Washing machine help

[MummyWeatherwax]

The fabric conditioner section of my washing machine has stopped emptying

Powder is still disappearing, but not conditioner.

I've had the drawer out, cleaned it and the inside of the machine where the drawer goes, no obvious blockages.

I've also run it with and without conditioner, so I know there is definitely new water going in each cycle.

It's about three years old if that's relevant.

Please offer me wisdom? I'm not enjoying crunchy pyjamas...

[ilovepowerhoop]

mine did it for a while and after cleaning it out about 3 or 4 times it started working again. Is water going into the fabric softener bit? Have you used a toothbrush and bleach spray on the holes on the roof bit of the bit where the drawer goes?

[Mspontipine]

You sound like you've a blocked tube - keep cleaning it! I had this for a while and ended up putting fab cond in one of those washing dosing balls ( or just put the lid of fab con bottle in just before final rinse. or adding a rinse at end.
Couldn't do without my beautiful smells :)

[Mspontipine]

into the drum with the clothes I mean

[MummyWeatherwax]

I used a toothbrush and boiling water, but I'll try bleach tomorrow - it sound like I need to persist with the scrubbing.

Thank you!

[PigletJohn]

you need to scrub the holes in the "roof" of the slot that the drawer goes into. If there is black mildew, spray with "kitchen cleaner with bleach" first to kill it and help clean it off.

I have found that the modern highly concentrated softeners are very thick, and they flow better if you tip a couple of capfuls of hot water in with them. Observe the "max fill" line on the fabsoft container.

two other things that can sometimes happen but are more trouble:

• the electric valve that turns the water on might have failed. They cost about £30 trade but need moderate skill to fit
  

• scale from hard water might have blocked the pinholes in the roof of the slot. Your toothbrush or a thin poking implement might clear it; if not, move to a soft water area or buy a water softener. It may be possible to take it apart to clean but this needs a proper mender.
  

I don't think bleach will help, except to kill mildew. It is said to be bad for the rubber seals in the machine.

[timidviper]

I hope you get it sorted OP. Mine has just begun making a horrible grinding sound but it is not related to the drum turning. DH thinks it may be the pump - sounds expensive

[PigletJohn]

You have emptied the pump filter, haven't you?

[timidviper]

Yes, thank you, we have done that. I have cleaned the machine this morning and have removed lumps of clay from the seals and drum so God knows how much muck has got into it. (DD had put her boyfriend's rugby kit in it, I gather it was one large lump of dried mud but she didn't think to clean any off before putting it in the washing machine! )

I have been to the local repair shop today, they have suggested putting a descaler through, even though we have soft water, and if it persists they will send a man on Monday.

Thanks for the reply

[PigletJohn]

well, if it does need a new pump, at least it will be cheaper than a drum/spider repair.

From what you say, I wonder if there are still stones in the pump. Have you poked your fingers in to fish around? It's lucky your DD and her BF will be paying for fixing it.

Bosch and Siemens do a scheme where you pay for a year's service contract instead of the single repair (they are doubtless working from the knowledge that their machines don't break down very often). I used that for what turned out to be quite an expensive repair, but didn't renew it the next year.

[MummyWeatherwax]

Success! I gave it another scrubbing, and had a good poke at the water holes in the roof with fuse wire, and it now works.

Thank you all for you advice