Laundry problems - everything smells! (and eczema...)

[Yellowingtrees]

For about 18 months DH did all the laundry, but we're swapping jobs, partly because all our clothes now smell... I don't seem to be able to get on top of this, so I need advice! What I've done so far

• Clean the seal (handfuls of sludge, but it's still spotty w mould stains which I can't get off, even after following all the instructions I can find
• Used washing machine cleaner
• Run a 90 degree wash
• Used white vinegar
• Cleaned the filter and the drawer, and always leave the door open

The machine itself doesn't really smell any more, but the laundry - in particular towels - often smells horrible. The towels can't really be used for more than 2 days, which is hopeless.

I line dry everything - easy this summer, so I don't think this is a drying problem. In the winter we have a hanging laundry thing and a dehumidifier. I usually use Ecoleaf liquid detergent, but we are almost at the end of that, so I'm up for trying other things.

I either need to use non bio for everything, or to separate out my son's stuff (he's got horrible eczema-prone skin) which I would do for a while, if it allowed me to wash whatever has got into the clothes out again!

Suggestions? Advice? Thank you!

There's no strong evidence that biological laundry detergent is more irritating than non bio. Maybe in the past but now with modern machines it shouldn't be an issue. You'll likely have to switch to a good bio detergent like Arial or Persil to get rid of the smell, and wash at at least 40c because that's the temp the enzymes work best.

There isn’t but there is strong evidence that fragrance is irritating to skin, and you can’t buy fragrance free bio detergent in the UK for love nor money, unlike other countries.

Bio detergent actually works better at cool temperatures between 20 and 40 degrees. The enzymes slow down or stop working altogether over 40 degrees.

Smol bio pods have a fairly low irritation scent but for bedding we have to use Smol unscented non-bio.

I have eczema and can’t use any detergent at all but, weirdly, can use Fairy Scent Booster without itching and it makes everything smell lovely.

This is really long but has various suggestions for effective detergents which have enzymes in, hopefully something in there will be fragrance-free?

https://www.reddit.com/r/laundry/comments/1t2iz2w/an_updated_guide_to_uk_laundry/

Actually NM this list looks better

https://www.reddit.com/r/laundry/comments/1owzgj0/fragrancefree_soapfree_lipasecontaining_laundry/

If you’re really desperate you can gently prise off these things. They are often the culprit.

My photo is under review it is a pic of a washing machine drum

If there are a few items that are particularly smelly then try soaking overnight with dilute white vinegar plus bicarb. This really worked for our smelly sports gear. But if it’s everything then agree your best bets are higher temp, bio washing powder and laundry cleanser (I have started using an M&S own brand one), plus never leaving damp laundry in machine or closing machine door when not in use.

Change to powder. The liquids make the machine really stinky and mouldy x

I would suggest a washing powder and extra rinse if your machine has it. We use Dettol in every wash but no one has sensitive skin in this house. It does come in a sensitive skin choice option.

Yes, Marseille soap. A game changer. I use this

www.frenchsoaps.co.uk/products/savon-de-marseille-soap-flakes-olive-oil-750g

I would change to powder, after a couple of weeks the smell will disappear.

I regularly run a drum clean.

Do a couple of hot washes with the machine empty. That should clear some of the gunk.

Then 100% switch to powder.

its the liquid detergent causing the smell. It just doesn’t work properly in some washing machines.

Powder on a 40% wash should solve the problem.

For towels that have got that damp smell, I find a soak in detol laundry liquid helpful. Overnight if possble.

In our last house the washing machine was so rank that in desperation, I filled the draw with bleach (supermarket toilet bleach, probs about 30-40ml) and ran a cycle with nothing in the drum. It foamed up soooo much and leaked out the door a bit but my gosh... It was like a new machine on the inside!!! I think doing this regularly is bad for the seals etc but it worked a treat just doing it once!
I did a few washes with nothing in the draw or drum, to make sure any bleach residue was gone. I then made sure I kept on top of wiping the seals down etc etc

to get the towels right I'd use powder (half what they say) no fabric conditioner or any other product, put on a long 60 degree wash and ideally tumble dry until they're absolutely bone dry.

Vinegar and bicarb cancel each other out so you're saying to soak stuff in very mildly salty water.

Washing machines are not designed for soap. It will make a manky layer that traps dirt and bacteria.

Don't use fabric conditioner, clean the drum seals after use and spin your clothes again when the cycle has finished, your clothes may still be a bit damp, an extra spin will get rid of excess water

Agree.

@Yellowingtrees have you tried to rinse your clothes/towels in the machine without adding any detergent? If the water still goes bubbly even without adding detergent then you might be using too much and have a build up.

Fairy non bio and comfort blue skies. Also dettol sensitive laundry sanitiser in every wash. You need to take it out straight after washing. Eco stuff doesn’t usually smell great.

Also wash at 40. Clothes often still smell at 30

If you use something that your son is sensitive to, the residue can remain in the machine and still trigger a reaction.

wash the towels on the hottest setting you have available with a couple of cups of white vinegar added.

I have always used a powder and never had a problem. I find liquid has caused this problem for me.