do washing machines need to be stripped?

[CWHmama]

I was starting a diaper load this morning and got side tracked. I had turned off the cold so the water was super hot. I hadn't added anything yet, no detergent, no diapers, nothing. When I remembered the wash, I saw it was FULL of suds. Guess that means there's build up inside the machine somewhere? I have some Clorox Machine cleaner that I will try. It smells like straight bleach though, I wonder if it has anything else in it... Or wold you do just hot water until it's clear?

[alaskamum]

I think you are supposed to clean washing machines once a month by running an empty cycle w/bleach or vinegar. Hmmm, I don't remember the last time I did that...maybe I will go do it now...

[4littlenorskes]

Originally Posted by alaskamum I think you are supposed to clean washing machines once a month by running an empty cycle w/bleach or vinegar. Hmmm, I don't remember the last time I did that...maybe I will go do it now...

Especially if you are using liquid detergents as they tend to build up more than powder.

[CWHmama]

Once a month?!?! Oops, I've never done that in the 2 years we've had the machine.

[MommaKatie]

This is a good reminder! Before we started cloth diapering and I was about to prep our prefolds, I was so terrified of build up I washed the washer. I scrubbed it with a scrubby pad then ran a hot/cold cycle with vinegar. Maybe it's time to do it again?! I didn't notice any difference then, but we were only using one type of detergent and fabric softener. Now we use, one liquid for the 'adults", a free and clear liquid for the kids, a free and clear powder for diapers and zero fabric softener. hmm. . . I'm going to start the washer!

[FindingMercy]

I have never in my life done this! I just hadn't even thought of it. I probably should though since we use liquid detergent.