A washer repairman once told be to avoid powdered laundry products, especially laundry soap. He said a majority of repairs he did were caused by powdered soap and detergents. He was repairing a front-load commercial washer we had bought from a diaper service. He pulled out two SOFTBALL sized lumps of product as an example! I have since done just that, buying only liquid detergents, using powdered additives sparingly and never making my own out of bar soap that has questionable dissolving properties with well water. 10 years and counting with no problems.
A commercial washer is a great deal if you can find one used and don’t mind paying to have it installed correctly. A regular washer will last about 3months in a laundry mat, compared to years with a commercial washer and it is made to be easily repaired. It does three times as many clothes at a time or 2-3 sleeping bags. I got mine used and it is still going strong 20 years and one replaced belt later.

Unfortunately, front loading washing machines have a bad reputation of developing bad odors after some time. I looked around, but I haven’t come across anything that is said to help this problem. Even the odor removing products recommended don’t seem to work well. I’ll keep looking though, and let you know if I find anything!

Actually, the water dilutes the vinegar and baking soda, so they don’t react like they would when you pour them directly onto each other