Okay folks, buckle up 'cause I almost wrecked my washing machine last Tuesday. Crazy right? Here's exactly how I used that "Truly Free" washer cleaner without burning a hole in my wallet.

The Gross Discovery

Noticed my towels smelled like wet dog after washing. Lifted the rubber seal – black gunk everywhere, smelled like rotten eggs. Googled "why washer stinks" at 2AM. Saw commercial cleaners cost $15 a bottle? Hell no.

The Cheap Fix Hunt

Dug through my pantry like a raccoon. Found three ingredients:

• White vinegar (half bottle left)
• Baking soda (expired last year – still used it)
• Old toothbrush (the one my kid threw out)

My Step-by-Step Screwup & Fix

First attempt was a disaster:

1. Poured straight vinegar into detergent tray (BAD IDEA) – started leaking everywhere.
2. Panicked and dumped baking soda directly on drum (MISTAKE) – clumped into cement chunks.
3. Ran "quick wash" cycle – vinegar smell nearly choked me.

Stopped mid-cycle. Wiped sludge with rag. Found better method:

1. Stuffed three old towels into drum (catches gunk).
2. Mixed 1 cup baking soda + 2 cups vinegar in measuring cup (exploded like volcano – fun!).
3. Poured fizzy mix onto towels.
4. Ran hottest water setting on "heavy duty" cycle (takes forever but works).
5. Scrubbed rubber seal with toothbrush dipped in leftover vinegar.

When the Magic Happened

Opened washer – saw black bits stuck on towels (gross win!). No more rotten egg smell. Total cost? Like 32 cents for stuff I already owned.

Real Talk & Savings

Almost paid $130 for repair guy until I tried this. Saved enough for six craft beers instead. Moral? Don't dump vinegar solo – mix it right. Your nose and wallet will thank you.