Fabric Softener Build Up

Stop using the fabric softener.

Start using white vinegar as you would fabric softener. No need to water it down or anything. It will remove the ring from the washer as well as the build up that is likely on your clothing.

Good luck!

4 moms found this helpful

My first thought was to wonder how much you're using. I've known quite a few people who automatically put a capful in their dispenser. A lot of softeners are real concentrated and have a line in the cap that comes up halfway or less. In mine for example, the right amount of softener is about 1/3 of the dispenser cup and then you're supposed to fill it the rest of the way with water to thin it to the proper consistency. If I don't follow the recommended steps I get goo build up.

If your problem isn't that easy, then give the customer service dept. of your washer manufacturer a call odds are they've heard it before.

2 moms found this helpful

It depends on where you live, but here in Texas I don't use fabric softener at all and never miss it........ just a thought.

2 moms found this helpful

I think if you put a cup of white vinegar in with your laundry now and again, it will eliminate this problem. (least it works for me)

:)

1 mom found this helpful

We don't use fabric softener at all.

Try some wool dryer balls!

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I agree with the responses that suggested to stop using fabric softener. It is full of chemicals, as they mentioned. I've been fabric-softener free for 3 years now! :-)

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I hope you are aware that most commercial fabric softeners contain some seriously toxic stuff. I get sick and have trouble breathing just from the scent on other people's clothes, and would simply never allow it anywhere near a child. But white vinegar makes a residue-removing final rinse, and it actually softens clothes because it is mildly acidic.

If you don't yet know how dangerous fabric softeners are, google "fabric softeners, toxic" and you'll get hundreds of good hits.

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Here are some helpful links:

http://www.wqa.org/sitelogic.cfm?id=472
http://tips.simplygoodstuff.com/cleaning-your-washing-mac...
http://www.clothdiaperblog.com/tag/vinegar-fabric-softener/
http://www.clorox.com/blogs/dr-laundry/2010/05/20/dingy-w...

Depending on your water type/quality in your area.
What can help get rid of it.
If you have an HE washing machine or not.
These things may affect it.

Personally, I would stop using the fabric softener.
Since it causes a problem in your washing machine.
I have never used fabric softener, nor dryer sheets.

1 mom found this helpful

I just cleaned the yucky ring around my washing machine this weekend! I warmed up white vinegar, poured it on and scrubbed it with a cleaning brush. It did make me wonder how the residue built up so bad in a machine that's meant to clean something so I am glad to see the extra advise here about not even using fabric softener.

I use Downy with the green cap. I love the way my clothes smell after being washed. I also use Bounce Free in the dryer. Many of my clothes are cotton knit or some kind of fabric that gets excess static cling. I get compliments on how my clothes smell very often. Once a spanish speaking sister at church had her husband ask me what kind of perfume I was wearing because is was nice and not overwhelming.

It sounds like you are using way way too much softener. It should spin out of the cup during the spin cycle and then as the rinse water fills the tub it goes through out the clothing. Most softeners today are concentrated and you should add water to them at the beginning when you pour them in the dispencer.

I would use very hot water and add some vinegar and run a wash load or two to try and get the scum off.

I use vinegar in the rinse cycle or fabric softener dispenser. I have done this for more years than I can remember. I have a front loader and have found this is very beneficial to keeping it clean. Oh, and I use vinegar each load and have not had to use dryer sheets or fabric softener. If you want use a dryer ball to fluff the towels and blankets but thats not really necessary. Good luck.