HELOISE Method solves problem with awful smelling washing-machine

Dear Heloise: I am having a serious problem with my washing machine. It smells awful! I really don't want to buy another machine, since this one works just fine -- except for the awful smell. A reader, via e-mail
A washing machine can develop a smell when lint and soap build up in hidden areas, but there is a cleaning method you can try. Check the owner's manual for your washing machine to see if there is a recommended cleaning method. If not, try this:
UPlace the water-level setting on the washing machine on high and the temperature on hot. Now start the machine on a normal wash cycle.
ULet it run for about a minute, then stop the cycle.
USlowly add a gallon of hot water, being careful not to overfill. The object is to get the water level all the way to the top so that it reaches the uppermost portion of the tub.
UNow add 2 to 4 cups of household chlorine bleach and restart the wash cycle for a couple of minutes. Stop and let the solution sit for 30 minutes.
URestart the machine and let it complete the cycle. When through, open the lid and let the washing machine air out.
This should get rid of that smelly problem and can be repeated every so often to keep your washing machine fresh-smelling. For future reference, leave the washing-machine lid up in between uses, and never let freshly laundered clothes sit in the washing machine for an extended period of time. Heloise
Dear Heloise: A hint for travelers: Many hospital visits have resulted in a large supply of stretchy-knit socks-slippers. We put them to use as pull-on shoe covers when packing for trips. They work very well, protect clothes from shoe soles and heels, and can be tossed into the washer after use. B. Tomes, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Dear Heloise: After reading your article on kitchen fires and having a fire extinguisher nearby, I wanted to mention that it is also a good idea to have one in your automobile that is easy to get to.
In less than five years, I have had to use one twice to put out fires in the engine compartment. David Young, Cedar Hill, Texas
Dear Heloise: When your wooden desk or dresser drawers get hard to open, remove the drawers that glide and wax the bottoms with a paste wax. Also wax the inside of the furniture at the points where the drawer bottom glides along. It really helps the drawers slide in and out more easily.
Also, you can wax your closet rods, and the clothes hangers will glide more easily! Bonnie Lawyer, via e-mail
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.
King Features Syndicate