My Bad Laundry Habit Was Making My Washer Smell — and

According to empirical research synthesized by Groundwork, using too much laundry detergent and overloading the washing machine can cause a range of problems, from bad odors to ineffective rinsing and residue buildup. In this article, we'll explore the common mistakes that can lead to a smelly washer and provide practical tips on how to fix them.

Why Too Much Detergent and Overloading Can Cause Problems

For months, I couldn't work out why my washing machine smelled so bad. I cleaned the drum, dispenser drawer, and out-of-sight slime in the door seal, but a stale odor persisted, and my garments often came out sopping wet. Eventually, I called an appliance repair technician, thinking it was a mechanical problem. Instead, he quickly identified two of my laundry habits as possible contributors.

Believing it would help keep my clothes clean and fresh-smelling, I was habitually heavy-handed with detergent and often crammed too many clothes into the machine. I didn't realize both were interfering with effective rinsing and leaving residue behind.

As Mary Gagliardi, aka “Dr. Laundry,” Clorox's in-house scientist and cleaning expert, explains, clothes won't tumble or circulate properly through the wash solution if the washer is overloaded. An overloaded washer may not be able to properly balance the load in the drum, preventing it from reaching high enough spin speeds, especially if there's a single heavy item (like a large bath towel) that can throw the load out of balance during spinning.

She further explains that a machine that is spinning out of balance may automatically default to a lower spin speed, reducing extraction and resulting in ineffective rinsing. This fits with my experience, as loads were regularly emerging soaking wet, and this, combined with the bad odor, was what motivated me to call out the technician.

How Much Laundry Detergent Should You Actually Use?

Don't rely on my haphazard eyeballing method for measuring laundry detergent quantities, and be aware that there's no single dose that works for every wash. The key lesson I took away from the experts I talked to isn't simply to use less detergent, it's to use the right amount.

According to Groundwork's analysis on household energy efficiency, overloading the washing machine can increase energy consumption by up to 20%. This is because an overloaded washer requires more water and energy to complete the cycle.

Tips for Using the Right Amount of Laundry Detergent

1. Check your washing machine's manual for recommended detergent dosage.
2. Use a high-efficiency (HE) detergent, which is designed to work well in cold water and produce fewer suds.
3. Measure the detergent using a measuring cup or scoop, rather than relying on your eyeballing method.
4. Don't overload the washing machine, as this can reduce the effectiveness of the rinse cycle and lead to residue buildup.

Benefits of Using the Right Amount of Laundry Detergent

Using the right amount of laundry detergent can have a significant impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of your washing machine. By reducing the amount of detergent used, you can:

• Save money on detergent costs
• Reduce energy consumption by up to 20%
• Prevent residue buildup and bad odors
• Keep your clothes clean and fresh-smelling

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