There's a pig in my washer

[Maine-ah]

Front load washers are becoming a more popular attraction in many mid coast area homes. Yes, that odd looking fish tank that adorns the washroom in a variety of decorator colors. These new models offer numerous energy saving features and overall great reviews except for one....that strange Oder noticed when you open the door. The door "boot" or gasket is designed to keep that small amount of water inside for your viewing pleasure. Unfortunately, water and residue can collect in the folds & crevices of this rubber boot and create a stale, musty Oder. Often, just leaving the door open a crack can dry up the wetness and alleviate the smell, but not always. I was recently surprised to discover there can be another reason for this unpleasant aroma, one you may not expect. If you use liquid fabric softener, you might be shocked to learn the main ingredient ..PIG TALLOW.
Yes, pig fat disguised with dyes and fragrances is slowly decaying inside your new washer. That love-able, slightly overweight, creature better known for it's bacon & ham, is now softening your favorite fabrics. You mean, I'm wearing pig fat !! Sorry Mom ? The Gummy fat in the fabric softener can also raise havoc with your dispenser. So I say, let's leave the pig down on the farm and if you just can't live without it, try the handy dryer fabric sheets and I'll tell you next time what they do to your dryer.

http://knox.villagesoup.com/business/brief/business-services/theres-a-pig-in-my-washer/309159;jsessionid=7563FBCC3BA4E38838FCD900E4136682

[sui generis]

1. calling all vegans . . .

ew!

Just when you thought it was safe to not wear leather or use animal by-products in your make-up, furnishings and domestic goods.

What does this imply for Halal living, I wonder?

[calico1]

7. I use vinegar. n/t

[TNDemo]

10. Me too.

Leaves no odor and works just the same and doesn't clog up the dryer filter (fire hazard). Also make my own soap, which is easy and cheap.

[slackmaster]

11. I suspect that any biodegradable lipid residue in the OP's washing machine is of human origin

Fabric softener is not attacked by bacteria. It's so alkaline it will dissolve some kinds of paint.

Apologies to sui generis for mistyping.

[pipi_k]

2. Here's an alternative...

http://www.drugstore.com/qxp76975_333181_sespider/seventh_generation/natural_fabric_softener_liquid_blue_eucalyptus_and_lavender.htm


The write up says it doesn't use animal tallow.

[Kali]

3. doesn't bother me, I don't use any kind of fabric softeners anyway

I never cared for the texture. Clean clothes are stiff from drying out in the fresh air and sun. And they don't stink like perfume.

Pig fat or some other plastic chemical, either way gross.

[slackmaster]

4. Dihydrogenated tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride used to be a common ingredient in softeners

Now, not so much.

As for raw, unaltered tallow being an ingredient in modern fabric softeners, I call shenanigans. The active ingredients are cationic surfactants.

[eShirl]

5. "It's BACON!!!!!!!!!!"

:rofl:

[MineralMan]

13. What's in the box? I can't read!

Seems like a guy could just read the box to see what's in it, perhaps.

[ensho]

6. I'm glad I never used softeners!

nt

[Dappleganger]

8. Neither have we, only a cup of white vinegar.

Our oldest son has bad skill allergies and the white vinegar gives it some relief.

BTW, wrt to the rubber 'boot': we had a Kenmore set of front-loaders and had to replace the boot TWICE due to it being cut up by something in the wash. Once it was out of warranty we went back to a eco-friendly top loader and really can't tell a difference between the two on water usage. It's appalling that the industry thinks they can sell what's equivalent to small cars (with the pricing and outrageous colors) for an appliance that washes your clothes. We don't buy into that kind of consumerist garbage.

[Kali]

9. most of the claims for energy efficiency with washers has to do with how well they spin "dry"

then the actual energy savings come from less time in the dryer. Save all that energy and hang laundry to dry passively.

[ThomWV]

12. I eat pork roasts, I eat bacon, do you really think I care if hog fat is used in products?

If they could make good shoes out of chicken feathers I'd wear them too.