Are HE Washing Machines worth all of the work Stop the Smelly Washer #giveaway

My husband and I had to get a new washing machine and dryer when we moved into our new house. So we wanted to get one of the energy efficient ones that are so pretty. The pretty factor was for me, I even paid extra to get them in red. Crazy right!

My cousin has the Electrolux ones in Blue and I really wanted to get those, but she said after every wash she has to open the door so that it can dry out properly. Otherwise it will get moldy and mildew. I’m thinking, well I don’t want that brand because I don’t want to have to worry about mold and mildew.

So we purchased the LG Washer and Dryer. We did our research and read reviews and looked at the Consumer Reports before picking one but we didn’t find out until we read the directions that I’m sure most people don’t read. You have to hand dry the washing machine after every wash. Then, I go ahead and leave the door open as an extra precaution. It’s so easy to get mold and mildew in the Pacific Northwest Climate. It’s never dry here.

While I’m sitting here thinking of these issues, I was contacted by Whirlpool and asked to review a product just for this purpose. That’s all we want as Americans, another convince. Please make less work for me and I’ll buy it.

Introducing Affresh:

In an effort to combat odor-causing residue that can accumulate in all brands of high-efficiency (HE) and traditional top-load washing machines, Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR), the industry leader in laundry, developed the Affresh® washer cleaning kit, an effective package of products that help clean and prevent residue build-up. The kit combines commonly used cleaning agents with special ingredients that, when used as part of a normal maintenance program, can help prevent the formation of residue that can build up on the surfaces of HE washing machines under certain conditions. One kit includes three Power Puck™ tablets and six Grit Grabber™ cloths. As the leader that introduced large-capacity, front-load laundry to the United States, Whirlpool is the pioneer for this new washer cleaning technology that is changing the industry. Also available is the Affresh® washer cleaner pouch, which contains three tablets and is specifically designed for both traditional top-load and front-load machines. (taken from the press release)

Why?

affresh1Due to the efficient design of HE machines, there is an increased potential for the build-up of odor-causing residue if the machine is not properly maintained. To deliver HE benefits, HE washers use less water and seal more tightly than older, less-efficient machines. With the Affresh® washer cleaning kit, consumers have even more cleaning power to help resolve or prevent the build-up of odor-causing residue.

All brands of washers, both HE and traditional, have the potential for odor-causing residue build-up if not properly cleaned on a regular basis. To ensure maximum performance, Whirlpool recommends a monthly maintenance and cleaning routine detailed in the product’s Use & Care Guide. Power Puck™ tablets and Grit Grabber™ cloths can be part of this regular maintenance to help prevent odor-causing residue build up and keep the washer operating at peak efficiency.

 

Another why?

When you spend so much money on an appliance, even though it will pay for itself with time because the cost of running is so low per year, you are going to want it to last long enough to do so. Read the manual on your machine and make sure you are keeping it clean. Use Affresh to keep it fresh.

It’s really easy to use, just follow the directions. I haven’t had my machine long enough to truly test out this product but they did send me some to try out.

How it Works

affresh

The Affresh® washer cleaning kit, specifically designed for HE washing machines, helps remove and prevent odor-causing residue build-up that can accumulate in all brands and configurations. The oxygenated bubbling action of the Power Puck™ tablet penetrates and dissolves unseen residue in areas that cannot be reached like behind the washer drum, while the specially formulated Grit Grabber™ cloths clean within reach by breaking up residue around the rubber door seal and detergent dispenser, locking it into the cloth. Combined these powerful tools provide a more effective cleaning option than bleach alone.

If used once a month, the Affresh® washer cleaning kit can help prevent odor-causing residue from accumulating. Heavily soiled washers may require repeated treatments to remove traces of odor and residue. In this case, Whirlpool recommends running three successive washer cleaning cycles with one Affresh® tablet in each.

How To Use it:

1) Remove all clothing from the Washing Machine

2) Add 1 Power Puck tablet to the washer tub and run the washer on normal or clean wash and select hot water.

3) Use the Grit Grabber cloth on HE Washers to clean what you can reach.

 

Keeping the door open on the Washer will help prevent build up.

 

About Whirlpool Corporation :
Whirlpool Corporation is the world’s leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $19 billion, 70,000 employees, and 69 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. Additional information about the company can be found at http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com.

 

Whirlpool has generously offered a giveaway to my readers.

One reader will receive three cleaning kits.

MSRP:

$10.99 for a kit containing three Power Puck™ tablets and six Grit Grabber™ cloths, packaged in a reusable plastic container.

To Enter:

Tell me what you do to take care of your Washing Machine.

Extra Entries:

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Vote for me for 5 extra entries

Comment on any other post and come back here and tell me you did.

Non-bloggers get an extra entry for every e-mail they send out linking to this giveaway cc louise@looksblue.com (be sure to leave a comment for every person you e-mail, for example if you e-mail 10 different people leave 10 different comments)

Subscribe to my blog
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Leave a comment for every entry

The contest will run until November 2nd11:59 pm Pacific. The winner will be selected by www.random.org

Comments

  1. Pamela S says:

    I obviously don’t do enough! My HE washer stinks horribly. I obviously need how to care for it better. Thanks!

  2. DanV says:

    I take care of it by leaving the door open and running a bleach wash every few weeks

  3. Gianna says:

    I clean it out regularly.

  4. Brandi says:

    I occasionally use vinegar in an empty load to wash it out.

  5. Thao says:

    http://twitter.com/twinpowells/status/5384039333

    I follow in twitter.
    http://twitter.com/twinpowells
    member(dot)thao(at)gmail.com

  6. Janet says:

    I use vinagar to help clean my washer:)

  7. Janet says:

    im following on twitter:)
    jmahurin40

  8. Marcy Strahan says:

    I run a all whites load once a week with bleach.

  9. Marcy Strahan says:

    I subscribe

  10. Lily Kwan says:

    I leave the lid open every so often to air out the washing machine.

  11. Lily Kwan says:

    I subscribed to your blog.

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