Monday, April 12, 2010

Remove washing machine odors with Smelly Washer {Review & Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to those who entered!}

Like pretty much all couples, my husband and I have little things that we tease each other about. I harass him about doing brainless things (e.g. putting the ice cream in the refrigerator), being able to fall asleep almost instantly at any time and that before we started dating he wore all earth-toned clothing (not literally, but it was still odd). He, on the other hand, picks on me for being oblivious when the item I'm searching for is right in front of me, being willing to load but not unload the dishwasher and also claims that in college I went with weeks in between washing my towels.

Some of the above hold more truth than others but something that has definitely been an issue is my husband's distaste for a towel that has even the faintest odor. I'll take a freshly laundered towel out of the dryer and bury my nose in it, thinking it smells great... while he takes one whiff and remarks that we need to buy new towels.

Is it the towels? Do we have a stinky washing machine? I don't think either are true, I think that all we need is something better than detergent to clean our towels once in a while. Something to rid them of that musty, mildew smell. Something like Smelly Washer.


When we moved into our house it had an ancient washing machine, so we upgraded to a front loader and I have loved it ever since. I could create an ongoing list naming the positive features of front loading washing machines, starting with the larger capacity, less water used and the fact that being able to watch the clothes spin around is quite entertaining to children.

However, one of the most common complaints is that left untreated, front loaders can build up quite a bad smell from the dirty clothes, detergent, fabric softener, etc. In order to prevent the need for repairs, the easy and efficient solution is to use a washing machine cleaner and remove the mildew odor yourself. We've managed to keep our machine smelling pretty fresh by keeping the door open when it's not in use, but then there are those towels that my husband is always complaining about.

Fortunately, not only does Smelly Washer rid your washing machine of any stinky scents, it does double duty as a towel cleaner as well. First, I followed the instructions to make sure that my machine was clean and ready - one cap of Smelly Washer went into the dispenser, through a hot wash cycle and it was done. For washing machines that really need more cleaning, Smelly Washer can be left longer or run through several times to get it fresh.

Since my front loader was clean-smelling to start with, I didn't notice a huge difference, but I was ready to really test it out with a pile of old, musty towels that had been first used for people, then for our dog, then have sat in our basement to be used as rags. Let's just say that they didn't just smell, they REALLY SMELLED.

After first washing the load of towels with Smelly Washer only and then rewashing normally with detergent, I couldn't wait to pull them out of the dryer. The result?


I was amazed that these towels smelled fresh, clean and without a hint of odor or mildew. Had I not known that these towels have been around for years and years and have gone through so many uses, I would never have guessed. I definitely have plans on using Smelly Washer on the rest of our towels, particularly the ones that my husband and I have differing opinions on. If they smell this good, we won't have to keep unnecessarily going out and buying new ones all the time!

Having had such a great response to their washing machine cleaner, Smelly Washer has now come out with a new product, Smelly Towel. The garden fresh fragrance is made specifically for people like me who want to remove the musty scent from their towels or clothing and make them smell new again - what a great idea!

An all-natural product, Smelly Washer is guaranteed to eliminate washing machine odor, fungus and mildew from any washing machine (front or top load). For $16.99, one bottle is an entire year's supply and worth every penny if you have a machine or towels that need it. Plus, thanks to the generosity of Smelly Washer, one person will no longer have to avoid the odors of their stinky machine, because...

One lucky person will win a year's supply (1 bottle) of Smelly Washer!


To enter to win: Visit Smelly Washer's Odor Removal Tips page and tell me something you found interesting there.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry (per method) if you follow Smelly Washer on Twitter and/or subscribe to the RSS feed of the Smelly Washer blog.
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

WIN a 1-year supply of Smelly Washer for a clean machine and no musty, stinky towels @thxmailcarrier! http://bit.ly/8YQ1CI #win #giveaway

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect (see sidebar), subscribe to my RSS feed or subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to Thanks, Mail Carrier and SmellyWasher.com. Please leave an address where it can be found.


Giveaway will end on May 6th at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to residents of U.S. and Canada only.

A big thank you to SmellyWasher.com for providing a bottle for me to review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

467 comments:

  1. Am I 1st? Weird.
    I learned that if you use liquid fabric softener, you should dilute is with 6 parts water to 1 part softener so it doesn't yuck up your machine.
    rach62803@yahoo.com

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  2. gfc follower
    rach62803@yahoo.com

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  3. gfc follower 2
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  4. email subscriber
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  5. email subscriber 2
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  6. entered DownEast basics
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  7. entered FAB beauty
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  8. entered measure up bowls
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  9. entered Plasma car
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  10. entered pillow pet
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  11. entered KOR ONE
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  12. entered Flirty Aprons
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  13. entered Hallmark
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  14. entered McNeill game pack
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  15. entered ThermaPAK
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  16. entered Justice Juels
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  17. entered Delta faucet
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  18. entered Britax
    rach62803@yahoo.com

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  19. I learned that washing machines build up lint, just like a dryer. I never knew that!

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  20. Follow Smelly Washer on Twitter!
    @aeris321

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  21. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  22. I follow you on Twitter and tweeted!
    http://twitter.com/aeris321/status/12086662754

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  23. Why Cleaning Lint Away Is Important
    The collected lint contains dirt and moisture that cause washing machine mold and mildew, leading to a stinky washer. If you clean away the lint, you can avoid the formation of washing machine mold and mildew that will not only contaminate everything you wash, but also spread to other parts of your home.

    autumn398 @ yahoo.com

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  24. I learned that cleaning the lint out helps prevent mold from building up.

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  25. It's guaranteed to remove odors in the washer.

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  26. I learned that the main cause of the stink is overuse of detergent.
    monster6236(at)gmail(dot)com

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  27. follow and tweet http://twitter.com/5memb/status/12101947538
    monster6236(at)gmail(dot)com

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  28. i use only cold water for washing clothes (saves on heat bill) but running one hot water soak per week will melt soap & softener residue that builds up.
    I will definately be doing that!
    my boys are all sports and their clothes STINK even after washing!
    chichijunk at cs dot com

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  29. Im a twitter follower!
    chichijunk at cs dot com

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  30. People generally use way more detergent than needed, I had no idea!!!

    ammr0411@gmail.com

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  31. Britax stroller giveaway!

    ammr0411@gmail.com

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  32. KOR ONE giveaway!

    ammr0411@gmail.com

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  33. PlasmaCar giveaway!

    ammr0411@gmail.com

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  34. Follow you on Twitter!

    Mandii411

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  35. Email subscriber!

    ammr0411@gmail.com

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  36. Google Friend connect!

    ammr0411@gmail.com

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  37. I never knew washers built up lint like dryers!
    15lcall@gmail.com

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  38. entered downeast giveaway
    15lcall@gmail.com

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  39. 2 email subscriber

    ammr0411@gmail.com

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  40. 2 google friend connect

    ammr0411@gmail.com

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  41. Button is on my blog!

    crochetingmyheartout.blogspot.com

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  42. I didn't know that using too much detergent or fabric softener could cause bad smells- I'm definitely cutting back! Our washer has always had this nasty smell.

    bethwillis01@gmail.com

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  43. Follower Smelly Washer on Twitter

    bethwillis01@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. Follow you on twitter and tweeted!

    http://twitter.com/bethwillis01/status/12110705319

    bethwillis01@gmail.com

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  45. 1- Follow on Google Friend Connect

    bethwillis01@gmail.com

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  46. 2- Follow on Google Friend Connect

    bethwillis01@gmail.com

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  47. 1- RSS feed subscribe (google reader)

    bethwillis01@gmail.com

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  48. 2- RSS feed subscribe (google reader)

    bethwillis01@gmail.com

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  49. 1- email subscriber

    bethwillis01@Gmail.com

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  50. 2- email subscriber

    bethwillis01@Gmail.com

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  51. 1- button on my blog

    http://bethscoupondeals.blogspot.com/

    bethwillis01@gmail.com

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  52. 2- button on my blog

    http://bethscoupondeals.blogspot.com/

    bethwillis01@gmail.com

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  53. 3- button on my blog

    http://bethscoupondeals.blogspot.com/

    bethwillis01@gmail.com

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  54. I never knew that using too much detergent is what causes the smells. I always thought I was cleaning better by using too much!!!

    sarahcoulsey03 at gmail dot com

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  55. Iam a follower 1

    sarahcoulsey03 at gmail dot com

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  56. I am a follower 2

    sarahcoulsey03 at gmail dot com

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  57. I am an RSS subscriber 1

    sarahcoulsey03 at gmail dot com

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  58. I am an RSS subscriber 2

    sarahcoulsey03 at gmail dot com

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  59. I am an email subscriber 2

    sarahcoulsey03 at gmail dot com

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  60. I have your button 1

    sarahsblogoffun.blogspot.com

    sarahcoulsey03 at gmail dot com

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  61. "The main cause of front load or top load stink is the overuse of detergents."

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  62. I am an eamil subscriber and a follower of your awesome blog!!!!

    I am really surprised at the fact that most people use way to much detergent. I find this very strange considering how much detergent costs now days......

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  63. I wasn't aware that lint also collects in washing machines.

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  64. I found this interesting: The best way to clean both a plastic and stainless steel tub dishwasher is to set it for a long, hot cycle such as “pots & pans” or “baked on goods”. ALLOW THE UNIT TO RUN FOR 15 MINUTES. Open the door and dash in 2 cups of WHITE vinegar. Shut the door and allow the unit to complete it’s cycle.

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  65. I follow Smelly Washer on Twitter (@jkgorcery)

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  66. I follow you on Twitter (@jkgorcery) and I tweeted: https://twitter.com/jkgorcery/status/12120205619

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  67. I follow via google friend connect #1

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  68. I follow via google friend connect #2

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  69. I entered your Britax Blink Stroller giveaway

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  70. I entered your Delta Faucet Company giveaway

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  71. I entered your Justice Juels giveaway

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  72. I entered your ThermaPAK giveaway

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  73. I entered your McNeill giveaway

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  74. I entered your Hallmark giveaway

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  75. I entered your Flirty Aprons giveaway

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  76. I entered your Pillow Pet giveaway

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  77. I entered your Measure Up Bowl giveaway

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  78. I entered your DownEast Basics giveaway

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  79. I learned that people use too much detergent. I hate the way the laundry soap is concentrated now,anyway. I am definately cutting back on it.
    debp
    twoofakind12@yahoo.com

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  80. Smelly Washer is 100% all natural citrus based ingredients and though powerful on odors, it will not harm your septic system.

    sueellison@hcecwildblue.com

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  81. I follow Smelly Washer on Twitter as suebaby05.

    sueellison@hcecwildblue.com

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  82. I entered the ThermaPAK giveaway.

    sueellison@hcecwildblue.com

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  83. I follow you on Twitter and tweeted.
    https://twitter.com/suebaby05/status/12128514506

    sueellison@hcecwildblue.com

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  84. Follower via Google Friend Connect

    sueellison@hcecwildblue.com

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  85. Google Friend Connect-#2

    sueellison@hcecwildblue.com

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  86. Email subscriber

    sueellison@hcecwildblue.com

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  87. Email subscriber-#2

    sueellison@hcecwildblue.com

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  88. I found it interesting that lint buildup in the dryer can cause mold and mildew to form.cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  89. I follow smelly washer on twitter as 409cope.cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  90. I subscribe to smelly washer through rss google feed.cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  91. I follow through google friend.entry #1 cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  92. I follow through google friend.entry #2 cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  93. I subscribe through rss google feed.entry #1 cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  94. I subscribe through rss google feed.entry #2 cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  95. I am an email subscriber.entry #1 cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  96. I am an email subscriber.entry #2 cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  97. Daily tweet!
    http://twitter.com/aeris321/status/12130857660

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  98. I learned that the main cause of front load or top load stink is the overuse of detergents

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  99. I''m bad about leaving the lid closed to the washing machine...duh! Never thought this would lead to mildewing. I learned a lesson today!!! Thanks for the opportunity to win a great giveaway. Thanks, Tammy gordonfan@embarqmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  100. I subscribed via email. Thanks!
    Comment #1

    Tammy
    gordonfan@embarqmail.com

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  101. I subscribed via email
    Comment #2
    Love your blog name!!! Thanks for the great giveaway, Tammy
    gordonfan@embarqmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  102. I'm guilty of this and glad I learned that: The third not-so-common reason for clothes washer smells is using only cold water for washing. Using cold water is fine but makes preventive maintenance very important. A weekly hot soak will dissolve residue not dissolved by cold water. This is a perfect chance to soak soiled dishrags, etc.

    delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  103. RSS subscriber!

    delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  104. Entered Delta giveaway!

    delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  105. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  106. Entered Justice Juels giveaway!

    delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  107. Entered ThermaPak giveaway!

    delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  108. Entered McNeill Designs giveaway!

    delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  109. I learned where to find the lint in your washer if it doesn't have a lint trap (like mine!)

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  110. Entered Pillow Pet giveaway!

    delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  111. Following Smelly Washer on Twitter!

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  112. Entered Down East giveaway!

    delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  113. RSS subscriber #2

    delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  114. Email subscriber #1

    delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  115. Email subscriber #2

    delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  116. Entered the Measure Up giveaway!

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  117. I found interesting that The main cause of front load or top load stink is the overuse of detergents.

    ReplyDelete
  118. Daily tweet!
    http://twitter.com/aeris321/status/12166162475

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  119. I learned that if you use liquid fabric softener, you should dilute is with 6 parts water to 1 part softener so it doesn't yuck up your machine.

    ReplyDelete
  120. I learned how to clean a dishwasher. It is great that you can do it with just white vinegar. "The best way to clean both a plastic and stainless steel tub dishwasher is to set it for a long, hot cycle such as “pots & pans” or “baked on goods”. ALLOW THE UNIT TO RUN FOR 15 MINUTES. Open the door and dash in 2 cups of WHITE vinegar. Shut the door and allow the unit to complete it’s cycle." Thanks for the giveaway.

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  121. Daily Tweet
    https://twitter.com/suebaby05/status/12190550327

    sueellison@hcecwildblue.com

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  122. entered verilux
    rach62803@yahoo.com

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  123. didn't realize that lint built up in the washer too
    sntbosch@msn.com

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  124. I learned that you should leave the washing machine door ajar for a few hours after use to allow excess water to evaporate and reduce washer mildew. Good tip!

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  125. I never knew that washing machines build up lint, just like a dryer!! It makes sense but I never would have guessed it.
    cloud10277@hotmail.com

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  126. following Smelly Washer on Twitter
    @cloud10277
    cloud10277@hotmail.com

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  127. Following @thxmailcarrier on twitter
    @cloud10277
    Tweeted:
    http://twitter.com/cloud10277/status/12226641832
    cloud10277@hotmail.com

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  128. Entry #2
    Following with GFC
    Tracy P
    cloud10277@hotmail.com

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  129. Entry #1
    Subscribe to the RSS feed
    cloud10277@hotmail.com

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  130. Entry #2
    Subscribe to the RSS feed
    cloud10277@hotmail.com

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  131. Entry #1
    Email subscriber
    cloud10277@hotmail.com

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  132. Entered the Verilux CleanWave giveaway.
    cloud10277@hotmail.com

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  133. Entered the Measure Up Bowl giveaway
    cloud10277@hotmail.com

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  134. Entered the PlasmaCar giveaway
    cloud10277@hotmail.com

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  135. Entered the Pillow Pets giveaway
    cloud10277@hotmail.com

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  136. Entered the KOR ONE giveaway
    cloud10277@hotmail.com

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  137. Daily tweet!
    http://twitter.com/aeris321/status/12231955089

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  138. entered Oster blender giveaway
    rach62803@yahoo.com

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  139. I learned that using too much detergent causes the smell. I am very guilty of that.

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  140. i learned it is safe for septic systems
    jenzen1969atgmaildotcom

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  141. twitter/tweet
    http://twitter.com/jenzen1969/status/12250689280
    jenzen1969atgmaildotcom

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  142. smelly washer twitter follower
    jenzen1969atgmaildotcom

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  143. google connect #1
    jenzen1969atgmaildotcom

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  144. google connect #2
    jenzen1969atgmaildotcom

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  145. email subscriber #1
    jenzen1969atgmaildotcom

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  146. email subscriber #2
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  147. rss feed #1
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  148. rss feed #2
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  149. entered oster
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  150. entered verilux
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  151. entereddowneast
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  152. entered fab beauty
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  153. entered measure up bowl
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  154. entered plasmart
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  155. entered pillow pets
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  156. entered kor one
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  157. entered flirty apron
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  158. entered hallmark
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  159. entered mcneill designs
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  160. entered therma pak
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  161. entered justice juels
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  162. entered delta
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  163. entered britax
    jenzen1969atgmaildotcom

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  164. Had no idea that mold grew on fabricsoftener residue in your washer.

    monson 525 at gmail dot com

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  165. following with gfc (1)

    monson 525 at gmail dot com

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  166. following with gfc (2)

    monson 525 at gmail dot com

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  167. email subscriber (1)

    monson 525 at gmail dot com

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  168. email subscriber (2)

    monson 525 at gmail dot com

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  169. I learned that I could be causing my washer to become 'smelly' by only using cold water washes, and by using softener...I don't know if I can get myself to change those things so I probably should use Smelly Washer :)

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  170. I have entered your Pillow Pet Giveaway too! I sure hope I win that one!

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  171. I follow you on twitter and I tweeted: http://twitter.com/babystoreplus/status/12264309268

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  172. I have your button on my stores website, on our "Fav Blogs and Sites" page. See it here: http://www.thebabystoreplus.com/our___favs.html

    entry #1

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  173. I have your button on my stores website, on our "Fav Blogs and Sites" page. See it here: http://www.thebabystoreplus.com/our___favs.html

    entry #2

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  174. I have your button on my stores website, on our "Fav Blogs and Sites" page. See it here: http://www.thebabystoreplus.com/our___favs.html

    entry #3

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  175. I also follow @SmellyWasher...I am @BabyStorePlus, but I think you already know that!

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  176. I learned I should be doing a weekly hot water soak to help keep the washer tub clean of residue.

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