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:

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Rachel C said...

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

Rachel C said...

gfc follower
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

gfc follower 2
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

email subscriber
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

email subscriber 2
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

entered DownEast basics
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

entered FAB beauty
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

entered measure up bowls
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

entered Plasma car
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

entered pillow pet
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

entered KOR ONE
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

entered Flirty Aprons
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

entered Hallmark
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

entered McNeill game pack
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

entered ThermaPAK
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

entered Justice Juels
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

entered Delta faucet
rach62803@yahoo.com

Rachel C said...

entered Britax
rach62803@yahoo.com

Kristen said...

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

Kristen said...

Follow you on GFC!

Kristen said...

Follow you on GFC #2

Kristen said...

Email subscriber! #1

Kristen said...

Email subscriber! #2

Kristen said...

Follow Smelly Washer on Twitter!
@aeris321

Kristen said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kristen said...

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

Unknown said...

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

Tina said...

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

maren said...

It's guaranteed to remove odors in the washer.

wildcat32 said...

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

wildcat32 said...

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

Adrienne Zedella said...

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

adrienne zedella said...

Im a twitter follower!
chichijunk at cs dot com

Mandii said...

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

ammr0411@gmail.com

Mandii said...

Britax stroller giveaway!

ammr0411@gmail.com

Mandii said...

KOR ONE giveaway!

ammr0411@gmail.com

Mandii said...

PlasmaCar giveaway!

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Mandii said...

Follow you on Twitter!

Mandii411

Mandii said...

Email subscriber!

ammr0411@gmail.com

Mandii said...

Google Friend connect!

ammr0411@gmail.com

robcallfamily said...

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

robcallfamily said...

entered downeast giveaway
15lcall@gmail.com

Mandii said...

2 email subscriber

ammr0411@gmail.com

Mandii said...

2 google friend connect

ammr0411@gmail.com

Mandii said...

Button is on my blog!

crochetingmyheartout.blogspot.com

Elizabeth said...

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

Elizabeth said...

Follower Smelly Washer on Twitter

bethwillis01@gmail.com

Elizabeth said...

Follow you on twitter and tweeted!

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

bethwillis01@gmail.com

Elizabeth said...

1- Follow on Google Friend Connect

bethwillis01@gmail.com

Elizabeth said...

2- Follow on Google Friend Connect

bethwillis01@gmail.com

Elizabeth said...

1- RSS feed subscribe (google reader)

bethwillis01@gmail.com

Elizabeth said...

2- RSS feed subscribe (google reader)

bethwillis01@gmail.com

Elizabeth said...

1- email subscriber

bethwillis01@Gmail.com

Elizabeth said...

2- email subscriber

bethwillis01@Gmail.com

Elizabeth said...

1- button on my blog

http://bethscoupondeals.blogspot.com/

bethwillis01@gmail.com

Elizabeth said...

2- button on my blog

http://bethscoupondeals.blogspot.com/

bethwillis01@gmail.com

Elizabeth said...

3- button on my blog

http://bethscoupondeals.blogspot.com/

bethwillis01@gmail.com

Sarah Coulsey said...

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

Sarah Coulsey said...

Iam a follower 1

sarahcoulsey03 at gmail dot com

Sarah Coulsey said...

I am a follower 2

sarahcoulsey03 at gmail dot com

Sarah Coulsey said...

I am an RSS subscriber 1

sarahcoulsey03 at gmail dot com

Sarah Coulsey said...

I am an RSS subscriber 2

sarahcoulsey03 at gmail dot com

Sarah Coulsey said...

I am an email subscriber 2

sarahcoulsey03 at gmail dot com

Sarah Coulsey said...

I have your button 1

sarahsblogoffun.blogspot.com

sarahcoulsey03 at gmail dot com

sweepmom said...

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

jacque4u2c said...

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......

Anonymous said...

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

Jennifer said...

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.

Jennifer said...

I follow Smelly Washer on Twitter (@jkgorcery)

Jennifer said...

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

Jennifer said...

I follow via google friend connect #1

Jennifer said...

I follow via google friend connect #2

Jennifer said...

I entered your Britax Blink Stroller giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your Delta Faucet Company giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your Justice Juels giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your ThermaPAK giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your McNeill giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your Hallmark giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your Flirty Aprons giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your KOR giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your Pillow Pet giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your Measure Up Bowl giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your FAB giveaway

Jennifer said...

I entered your DownEast Basics giveaway

Anonymous said...

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

Sue E said...

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

sueellison@hcecwildblue.com

Sue E said...

I follow Smelly Washer on Twitter as suebaby05.

sueellison@hcecwildblue.com

Sue E said...

I entered the ThermaPAK giveaway.

sueellison@hcecwildblue.com

Sue E said...

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

sueellison@hcecwildblue.com

Sue E said...

Follower via Google Friend Connect

sueellison@hcecwildblue.com

Sue E said...

Google Friend Connect-#2

sueellison@hcecwildblue.com

Sue E said...

Email subscriber

sueellison@hcecwildblue.com

Sue E said...

Email subscriber-#2

sueellison@hcecwildblue.com

409cope said...

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

409cope said...

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

409cope said...

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

409cope said...

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

409cope said...

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

409cope said...

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

409cope said...

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

409cope said...

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

409cope said...

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

Kristen said...

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

KMG852 said...

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

tlawrence said...

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

tlawrence said...

I subscribed via email. Thanks!
Comment #1

Tammy
gordonfan@embarqmail.com

tlawrence said...

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

mrsshukra said...

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

mrsshukra said...

RSS subscriber!

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

mrsshukra said...

Entered Delta giveaway!

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

mrsshukra said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
mrsshukra said...

Entered Justice Juels giveaway!

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

mrsshukra said...

Entered ThermaPak giveaway!

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

mrsshukra said...

Entered McNeill Designs giveaway!

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

Angelia said...

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

mrsshukra said...

Entered Pillow Pet giveaway!

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

Angelia said...

Following Smelly Washer on Twitter!

Angelia said...

Following on GFC! #1

Angelia said...

Following on GFC! #2

Angelia said...

Following you on Twitter!

mrsshukra said...

Entered Down East giveaway!

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

Angelia said...

Tweeted!

@angelnetinc

mrsshukra said...

RSS subscriber #2

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

mrsshukra said...

Email subscriber #1

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

mrsshukra said...

Email subscriber #2

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

Angelia said...

Entered the Measure Up giveaway!

Angelia said...

And Justice Jewls

Angelia said...

And Delta!

Huguette En said...

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

Kristen said...

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

Nadia said...

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.

Nadia said...

Entered Britax giveaway

Nadia said...

Entered Mcniel giveawy

Nadia said...

Entered KOR ONE

Nadia said...

Entered MeasureUp

Nadia said...

GFC FOllower #1

Nadia said...

Email subber #1

Mary A said...

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.

Sue E said...

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

sueellison@hcecwildblue.com

Rachel C said...

entered verilux
rach62803@yahoo.com

sntbosch said...

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

sharonjo said...

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!

cloud10277 said...

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

cloud10277 said...

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

cloud10277 said...

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

cloud10277 said...

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

cloud10277 said...

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

cloud10277 said...

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

cloud10277 said...

Entry #1
Email subscriber
cloud10277@hotmail.com

cloud10277 said...

Entered the Verilux CleanWave giveaway.
cloud10277@hotmail.com

cloud10277 said...

Entered the Measure Up Bowl giveaway
cloud10277@hotmail.com

cloud10277 said...

Entered the PlasmaCar giveaway
cloud10277@hotmail.com

cloud10277 said...

Entered the Pillow Pets giveaway
cloud10277@hotmail.com

cloud10277 said...

Entered the KOR ONE giveaway
cloud10277@hotmail.com

Kristen said...

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

Rachel C said...

entered Oster blender giveaway
rach62803@yahoo.com

Donna said...

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

Donna said...

I subscribe (1)

Donna said...

I subscribe (2)

Unknown said...

i learned it is safe for septic systems
jenzen1969atgmaildotcom

Unknown said...

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

Unknown said...

smelly washer twitter follower
jenzen1969atgmaildotcom

Unknown said...

google connect #1
jenzen1969atgmaildotcom

Unknown said...

google connect #2
jenzen1969atgmaildotcom

Unknown said...

email subscriber #1
jenzen1969atgmaildotcom

Unknown said...

email subscriber #2
jenzen1969atgmaildotcom

Unknown said...

rss feed #1
jenzen1969atgmaildotcom

Unknown said...

rss feed #2
jenzen1969atgmaildotcom

Unknown said...

entered oster
jenzen1969atgmaildotcom

Unknown said...

entered verilux
jenzen1969atgmaildotcom

Unknown said...

entereddowneast
jenzen1969atgmaildotcom

Unknown said...

entered fab beauty
jenzen1969atgmaildotcom

Unknown said...

entered measure up bowl
jenzen1969atgmaildotcom

Unknown said...

entered plasmart
jenzen1969atgmaildotcom

Unknown said...

entered pillow pets
jenzen1969atgmaildotcom

Unknown said...

entered kor one
jenzen1969atgmaildotcom

Unknown said...

entered flirty apron
jenzen1969atgmaildotcom

Unknown said...

entered hallmark
jenzen1969atgmaildotcom

Unknown said...

entered mcneill designs
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Unknown said...

entered therma pak
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Unknown said...

entered justice juels
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Unknown said...

entered delta
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Unknown said...

entered britax
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monson525 said...

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

monson 525 at gmail dot com

monson525 said...

following with gfc (1)

monson 525 at gmail dot com

monson525 said...

following with gfc (2)

monson 525 at gmail dot com

monson525 said...

email subscriber (1)

monson 525 at gmail dot com

monson525 said...

email subscriber (2)

monson 525 at gmail dot com

The Baby Store Plus said...

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 :)

The Baby Store Plus said...

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

The Baby Store Plus said...

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

The Baby Store Plus said...

I follow your blog publicly!

The Baby Store Plus said...

I subscribe via Feedburner too!

The Baby Store Plus said...

I follow your blog publicly, entry #2

The Baby Store Plus said...

I subscribe via Feedburner, entry #2

The Baby Store Plus said...

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

The Baby Store Plus said...

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

The Baby Store Plus said...

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

The Baby Store Plus said...

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

ReeCh said...

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

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