She may be following good practices on those coin-op machines at her apartment but that doesn't mean everyone else using them does so!

Sea Sea, so nice to hear from you! Hope you're doing well.

This certainly sounds like a challenging situation. I'd definitely do a long, hot soak with your Tide powder plus some borax and oxygen bleach. Do the soak at least a few hours, then drain and do a long & hot wash with liquid Persil with an extra rinse. That should knock out the stink.

If you want to try some new products, there is Oxiclean With Odor Blasters http://www.oxiclean.com/en/AllProducts/Stain-Fighters/Products/OxiClean-Odor-Blasters-Versatile-Stain-Odor-Remover I've never tried this but the reviews look good.

And Lemishine Laundry Booster with Funkguard https://www.lemishine.com/products/lemi-shine-laundry-booster-powder/

I've been using the Lemishine and found it to be a great booster but never tried it for removing odors. I bought a new bottle this weekend and think they just started marketing it for odor removal.

I previously used All Oxi booster for odor removal but plan to try the Lemishine on a stinky load of workout clothes soon.

You can buy oxi and Clorox in pods now just like detergent pods. Easier to carry. You might just use Tide with bleach powder for whites/lights. Cleans great. Measure correct amount for each load and put each into sandwich bags with a zip top. Almost easy as a pod.

Ewww! The laundry room sounds gross. Does she have room in her apt. for one of those portable washers? They are small but at least she wouldn't have to deal with the yuck in those machines. I would also talk with the super and see if anything could be done about the machines. Or threaten to contact the health department. They cannot be healthy.

Sea...you don't need to buy her oxyclean, borax ect.....she uses the Tide booster pods right? Its all in those little guys no need for more. Did you explain to your daughter not to use the Tide Boosters on darks or colors?

Thanks for the ideas. What a great brain trust we have here!

Sparky, good idea to put her supplies into ziplock bags. I put her new Ariel powder into manageable size tupperware containers, but I think the baggies is better. I'll pass that along to her. Thank you.

Beaglenc, I know. So gross and unsanitary. I'm quite disturbed by the whole thing. The super there is nice and seems to be always doing improvements to the property. He has his hands full with the tenants though. They are not right in the head. Not a one and it's a struggle for him to keep up, but I told my dd that the super should be running bleach only loads on those machines with hot water at least once a week and said it's a simple request. She agrees but she wants to keep to her phone calls and requests to him to emergency calls only since the tenants are dangerous due to drug use and mental issues and currently she's at 3 calls per week (should be a lot more) complaining about what the tenants are doing. For note, two eviction notices were issued while I was there. I witnessed the problems--not good. Anyhow, at $4.50 a load, I suggested that she not take it upon herself to run those bleach cycles herself as it's management's responsibility to maintain the complex. Apt living in Santa Cruz...it's a different world there. Her apt is tiny. I wish she could have a portable automatic washer. I had one in my last apt as a young person. It was a gift from the heavens as far as I was concerned at the time. They have those ultra tiny washers now that you mention it...I think I saw somewhere how you spin the barrel yourself maybe? I'll look it up and send her a link or two. She might consider that a step up from this nonsense. Thanks for the idea!

Mama, she claims that she doesn't have fading with the Tide rescue pods on her dark loads. I get what you are saying and I've tried to tell her to keep it just to the light colored loads, but she's a devoted fan of those pods and feels it's like insurance considering she lives in such a dirty town and has to share washing machines no matter where she does her laundry there. (they were no match for the gross washing machines though) I saw her clothing while I was there, and she really did have deep dark black clothing. I was amazed. I don't know how she does that, but she does. My blacks were more worn looking than hers to tell the truth. I'll tell her again.

Greeny! Nice to hear from you too! I am doing well. I hope you are well too.

Thanks for the links to new products! You are such a wealth of info. The Lemi shine additive looks to be wonderful. I'll be checking my local stores this week for it, but really from the website you provided, it seems to be a hard to obtain product. I checked Targetdotcom last night but could not find it. I checked walmartdotcom and they had a version of it, but the bottle doesn't look like yours. I wonder if it's the same product, just in different packaging. I'm interested in that product for dd. The walmart site also showed the products Sparky talked about. I wonder if I should order one of each and she can figure out which works best for her going forward. She'll probably get contaminated laundry again since she can't smell well. Ugh.

I'm going with your recommendation plan of Tide Borax and oxygen bleach, soak, drain (probably repeat) then Persil. Gawd I hope this works. Poor thing.

Wish us luck! : )

Why would you allow your daughter to live in an apartment building full of mental patients? It's a university town and must have hundreds of apartment buildings.

We used to get hand me down baby clothes that were stained with food. We soaked them in oxyclean in HOT water and it all came clean.

Sea I'm also wondering why your daughter is living in a building full of ** not a one** mental folks and did you say drugs? Ya a university area would be full of rentals that are safe. If it was me I wouldn't be worrying about the washer..I'd be down there getting my kid out..I wouldn't let her spend another night in such a unsafe place. Why is she in that building?

Good questions! And I agree. Wholeheartedly. This whole thing is upsetting.

When she was living on campus I felt better (not great, but better) about it. At least it was somewhat controlled. She only needed to leave campus to go to work or go to the store. I sent her stuff so even the shopping trips were kept to a minimum knowing what it's like there.

Now that she's in her final year she's not allowed to live on campus unless she wins a lottery for housing. She didn't win, and she was told to vacate. She could live on campus in what they call Family Housing if she was married or had children, which does not apply to her.

She looked at rental after rental in the town. Many would not rent to her due to her age. Same thing happened to me when I was young. Don't know if that's legal or not, but it happens. Other apts were too expensive ($4000 a month) and property owners would not allow enough roommates to make the rent more affordable. Yet other apts were even worse than where she is now regarding the people who live in the complex. Housing is tight in CA in general--high demand, low inventory, high rents. I'm not making excuses. I feel the same way. Believe me, my blood pressure is quite high presently. If there was a better situation, she would be in it. Truly, this was the best she could find. There are many rentals in that town. I saw lots of them while I was there. Unfortunately, it's like this in the entire town. Some of her friends are renting a house in the town. 10 of them under one roof. They each pay $900 a month rent under that roof and not everyone gets a bed or a bedroom. It's a 4 bedroom house with 2 bathrooms. She was offered to go in on this house before they found another person when they were signing contracts, but dd was still under contract with Uni housing and had 8 months to go. University wouldn't release her from her housing contract. The timing didn't work out for her and I think we didn't realize how dismal the general population is. We knew we didn't care for the area. We felt that the 'element' was too populous (seems to outnumber well balanced humans) and wished another Uni in a different city had accepted her. We thought/hoped for certain there had to be somewhere that wasn't too terrible. Apparently we were wrong.

I spent a week there recently. We were on foot and in car driving to every nook of that town looking for alternatives. Willing to break the year lease and deal with the aftermath. We didn't find anything more 'stable'.

There are other moms in my town who have kids going to that school and they are going through the same problems. We've talked. None of us have come up with a better solution.

What we have done is arrange for her to double her credit load and take summer session so she'll graduate early. What normally takes 4-5 years will take her one semester under 3 years. She'll complete summer 2018.

I guess I'm trying to protect her in one way I can which is decontaminating her laundry. I feel powerless otherwise.

I understand your outrage. I feel outrage too, but I guess I've come to accept facts as they are and hope for the best. I find gratitude in that she splits total rent $2000/month with one roommate. Can't believe I just said that. Life is weird these days.

Vent away. I right there with you.

You mention the other moms going thru the same, you've talked, msybe you should all consider renting someplace and sharing rent?

In NYC there are the same issues for college students finding affordable housing and then we have the young hipsters. On the bright side, sad and disenfranchised areas have become hip and cool. Suddenly the powers that be are ensuring city services are provided and life is safer. However, then the rent goes up and no one can afford it. Have you called the University and notified them that your daughter is at risk living in an unsafe environment? Not sure they will care, but it might make a difference if all the moms wrote a letter and threatened to contact the press. Social media is very powerful nowadays. I know you are worried, I hope you find a solution quickly.

Edited to add:

Can she get a dog? I know most college age kids don't need the responsibility.

Mama, by the time the other moms and I talked our kids were locked in leases that expire at different times. If we had thought ahead of time and consulted each other earlier, we might have been able to come up with a better, safer plan. I think it's every man for himself now.

Hmorton,

Thanks for the suggestion to speak/write to the Uni about living conditions. I hadn't thought of that. I stopped thinking about Uni assistance when I found out they actually do boot out their upperclassmen and don't care what becomes of them. I'll talk to the other moms and bring this up. I don't know what may come of it, but it's worth a try. Thanks for the good thoughts. : )

No pets allowed. Seems kind of silly with all that goes on there...

Now back to our regularly scheduled laundry talk...Sorry for the detour to things weird and weirder.

Why are uppers kicked out of safe affordable (laugh) housing??

Good question Mama. One I don't have an answer to. One I'd like an answer to as well.

So on a lighter note, this happened just now.

I ordered these from Targetdotcom yesterday for dd before I received the additive suggestions above from all who wrote in. Delivery to my front door that quick. That is some mighty fast and good service from our pals at Target! Way to go Target! Thought I would share the happy news.

You know Tide has the detergent pods with the odor defense in those too.

I'd be making some calls and sending some certified letters. Id be camping out on the Deans doorstep..I'd be demanding from the school why my kid has to live in unsafe housing in order to get a degree from their school..I'm sorry this is disturbing to me and I feel its of utmost importance.

Sea Sea, I'm really sorry to hear about your daughter's living situation. I hope things get better and this situation is only temporary.

On the bright side, tomorrow I'm sending you a bottle of the Lemishine Laundry Booster along with a few other goodies I found for you. I'll PM you the tracking info late tomorrow.

All our major universities in VA and NC run on the lottery system. Maybe not Duke, I've never checked. Otherwise, all. Freshmen are guaranteed on-campus housing, and after than you go to lottery with decreasing chances of getting a room. By senior year, you are all but screwed. Even in our sweet little towns, females are at risk due to the long walks from parking to classes to apartments. All our girls in the family have routinely carried mace. It is sad what the world has come to.

Hi Sparky,

I didn't know Tide makes pods with the booster in them. I'll pass that on to dd. Thank you for the info! I don't pay much attention to pods in general anymore since I acquired the water hog TL washing machine, so I'm not up on the different pod formulas out there.

Mama,

I called the Uni yesterday to reconfirm (actually got a person on the phone! Usually have to leave a voice mail and two days later someone returns the call). Freshman and Sophomore students are given priority regarding housing, with Freshman being guaranteed housing. Juniors and Seniors are on their own unless they meet the specifications mentioned upthread or they win in the lottery. Uni states they enroll more students than they have housing for and that is their policy. I was told in a polite way that I can take it or leave it--up to me.

Greeny!

Oh my gosh! How sweet of you to send a package of the Lemi shine booster! I'm so thrilled! I'll use it on her laundry then send it home with her. You've made me feel better. : ) Thank you. I can't wait! And yes, it's temporary...We will get through this. Apply safety shield! lol It's a new day, onward. Mustn't think about it. What a dear you are.

MizLizzie,

It's the same there then. Sigh. I'm really sorry to hear this. It is unfortunate what things have come to. My dad went to Duke forever ago and had a room in the dorms the whole time. He only had stories about what a fun, carefree and not to worry four years it was for him (with hard studying of course). He used to say how it was like having a giant family looking out for him. But that WAS forever ago. Things have changed since then. Thanks for sharing what it's like over there.

Sending good thoughts to everyone. Even more so to our TX and FL hurricane affected members. They need it.

Greeny,

I received your care package today. I'm so touched. Really. Thank you. So very thoughtful. The Ariel from Vietnam smells divine. The Viva smells delish-like a blast from the past. I wish I could find these in my area. The LemiShine I haven't opened yet, but it will be working hard with the incoming laundry very soon. Such a care package...I'm so appreciative. You made my day. No. My week. Wait, you made my month! ((hugs)) Thank you again... You've very much made me feel better.

Sea Sea,

You are so very welcome! I'm pleased with how quickly everything came and that it arrived safely.

I LOVE the Lemishine. I personally use it as a booster along with Tide Purclean Free to wash our sheets. All our sheets are a dark grey color and body oils really show. The Lemishine + Tide Purclean = the cleanest sheets we've ever had! Hopefully it's as effective with funk as it is with body oils. LOL

The Viva and Ariel smell fantastic and would be something I'd personally try if I didn't have an asthmatic kitty and picky husband.

I had SO much fun picking these out and sending you the care package! Please enjoy and let us know how everything works out.

xoxo

Littlegreeny

Yea!!!!!! Greeny your a gem.

I think Henkel makes the Viva.

Yes Mama, Henkel makes Viva. It has a wonderful, old-fashioned-y perfume. I hope its cleaning ability is similar to Persil. And I was so excited to find the Vietnamese Ariel...It's aroma is somewhat exotic, somewhat floral and a little herbal.

The outer tub of any washing machine gets dirty over time, with a built-up residue of body oils, dirt, and detergent. If any water is left when the water drains, it becomes more and more stagnant. Your daughter can help the situation greatly by cleaning the inside of whichever washing machine she uses every month or so... it's not as hard as it sounds, and it would certainly be worth it from a health standpoint.

First, pour about a quart of Clorox into the tub and fill the tub completely with the hottest water available. Let it run through an entire wash cycle, and it will kill the germs although not remove the residue.

Then fill the tub with a quart of white vinegar and again fill the tub with the hottest water. At the end of that cycle, the vinegar will have removed any residue and the inside of the tub will be clean and odor-free. Your daughter can then do her laundry using whatever product she prefers.

Think Sea Sea and the rest of us talked about this before. Sea also knows how to maintain and clean a washer. Unfortunately Sea isn't there.

Sea I was thinking since this was brought up...would a small portable top loader be allowed in her apt.? Could be hooked up to kitchen or bathroom sink and can be hidden in a closet. . Its fsirly cheap..its lightweight and on wheels. I know folks all over NYC that arnt allowed washers sneak them in. Can even sit in a corner with a table cover that hangs to the floor.

How is your daughter? Home for summer? What news? Anyway I'm thinking bout you.

Thanks for the well wishes you two.

This particular daughter felt it in her best interest to break her lease and move out of that apt complex. She couldn't take it anymore. She paid the rent through the end of her lease and was content to live in a cardboard box if need be to be rid of the living conditions. Her physician was convinced she had contracted one of the hepatitis viruses from the filth at the apt complex as she needed several ER visits and subsequent hospital admissions.. Turned out she did not have hepatitis thankfully, but had to have her apendix removed. It was a rip roaring year for sure. She moved to another apt building a few months ago costing an extra $400/mo where it's not The Ritz by any stretch, but it seems to be a bit better from what I can tell from Skype video calls. This complex has a locked gate which seems to keep the 'problems' on the other side of the gate. Right outside the gate, but at least not loitering/fighting, living in the bushes, the hallways, laundry room or stairs of the complex proper. She is visibly relieved. Thus, I am as well.

She's pleased with the on-site laundry machines at her new to her building. She has a laundry room on her floor. A Speed Queen set she says has no odor to it. (but her sense of smell is poor, so I hope...) She sees steam coming out of this washer which is a relief as she only does hot washes after the two years from hell at the other complex. She adds Borax and LemiShine powder laundry booster to each load as a little insurance and she feels that her Mexican Ariel covers any other 'cooties' that might be lurking in the otherwise odor-less washing machine she uses. Clorox liquid is also in her cabinet and she runs a bleach only wash before she puts her laundry in if she suspects any monkey business has been going on.

She's overseas at the moment as a tutor for her university so is washing her clothes in sinks and hang drying. Lamenting the lack of ice and cold beverages in Europe (I warned her) during the heat wave. I got her a package of the Amazon brand laundry sheets type of detergent to make the many airport and train trips easier. She misses her Mex Ariel, but for 6 weeks, these laundry detergent sheets will do the job. She'll be in several countries during her stay, so the detergent sheets are carry-on bag friendlier.

Mama, I offered to buy her a portable washer to smuggle into her apt. She gave it serious consideration, but since she just went through landlord after landlord not wanting to rent to her due to her age, she doesn't want to risk anything that would cause her to lose her current improved crummy apt. It was many rental rejections and she just wants to have a habitable slot in a wall to live in at this point. However, when she moves up in the world, she will never use a communal washing machine ever again--she's told me this I don't how many times.

Anyhow, when she returns to the states, she'll fly to the airport in the next city here and stay here for a few days, maybe a week. Rest, eat, get her EU laundry thoroughly washed here at home, then back to Uni. The final year. Not a moment too soon. She's ready to shake the filth of her college town off her feet for good. No love lost there. I don't think she'll ever look back. Or go back. Or refer to it by it's proper name even.

Hope you all are doing well! <3

Quick Tip - When I was younger... and we didn't have pods or capsules of detergent, just HUGE bottles of Liquid & Powder. So... I would take scoops of Tide and place them in sandwich bags when I did my laundry in college. It was so much easier to transport and convenient to dose because it was premeasured and I took just what I needed.

Your daughter could potentially do the same with things like Borax, or Detergent. I also know that Clorox makes a dry version of bleach in a container, which could be handy for whites.

Good Luck :-)

I would think about just using a Cascade Dishwasher Pod in the apartment washer once a month. Set it on the hottest and longest cycle with the most water. I use Cascade monthly in my home front load washer. Don't know how it would work out in a standard top loader though.