Ash UK/US

Sounds like mildew/mold, nothing that bleach couldn't solve.

GeoffM

Despite the multi-pronged approach, it still didn't come out smelling of that "freshly laundered scent"! Note that it doesn't smell of mildew, mould, or anything bad either. Just neutral. Wife complained that I didn't use the stain remover on the white socks so it's gone for another wash - secret tactic so she does it next time!

Just looked at the boiler and it was set on "B" - graduated for half the range, then A, B, C, and "Very hot". I've set it on "C" so we'll see how hot that gets.

Currently we have Arm&Hammer Oxiclean liquid, Bold powder, and Tide tumble dryer sheets. Can't remember what we've had in the past but it's been a variety. Come to think of it, in relative terms it's a lot less powder than we used to use in the UK.

Thanks again!

Ash UK/US

Try Gain!!! They (as well as Purex) also have scent booster beads although I have never had a problem in just using the detergent.

yellowroom

I found in the UK that I could always use less detergent than the manufacturer's recommend, and still get a good wash. Over here I find I need to use more than the recommended amount. Perhaps it's a dilution effect due to top-loaders using lots more water than front loaders?

Once I stopped being stingy with Tide, I found that more stains actually came out of my clothes. I also lift the lid on the machine after about the first minute of agitation, and let the clothes soak for 5-10 minutes, before then continuing the wash. That seems to help too.

Not had the smelly experience though, so run out of suggestions on that one, sorry.

Jerseygirl

If I use a top loader I usually run it through the wash cycle 3 or 4 times before rinsing.

yellowroom

To do that on my machine I'd have to stand over it to catch it before it went into rinse and move the dial back round to wash. I'm too lazy and not that desperate enough yet.

Good tip for future reference though, thanks!

holly2234

Yeah more than likely. Thankfully mine is ok!

GeoffM

Water temperature too hot to touch now, so hopefully that'll help. Run out of dirty laundry though!

Anian

The problem with top loaders is that they are always dancing in the moonlight.

I'll get my coat.

Guindalf

This is dependent on the water in your area and not really a UK/USA thing. The softer the water, the less detergent needed.


Ours doesn't move! It's really well balanced and you can hardly tell when it goes into the spin cycle!

yellowroom

In general yes. However, I've moved from a very hard water area in the UK to a very soft water area in the USA! My generalisation stands - in the UK I could use about 2/3 of the amount recommended on the packet to get a good wash, here in the USA I need to use 50% more than recommended to get a good wash.

GeoffM

Not really about the machine though, more about the contents. Ours is balanced but if don't even the stuff out then there's only so much damping the machine itself can do before it starts dancing.

GeoffM

Double dose and hotter water: slightly more "laundry" smell than neutral. I think it must be down to the soap now. When we run out I'll try the ones mentioned earlier.

Moonshadow_Girl

DH likes to put Bounce under the seats in the car, particularly when the weather gets colder and the car stays shut (ie. no open windows) for longer periods of time.

Moonshadow_Girl

I use both!