Lazy Laundry

With a household of four people and a puppy, it seems as thought laundry is never ending. And with the chaos that is working motherhood, it is hard to keep up. I learned from a blogger years ago her trick (while it seems slow) is never to start another load in the washer until the one in the dryer is done to keep from forgetting about what is wet. Normally, this idea works well for me. Unless I get super backed up. Then I have it running non stop. Until I forget about a load in the washer because the one in the dryer took three goes to get fully dried. I now have a load of the kids clothes that has been sitting in there since Saturday night or Sunday morning (can't actually remember which day). And, oh the smell. Because it is Tuesday now. I've always been told to use vinegar to neutralize the odor but just adding it to the washer doesn't seem to be enough, nor does adding it to the bleach section or fabric softener section. Today I added a full strength detergent (hate to do that on the little clothes...but) and some drops of lemon essential oil. I'm hoping this helps! Does anyone have any tips for smelly forgotten laundry?