Tide washing machine cleaner

[norgechef]

I just started using Tide washing machine cleaner about a month ago, because my Maytag Atlantis was starting to get gunked up with softener residue in the dispenser and the agitator. Also, my Kenmore HE5T was starting to get a moldy odor which I'm told is normal with these machines. When I looked behind the door boot on my HE5T I noticed a layer of build up which wasn't cleaned away using the directions on the package. I ended up scrubbing it out.

I have a few more observations and some questions. First off, the smell of the cleaner. It is overwhelmingly strong. Like regular Gain detergent x100. I have, at this point used it once a week, for 3 consecutive weeks as it says to do on the package, and I have mixed feelings.

With the Atlantis it did remove the softener build up, the agitator bolt still looks a little sludgy though. Not sure what I would use to clean that. I add 2 packets of the cleaner instead of one because it uses so much more water than a front loader, and I knew the only way the softener dispenser was getting clean was if it was submerged in water, so I just threw it in during the cleaning cycles and it is spotless. However, after the cleaning cycles, it always seems to leave a thick, strong smelling residue on the agitator. It is not visible but it is sticky. That was not there before running these cleaning cycles. Also, the pump failed during the last few days. Which is common with ''Norgetag'' pumps. Probably unrelated, but I found it odd.

On the Kenmore it doesn't seem to do much, even using it on the sanitary cycle. It smells better, but the residue inside the boot seal never came off, so that makes me question whether its really cleaning the other parts inside the tub. It seems to do nothing more than cover up the moldy odor with the offensively strong scent.

Do any of you use Tide washing machine cleaner? Does anyone prefer it over Affresh or using bleach? I know the Tide can't be used on the cleaning cycle for the Kenmore but maybe the Affresh can. It's been years since I've used anything but bleach in the Kenmore, because the cleaning cycle says to use bleach only and bleach with detergent as it says to use in the Maytag manual. But I was finding it was not working so well. That's when I tried the Tide. I think I'll try Affresh next, and maybe alternate between them if I don't find a difference. What is the best option for odor and reside removal in your opinion?

 

[lakewebsterkid]

Duet

We have never experienced odor, mold, etc in our Duet. I have used Affresh numerous times. The tablet goes in during the clean washer cycle and is used without an issue. Little sudsing. We generally do this every other year or so. I typically wipe the gasket out with a little bleach spray when there is any residue or build up. I do not see how the Tide washer cleaner can work to clean any residue out of the machine since it isn't much different in comparison to their regular powder detergents. It would be best to try a strong degreaser in the machine. Maybe ammonia?

 

[uncledave]

I just use citric acid or Lemi shine.

UD

 

[launderess]

Stuff is mostly sodium percarbonate (oxygen bleach) and washing soda. Thus while likely great for getting at gunk and or maybe mold/mildew, probably wont be very effective on hard water/detergent/mineral deposits.

I'd still go with an acidic based product including using white vinegar. The latter also kills mold/mildew but also will dissolve hard water scale.

 

[arbilab]

Iodine kills EVERYthing without attacking machinery.  I've used a few drops in a FL (add to water, NOT to clothes) and smells like sunshine. 

 

Won't touch fab-sof slime or minereals [sic].  Those are MEAN.  Wax, and calcium embedded in wax.  Citric will denature calcium carbonate but the residual mineral is a sticky film that takes some abrasion/scrubbing.  Citric doesn't put a dent in wax, never really touches it at the molecular level.  The good wax solvents are generally unsafe in large amounts, but isopropyl can be spritzed on spots and wiped.  Wouldn't pour it in and energize, only takes one spark.

 

 

 

[yogitunes]

never used it, never had to...in fact my machines don't have a 'clean washer' cycle...

normal proper use of the machine takes care of itself.....I never leave the doors or drawers open...no reason to...

even my machines that I got in that were heavy with mold and mildew clean themselves within weeks of proper use...a spray down with a bathroom cleaner with bleach, designed for mold/mildew issues does give it a kick start...

hot and warm washes are recommended for 95% of your loads.....this is also based on your water heater set at a minimum of 140, and purge the lines before starting your machine....if your machine has a built in heater, USE IT!

if you want a super cleaner for your machine.....powder dishwasher detergent is great.....but the best is chlorine granules used for a pool....run the clean washer cycle, and pause the machine if you can to allow it soak a bit longer...2 cups will work...

 

[johnb300m]

I use Tide washer cleaner in my Maxima front loader.
It does a good job.

BEWARE: On the WP platform "clean washer" cycle, Tide and other washer cleaners other than Affresh will SUDS up too much.
The first few times I used Tide, waves of suds were pouring out of the rear vent.
I now use a 1/4 of the Tide pouch, and that works pretty well too.

On mine, the boot doesn't really get cleaned either. The water never splashes much on or in the boot. I have to wipe it down by hand.
Nature of the machine.

 

[losangeles]

Tide Washing Machine Cleaner

I have a 2006 Whirlpool Duet washer. I use Tide Washing Machine Cleaner regularly about every 2 months. I set the washer for the sanitary cycle, but before the door lock kicks in due to the high temp wash, I pause the washer, open the door and Use a "Dobie Pad" ( nylon mesh coated sponge and a small surgical handbrush to clean the boot and all its folds. The water in the bottom of the tub is used to rinse the pad and brush. If you have sensitive skin, I suggest the use of rubber gloves. After this I start the machine again pausing it every 15 minutes to allow the outer side of the wash drum to soak in the solution. Then I hit start and let the washer complete a full sanitary cycle with extra time and extra rinse added for good measure. I after 12 years of service my machine still has no mold, mildew or foul odors, and the boot is clean without stain or residue.

 

[jeff_adelphi]

My 2001 WP Duet,

I have never cleaned or even wiped the boot off, and the washer is as clean as when it left the factory. I do use mostly hot washes and good powder detergent, and almost always some fabric softener. If your washer gets dirty when you use it, your clothes are not getting clean!

 

[norgechef]

Lots of good advice!

I think I will try the Affresh and then go from there. Lots of great options here, I'm sure I will find one I favor more than others. The reason the machines get dirty is because I am washing some very heavily soiled items and I suppose the dirt just builds up, even using the Heavy Duty cycle for most loads. I never use the Normal cycle. Between the months of April-September I always use cold water since it is warm enough at that time that it is not freezing and can dissolve liquid detergent. I actually turn the hot water valve off for my Atlantis since the only temperature it does not have Automatic Temperature Control on is the Cold/Cold selection. I have been doing this for years on top loaders without having anything major such as bearing/seal failures. Granted there is at least 1 load a week where I use the maximum amount of bleach for my towels/facecloths etc. as they are all whites.

I use the ''Cool'' temperature, instead of tap cold on the Kenmore. But as soon as fall comes around its hot and warm water washes for both machines, and I usually try to alternate between liquids and powders. My Kenmore does have a built-in heater. And what's great about my machines is that they were both designed when ATC was meant to boost the water temperature instead of lowering it. The Atlantis is from 2003, and the Kenmore 2007. I have no preferred brand of detergent, as long as my clothes are clean and smell fresh. I find some store brand detergent works just as well as Tide. 2 additives always stay consistent. For whites its bleach, and for colors I use Clorox 2 liquid along with my detergent. More or less Clorox 2 depending on the detergent brand.

Sidenote- A family member I know owns a 1999-2003? Kenmore 90 series direct drive. She has 2 small children and a dog, who make some pretty nasty stains. She NEVER uses hot water. The machine has 6 temperature combinations, even an ATC cold water wash, and she refuses to use anything but the tap cold setting, and then wonders why nothing gets clean or fresh even after my numerous requests that she try warm or hot water.

Her answer is that she can't afford to pay for the hot water. She only ever buys detergent that is on sale, and uses a TON of softener, sometimes with scent beads as well. and never uses the heavy duty agitation speed. I find there is no circulation at all for large loads on the ''normal'' (slow) agitation speed.

I have never seen a machine so gunked up in my life. I don't know whats worse, the sour scent of the fabric softener dispenser that has never been cleaned, or the moldy odor, along with the thick layer of literal SLIME at the top of the wash basket. She has had the washer since 2011 and it is surprising the machine is still running. It has only had the motor coupler and agitator dogs replaced. You can smell the washer as soon as you enter the basement. I would imagine it looks similar to a toxic waste dump with the inner tub removed. The agitator is covered in stains. Rust and dirt all over the top of the cabinet. Just nasty. but she keeps everything else clean. Not a dirty person, just doesn't understand or care to know about these things like most people.

 

[lakewebsterkid]

HE5T

My Duet used less water on the Heavy Duty cycle in comparison to the Normal cycle. Does your machine have a Whites cycle? I find that it is FAR more effective than Heavy Duty.

 

[askolover]

Last time I wiped the boot of the Miele I found it was totally unnecessary and the Asko doesn't have a boot.  As Yogi said, "never used it, never had to".  Looking through the holes in my washers' drums with a flashlight I have yet to find anything but shiny stainless steel.

 

[iheartmaytag]

I mostly use Afresh

I don't have to, as I leave my door open, and have never had a mold problem. I just don't want to have a problem either.

As I said I usually use Afresh about ever two to three months just to keep things clean. I tried the Tide cleaner once, and here is what I observed.

1. It was very sudsy. To the point of coming out the vent in the back.
2. It smelled like a French Brothel. Very perfummy, and flowery.

At least with Afresh, when the clean washer cycle is over there is just a light citrus smell. With the Tide cleaner, it will knock you over nosegay smell.