DH wants to clean the washing machine

[MrsTerryPratchett]

I know this has been done to death but I tried searching and can't find the definitive thread. DH wants to clean the moldy machine using this method. But they mention bleach and I think that's wrong.

We've stopped with the liquid detergent and leave the door open. The laundry doesn't sit in there on my watch.

[olbas]

I use a big cup of white vinegar straight into the drum, put the machine on the hottest wash ( I don't bother with the prewash cycle though) When it's finished, I take out the drawer and scrub it. I then clean out any manky bits where the drawer was before putting it back. Clean the filter and around the door rim.

[MrsTerryPratchett]

Thanks olbas. How are you cleaning the door rim? With vinegar as well? Baking soda?

[olbas]

It will only need a wet cloth, if there is mould, then bi carb or baking powder will shift it. Good luck!

[PigletJohn]

that appears to be a US website which may have different detergents.

If you are in the UK, there may be a sludge if detergent and fabsoft, especially if you do mostly low-temperature washes. In which case, a hot hot hot wash cycle, with no soap or detergent, but add a cup of washing soda crystals, which will help dissolve soap residue.

If the water goes grey and foams up, that's the old soap residue dissolving. Do it again until it stays clean.

You will need to sponge the rubber seal round the door, especially its grooves and slot. Also empty the pump filter.

Take out the soap drawer and scrub it clean in the sink with hot water. If there is sludge or black mould in the drawer aperture, spray it with kitchen cleaner with bleach, and scrub it with a toothbrush or nylon-bristled brush.

[PigletJohn]

Ah, I see you are in foreign parts so may not use the same treatment.

[MrsTerryPratchett]

I am indeed in foreign parts!

He's tried olbas's vinegar wash with a baking soda scrub for the seal and a hot dish soap bath for the drawer. I await results!

[PigletJohn]

vinegar helps remove limescale, but not soap sludge.

[MrsTerryPratchett]

We can get washing soda here so I will run some of that through too.

[EthelCardew]

I use this method then take out the drawer and wipe around the seal. It works brilliantly.

[Justgotosleepnow]

So in the uk in a hard water area- maybe do a max hot wash with vinegar. Then another one with soda crystals? Or what?

[Justgotosleepnow]

Sorry washing soda- is that soda crystals?

[PigletJohn]

Yes, but there are other forms of soda, e.g. caustic used for drain blockages, that are not the same. Washing Soda is what you want, but the stuff in that plastic bag, that has instructions for laundy use, is the same.

[Justgotosleepnow]

Thanks pigletjohn.
And if I tip some down the bath plug hole & some hot water will it degunk the drains?

[PigletJohn]

yes, but to clean the trap, spoon the crystals down the plughole and the overflow until full, then moisten with a little hot water; then the next morning, pour a little more hot water in.

That causes the overflow, and later the pipes, to hold the concentrated solution. If you run a lot of water down, it dilutes the chemical and washes it away.

It is especially useful in older houses where the kitchen sink waste runs into an open gulley outside, again put the crystals in the gulley and leave to work as long as you can. I have not had a dishwasher emptying into one of these gulleys, it would be interesting to see if the strong detergent and very hot water keeps them clean.

[Justgotosleepnow]

Thanks, and that won't melt the pipes no?

[Justgotosleepnow]

Pigletjohn can I ask- in your plumbing work do you see more gunky pipes etc in houses that are more Eco/ hippy?
I avoid using Daz/ fairy liquid etc. do you think the mainstream detergents keep the drains cleaner?
(Sorry mrstp for derailing)

[PigletJohn]

it won't melt the pipes

I am not actually a plumber.

Worst pipes are in houses where people pour fat and cooking oil down the drains.

[Justgotosleepnow]

Thanks.
Sorry from lurking on your advice threads I thought you were a plumber gas heating person. So who are you?

[PigletJohn]

I run a personal massage service in Hull.

[MrsTerryPratchett]

[Justgotosleepnow]

[atticusclaw]

PigletJohn is sarah beeney. I know he/she denies it but I've read the posts for years and I'm convinced.

[magimedi]

PigletJohn - It's not often a post makes me laugh out loud!!

[Justgotosleepnow]

Wow cool
I have Sarah Beeny's book. It made me realise how much work doing up a house would be & bought one that didn't need work done. Best decision ever, with life stuff that happened after buying. I thank her for her sensibleness

I love reading piglet johns responses, so knowledgeable but kind. Really feel like you wouldn't be ripped off, and such practical advice.

I'm a fan whoever you are!

[Dancingincircles]

To stop your washing machine getting mouldy you must do a 60 degree wash preferably once a week. I do all the sheets once a week on 60 plus whites and towels etc this also kills the bacteria.

Piglet john - thanks re soda crystal advice I will try that. I use it sometimes anyway to get stains out so I have it in my cupboard. And I guess because I've done that it probably has contributed to lack of black mould.

Also apparently do not leave the machine door open as that is more likely to create mould than leaving it shut. Advice I have heeded and my washing machine has been mould free for 7 years now. My previous machine was covered in mould.