New FLs and a few questions

16 years ago

Hello all. I just took delivery of my He5T washer and He5 Steam dryer and have a few questions. I was hoping to get them all asked in one post rather than have to post for each. Here goes:

Is it normal that a comforter that I just washed would come out with a strong paint odor (note the laundry room was painted the night before the installation)?

Even though I plan on not using a fabric softener and will only use powder detergent, how often should I use the vinegar method to clean/refresh my washer?

I've read quite a bit on the subject and I'm thoroughly confused; I'm looking for a good quality detergent that will definitely clean and leave a nice clean scent. I definitely don't want a heavy perfumed odor from my clothes, but I do want some kind of scent. What is recommended and liked? As mentioned above, I washed one comforter with the Sears brand detergent with OxyClean but all I smelled was paint.

I definitely plan to leave the washer door open so it can thoroughly dry, but is spraying a little Lysol in the tub and on or around the rubber seals on the door a recommended practice? What about wiping them down with a Lysol or similar wipe?

Thanks in advance to anyone offering suggestions.

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Comments (2)

housekeeping
16 years ago
Is the dryer a gas model? If so you may have problems with odors for a few weeks or a month or so. Gas dryers are notorious for burning the off-gassed chemicals from recent paint jobs and floor refinishes, leaving the clothing with a nasty chemical/solvent smell that some report is very hard to get out. The temporary cure is to use the dryer with the windows wide open.

(Try rewashing, then air drying your comforter outside to see if the smell comes from the washer or detergent or the dryer.)

A good FL should rinse all the traces of your detergent product out so completely you shouldn't smell anything. It takes a while to get used to the smell of clean fabric as opposed to petro-chemical derivatives of deteregnt perfumes. I had to give up my then-fave ERA detergent when I first used Fls; I grieved for its familiar smell which up to that point meant I had lovely, clean clothes. Your nose will adjust to the new smell of clean, without all the faux-fresh scent. With a F/L, if you smell the detergent, you're not operating it properly.

If you use vinegar as a softener, you can use it in every load in place of f/s.

Proper detergent dosing (and correct product selection for your water chemistry); regular use of hotter water temps and leaving the door of your machine ajar for several hours after use will go a long way towards keeping your machine clean. While vinegar is mildly acidic, I don't think it would do much to correct or maintain a machine. It's main use is as a rinse aid. I wouldn't use Lysol products around the rubber seal, instead just wipe it dry (if you feel you must, I never do and I've been using Fl for many, many years with no stinkies).

Have fun with your new machines!

Molly~
mutta
16 years ago
We have had the HE5t washer and gas dryer for about 3 months now..............no problems and she uses Tide HE.
We run the clean cycle once a month with just bleach---I watched it today with a flashlite and wow------------it really does a good job...........we love the FL after having the Oasis models(junk), no more off balance loads.
We got the Diamond black set and they look the same. I would think the paint smell is normal after you had just painted the room.................
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Comments (2)

housekeeping

mutta

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