done a maintenance clean on your machine recently? That often helps.

Original poster
DraeneiMage · 25/08/2016 10:29

How do I do a maintenance clean?! Blush

OP posts:
Saucery · 25/08/2016 11:22

There are sachets you can get in the supermarket, that go in the powder compartment of your machine and you run the hottest wash setting you have.

Saucery · 25/08/2016 11:23

Or have a search on here, it is an MN Specialist Subject Grin

Saucery · 25/08/2016 11:25

Or do a search on here, as it is an MN Specialist Subject Grin

squiggletea · 25/08/2016 17:09

Is it different fabric types? I find certain clothes harbour the smells more than others. Bio powder has revolutionised my washing.

I

Gatekeeper · 25/08/2016 17:11

I would ditch the Fairy and start using bio. Ariel I'm my opinion is the best there is and always on offer in home bargains

wowfudge · 25/08/2016 20:05

You don't need special sachets to clean your machine - put it on the longest, hottest wash with soda crystals or distilled vinegar. It might be that you need to use a forty degree wash on the smelly stuff if you usually do them at thirty.

Original poster
DraeneiMage · 26/08/2016 09:37

Thanks for your suggestions everyone - I stopped using bio when I had my baby but she's 2.5 now so I'm guessing I could switch back to bio?!

I'll try a maintenance wash, then I'll switch to bio & see if that makes a difference :)

OP posts:
roseteapot101 · 26/08/2016 09:44

every few months i pop a couple milton sterilising tablets in the washing machine draw and pop on a very hot wash.I then pop it on a quick rinse.That removes all the weird odours that can build up

MadameCholetsDirtySecret · 26/08/2016 09:47

Don't overload your machine either as the clothes won't wash properly and this could cause the smell.

PolterGoose · 26/08/2016 09:47

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

misscph1973 · 26/08/2016 09:51

Bio laundry powder works because it has enzymes in. This means that it works best at low temperatures. In my experience bio is very efficient.

Regarding the smell, it is because of different fabrics. Check the label and compare. Synthetics can smell very different to cotton.

Try using vinegar instead of fabric conditioner, it's really good for smells.

pieceofpurplesky · 26/08/2016 09:57

Use powder not capsules too

chough · 26/08/2016 14:23

I found this, but it's been fine since I started putting 2 Persil capsules in the machine instead of 1, which is in line with their directions for a 7kg plus load.
Could that be your problem: you have a large capacity machine and are not using enough detergent?

wowfudge · 26/08/2016 15:36

I've read there's little evidence the enzymes in bio detergent cause skin irritation btw - it's the strong perfume in commercial brands which is more of an irritant.

Most normal bio washing powders contain bleaching agents which help keep your machine clean, as well as cleaning clothes. Liquids and capsules don't.

Gatehouse77 · 26/08/2016 19:20

My dark clothes only come out of the washing machine smelling musty and horrible.

Lights, whites, linens and towels all fine.
I use the same programme but vary the temperature (40 for clothes, 60 for others).

I do regular maintenance with vinegar, bicarbonate of soda and tea tree oil but this has made no difference. I clean the seal and check the filter – all fine.

We use Sainsbury's non-bio tablets and Comfort Pure as myself and one DD react to anything else.

Help!!

touche1066 · 03/12/2018 19:18

Hiya, I’ve got the same exact problem. Just the darks come out smelling sour.

Since I just came across this thread and it’s a year old, have you since found a solution?

Thank you

ChishandFips33 · 05/12/2018 05:38

Fleecy tights here for some reason...so think man made fabrics could be the culprit

Are some things taking longer to dry? That can cause a foisty smell too

Unstoppables are proving a temporary solution here

Pammy1875 · 07/01/2019 17:32

I have the same problem.. but it's just some of the dark washing not all. And when it's dry you can't smell it . Did anyone find a solution?

EcoCleaner · 07/01/2019 17:47

Are you throwing all your washing in together and not using appropriate cycles? Remember your washer has different cycles and different temperatures for a reason.

Use a bio powder (not a liquid, gel or pods), avoid quick washes, minimum 40 degrees and do a regular maintenance wash and you should be fine.

Quick washes are often the cause of a lot of problems as they’re only designed for small loads, but people really love to cram their machine full and stick it on quick 30. Avoid - doesn’t wasn’t properly.

Pammy1875 · 07/01/2019 20:28

I always wash at 40 for darks and usually takes about an hour . But think I'll try the bio powder as I just use the liquids. I usually put my machine on a 90 with soda crystal once a month.. it just seems to be certain things 🤷‍♀️.. but thank I'll be trying the bio powder 👍

BoffinMum · 09/01/2019 06:23

Are you overloading the machine?

Pammy1875 · 09/01/2019 12:46

Not at all . I actually put less in as I'm a lazy moo and don't iron. Also don't leave it in machine, I take it out as soon as its finished. So I don't have to iron lol

BoffinMum · 10/01/2019 14:35

Is there a button to press for extra water during the wash cycle?