Microfiber washing: Vinegar/baking soda?

spagett said:
Thanks for all the responses, everyone! I've already learned a lot reading through them.

My main concern here is care for MF towels that appear to be holding some detergent residue and are no longer performing as they should. I just got a wash started and will add some vinegar for the rinse cycle as recommended. As soon as I get a chance to try them out again, I'll report back with the results. My guess is they will be greatly improved as I've never used vinegar.
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Well if you can't get your towels clean, just buy new ones. That's why they make them 24/7 :xyxthumbs:
 
A couple of tips. Clean washer drum, residue/film can be left behind from previous use. I also found that detergent and fabric softener at back of top (dispensers) had leftover residue, once cleaned it helped. The build up was there. The washer cycle picks this up during wash.
 
Good tips, yeah. That's why I'm in no hurry to retire our 25 year old pair. No metered water and fairly low gas prices mean I can't justify switching to HE.
 
I bought a Bosch HE front-loader a few years ago from a local independent appliance store with very competent people. They recommend to my wife that she wash the first few loads with vinegar in the softener dispenser and no detergent to rinse out the residual detergent left in the clothes from the older top-loader. That was all I needed to hear. I've been using vinegar along with an HE laundry soap ever since for all my mf's.

Bill
 
Just pulled the dispenser drawer on my LG he front loader, & cleaned, nothing found of felt. All the dispensers, Detergent, Bleach, or Softener, all travel down a common, shoot or pathway. All three use the common pathway, which get added at a particular time, per the timer.

In this case putting vinegar in the Fabric Softener dispenser, the machine would "wait" till the rinse cycle to add it's contents.

So if you put the vinegar in the Detergent dispenser, the vinegar will be introduced earlier.

I'm doing a "Tub Clean" now, my manual calls for, using liquid bleach in the Detergent dispenser, & pressing "Tub Clean" button.

Detergent, bleach, fabric softener travel the same pipe or conduit pathway to the tub. Release to the tub is controlled by the timer.
_____

Detergents "designed" for MF towels, seem to be made differently than ordinary washer detergents, therefore I think/believe using a detergent like All Free & Clear, may benefit from a vinegar rinse. Whereas special MF detergents, Like Wolfgang, or 3d/hd towel kleen (Ski2/Custmsprty) posts #7 & 8, can achieve the same results, as the vinegar rinse. Without using vinegar due to special design.

I think it may be overkill, using MF detergent + vinegar. I think it would be impossible to tell the difference. So some of this is psychological.

Thanks messrs ski2, custmsprty for the posts regarding 3d/hd towel kleen, a gallon for $18 vs approx. $18 for Wolfgang 16 oz.

This is where we need Consumers Reports, un-biased testing
 
Ricorocks said:
Just pulled the dispenser drawer on my LG he front loader, & cleaned, nothing found of felt. All the dispensers, Detergent, Bleach, or Softener, all travel down a common, shoot or pathway. All three use the common pathway, which get added at a particular time, per the timer.

In this case putting vinegar in the Fabric Softener dispenser, the machine would "wait" till the rinse cycle to add it's contents.

So if you put the vinegar in the Detergent dispenser, the vinegar will be introduced earlier.

I'm doing a "Tub Clean" now, my manual calls for, using liquid bleach in the Detergent dispenser, & pressing "Tub Clean" button.

Detergent, bleach, fabric softener travel the same pipe or conduit pathway to the tub. Release to the tub is controlled by the timer.
_____

Detergents "designed" for MF towels, seem to be made differently than ordinary washer detergents, therefore I think/believe using a detergent like All Free & Clear, may benefit from a vinegar rinse. Whereas special MF detergents, Like Wolfgang, or 3d/hd towel kleen (Ski2/Custmsprty) posts #7 & 8, can achieve the same results, as the vinegar rinse. Without using vinegar due to special design.

I think it may be overkill, using MF detergent + vinegar. I think it would be impossible to tell the difference. So some of this is psychological.

Thanks messrs ski2, custmsprty for the posts regarding 3d/hd towel kleen, a gallon for $18 vs approx. $18 for Wolfgang 16 oz.

This is where we need Consumers Reports, un-biased testing
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Hey Rico the Rocket,

I believe we have this all settled out, my friend. I'll give you the vinegar in the softener depository but you have to use the vinegar. Trust me it works. If you use a "free" detergent, which you also use for regular laundry, you will be sitting pretty. My towels come out like a mothers bosom. What else can you ask for.
Take care el hefe. :buffing:

Peace,

Darrin
 
SameGuy said:
Most soaps are mildly caustic. The mildly acidic white vinegar helps neutralize any residual soap and it rinses away cleanly. Don't just go by what you think might be happening, try it out and tell me it doesn't make a difference. I've been washing the same Cobras that way for five years and they look and feel as good as new, never a single issue.
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OK I'll try it. :xyxthumbs:
 
Hi Darrin, Time for Rico the science guy, I'll give my wife two batches of MF (same kind, same wear & tear) tell her to do one load, All Free & Clear + vinegar in the Soft dispenser, & the other load with Wolfgang. Using same wash cycle, hot/cold settings.

I won't know which is which, vinegar no vinegar.

After drying have my wife fold, one of each, place on the bed & whichever the cat lies on is the winner.

Does a gallon of All free cost more or less than 3d/hd towel kleen? Added bonus Wolfgang can be used to clean pads.

Take Care Amigo
 
Ricorocks said:
Just pulled the dispenser drawer on my LG he front loader, & cleaned, nothing found of felt. All the dispensers, Detergent, Bleach, or Softener, all travel down a common, shoot or pathway. All three use the common pathway, which get added at a particular time, per the timer.

In this case putting vinegar in the Fabric Softener dispenser, the machine would "wait" till the rinse cycle to add it's contents.

So if you put the vinegar in the Detergent dispenser, the vinegar will be introduced earlier.

I'm doing a "Tub Clean" now, my manual calls for, using liquid bleach in the Detergent dispenser, & pressing "Tub Clean" button.

Detergent, bleach, fabric softener travel the same pipe or conduit pathway to the tub. Release to the tub is controlled by the timer.
_____

Detergents "designed" for MF towels, seem to be made differently than ordinary washer detergents, therefore I think/believe using a detergent like All Free & Clear, may benefit from a vinegar rinse. Whereas special MF detergents, Like Wolfgang, or 3d/hd towel kleen (Ski2/Custmsprty) posts #7 & 8, can achieve the same results, as the vinegar rinse. Without using vinegar due to special design.

I think it may be overkill, using MF detergent + vinegar. I think it would be impossible to tell the difference. So some of this is psychological.

Thanks messrs ski2, custmsprty for the posts regarding 3d/hd towel kleen, a gallon for $18 vs approx. $18 for Wolfgang 16 oz.

This is where we need Consumers Reports, un-biased testing
Click to expand...

I have an LG Front Loader as well. My recommendation is to skip the bleach for the Tub Clean option and instead use 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/4 of HOT water combined and place that in the main detergent pocket. Dump a 1:1 cup of vinegar/distilled water straight into the tub before starting. That's what I've done for a couple of years to keep the deposits and mildew smell away.

And as others have said vinegar in the F.S. pocket and Wolfgang MF Rejuvenator (or other free clean detergent) works fine. My LG has a Stain Cycle option (which adds time to a wash/rinse and provides an extra rinse) if my MFs are really gunked I use that option (or increased the Soiled level) but other than that I just use Perm Press and the extra rinse option with the water Hot/Cold.
 
Hi DapperStyle,

Where did you hear about that concoction, for tub cleaning? I just followed the owners manual.

I'm going to see if I can tell a difference by using two methods:

1. All Free & Clear + vinegar in the FS dispenser

2. Wolfgang by itself

Both on cotton/normal cycle, hot/cold, extra rinse. Both will be dried on a drying rack.

Should there be no discernible difference, I'll go with 3d/hd towel kleen (thanks again custmsprty & ski2), when wolffang runs out, or depending on the cost of a gallon of all free + vinegar, depending on cost.

I'll report back after testing
 
DapperStyle said:
I have an LG Front Loader as well. My recommendation is to skip the bleach for the Tub Clean option and instead use 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/4 of HOT water combined and place that in the main detergent pocket. Dump a 1:1 cup of vinegar/distilled water straight into the tub before starting. That's what I've done for a couple of years to keep the deposits and mildew smell away.



And as others have said vinegar in the F.S. pocket and Wolfgang MF Rejuvenator (or other free clean detergent) works fine. My LG has a Stain Cycle option (which adds time to a wash/rinse and provides an extra rinse) if my MFs are really gunked I use that option (or increased the Soiled level) but other than that I just use Perm Press and the extra rinse option with the water Hot/Cold.
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I have a LG front loader too and I coincidentally use those same settings. Perm press on these washers supposedly uses the most water. I do extra water and extra rinse as well.
 
Ricorocks said:
Hi DapperStyle,

Where did you hear about that concoction, for tub cleaning? I just followed the owners manual.

I'm going to see if I can tell a difference by using two methods:

1. All Free & Clear + vinegar in the FS dispenser

2. Wolfgang by itself

Both on cotton/normal cycle, hot/cold, extra rinse. Both will be dried on a drying rack.

Should there be no discernible difference, I'll go with 3d/hd towel kleen (thanks again custmsprty & ski2), when wolffang runs out, or depending on the cost of a gallon of all free + vinegar, depending on cost.

I'll report back after testing
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It's a technique as old as time from what I understand. The issue that we faced a few years ago was after using the front loader for a couple of weeks and leaving the door open at the end of the laundry day to air out there was still this musty smell and it was especially bad when you peeled back the rubber gasket.

After buying a washing machine cleaner as well as trying bleach (undiluted) the smell would persist. Looked up how to clean out the machine more thoroughly and the baking soda/hot water mix came up. Tried it once and it worked perfectly and has for the last 2 years. I recommend vinegar in the drum right before activating when doing this because on the Tub Clean function no water is sent through the Fabic Softener dispenser.

pheerix said:
I have a LG front loader too and I coincidentally use those same settings. Perm press on these washers supposedly uses the most water. I do extra water and extra rinse as well.
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Perm Press is great, never saw the need to use the "Sanitary" option which unlocks the Extra Hot water. Almost tried it once but the washer said the load would take nearly 2.5 hours which is ridiculous, turned the machine off and started it on Perm Press with extra rinse.
 
Just a (repetitive) note: don't mix vinegar or any other acid with any detergents, unless you don't want your detergents to actually work. Soaps are caustic, and will be less effective if neutralized by the acid.
 
Hello DapperStyle,

Somewhat skeptical with,
It's a technique as old as time from what I understand.
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As the owners manual, does not promote this. No offense! But I find mfg's no better, than 3rd party. I could/can be wrong & will admit, but if it's old as the hills, why don't mfg's advocate it?

1/4 cup baking soda (a base) miked with vinegar (an acid),will neutralize, or fight each other. Ph scale which measures parts hydrogen, hence Ph, where 0 is the most acidic, 7 is netural, & 14 being the most basic. What your doing is mixing an acid with a base, & the two will find equilibrium, somewhere between there natural rating on the pH scale.

SameGuy! RightOn!

Understand this:

Health codes (California) & other states, where hot water is supplied as a service:

Domestic Hot Water - cannot exceed 120 F, or if caught being higher in a bathroom or shower, etc., you will be fined if caught exceeding 120!

Heating Hot Water - Can exceed 140 F which is used for process or comfort heating.

These two accepted guidelines, have been adopted by, water heater manufacturers, & set at normal will render 120F water at the outlet.

Industry & consumer water heaters do this to limit liability. Should you go into a public bldg. or your neighbors house & scald your hands & prove the water was greater than 120F, you will win your lawsuit for damages etc.

What does this have to do with washing MF's? Detergent mfg's who know the above difference btwn. Domestic & Heating Hot water. Will say hot water is 120F, this limits liability (by adhering to accepted domestic hot water standards) & does not increase liability, by exceeding domestic water temps.

Your washer or other source may, increase temps beyond 120F, but liability for injury now resides, with another mfg.

MicroFiber mfg's are well aware of accepted standards for domestic hot water, & work within that limit. So you can't say well the MF mfg said to use 160F water, therefore your honor I was burned.

This boils down to acceptable temperatures, where injury cannot occur, which is adopted by industry, who works there products to function within the temp range. Should your device accommodate, higher temps. WARNINGS. Warnings limit liability in court.

Wash MF's in HOT, it will be close to 120F, unless some outside source of heat is applied, if so liability is changed
 
Weekend Update...

One judge was asleep & would not participate (kitty), so my wife was the judge: Feel, softness, rubbed across skin:

I had all new never used: 5 eagle blue 16 x 16, 3 gold plush junior, & 2 MF not looped wash mits. I divided this equally & tested:

Load #1 Wolfgang MF wash or soap 1 oz, hot water wash/rinse cold, & extra rinse

Load #2 All Free & Clear slightly less than 1 oz, and 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar in the Fabric softener bin.

Prior to running tests #1 & 2, I did a tub clean per mfg's instructions, which amounted to bleach in the detergent bin, press tub clean.

All were hung on a drying rack & completely dry

Wash mits - Winner All Free + vinegar.

Gold Plush & Eagle Blue - Tie, no difference

Buying Wolfgang small size is really expensive, dollars per load, buying the gallon size brings the cost down. Most products including all free, are 1 oz for small-med & 2 oz for lg loads. For me all large sizes comparing the most costly to the cheapest per load dollars, I might save $1.00 in perhaps a year or two. And not really able to discern a difference.

With all that said, I will use up my small container of Wolfgang, then follow the above procedure using All Free + vinegar.
 
This is fine unless like me he has a machine that doesn't fill with water its sprayed in and out I'm sure some pros can say it better than me
 
Lordy, I just use a microfiber cleaner in hot water (as directed by the manufacturer of my towels) and tumble dry medium with these little "dryer balls" that I put about 1/2 cup water which will kinda' steam the towels to be soft and anti-static.
All these other things y'all are talking about is, IMO, just making too much out of something fairly simple.
 
What other things? I think the majority here concur, wash with an appropriate detergent, vinegar rinse, dry. No more convoluted than your having to fill a dryer ball with water.
 
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