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Housekeeping

Cleaning a washing machine

20 replies

Alfiemoon1 · 25/02/2017 13:41

Just taken my whites out and they have dirty marks on that weren't there before. Best tips for cleaning my washing machine please

OP posts:
Bobowhite · 25/02/2017 13:44

Soda crystals, added generously to the drawer and run machine on the hottest longest cycle. We use this method to clean our machines in our launderette.

CakeUpWall · 25/02/2017 13:47

I do a maintenance wash every few weeks - I know that once per month is often the recommendation.

I use about an eggcup's worth of bleach in the detergent dispenser, then run the hottest wash possible. Does the trick.

summerholsdreamin · 25/02/2017 13:47

Sorry to hijack...
My washing machine absolutely stinks inside the drum. Have checked filter and run several service washes with a industrial cleaner. The smell seems to go then reappears with avengence.

Have also scrubbed the drawer and inside that space.

It's driving me made; any ideas of what to do would be much appreciated!

Sorry again!!

Bobowhite · 25/02/2017 14:29

Soda crystals again Summerhols, followed by long hot wash with white wine vinegar!

wowfudge · 25/02/2017 14:46

Summerhols are you using liquid detergent or tabs rather than powder? Liquids don't contain bleaching agents so your machine doesn't get cleaned out in the same way as with powder.

Iamastonished · 25/02/2017 14:53

summerholsdreamin Do you normally use laundry liquid, and do you only do low temperature washes?

If the answer to both or either is yes, then ditch the laundry liquid and replace it with washing powder, and run a few high temperature washes.

If you can't use bio powder you need to run a maintenance wash every month using bleach or something that will kill the mould spores.

This website explains why your washing machine smells.

summerholsdreamin · 25/02/2017 15:03

Always powder and most washes on 60. Sometimes I do put the powder directly into the drum - could that make a difference?

Iamastonished · 25/02/2017 15:17

Do you use bio powder?

summerholsdreamin · 25/02/2017 15:21

Yes bio powder

wowfudge · 25/02/2017 16:51

Do you leave the door and drawer open when the machine is not in use summer?

wowfudge · 25/02/2017 16:51

Do you leave the door and drawer open when the machine is not in use summer?

Iamastonished · 25/02/2017 17:40

wowfudge makes some good points. I always remove the drawer and clean it after every wash, and leave the door open.

summerholsdreamin · 26/02/2017 07:49

Yes I leave both the door and drawer open Sad

TupperwareTat · 26/02/2017 07:53

I soda crystal on a 95 degree wash.

Then add Zoflora to a towel only cycle once a month.

I keep the door ooen & use Bio powdee. All seems good & machine is 15 years old.

summerholsdreamin · 26/02/2017 07:57

Soda crystals on shopping list!

Think have white wine vinegar and zoflora already

summerholsdreamin · 26/02/2017 07:59

Tupperware.... do you always put the powder in the drawer or directly in drum (someone told me it is better clean if it goes in drum?)

Also do you use softener? I find that doesn't help with buildup.

nbee84 · 26/02/2017 08:01

Summer - check the door seals, if you pull them right back there is often grey smelly gunk behind them.

TupperwareTat · 26/02/2017 08:16

I put a bit in the drawer & a bit in the drum.

No softener.

When I do the 95 degree wash (I put it on a quick cycle to save water) there are loads & loads of bubbles from old build up.

TupperwareTat · 26/02/2017 08:17

An old toothbrush around the door seals very occasionally too.

Iamastonished · 26/02/2017 09:24

"I put it on a quick cycle to save water"

This might be the cause of the problem.

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