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Original poster

Black 'bits' on washing

9 replies

DoraSpenlow · 05/10/2023 13:07

Has anyone else had this and what can I do about it?

For the last couple of months I keep getting black bits over my washing. It's like when you miss a tissue in a pocket but black pieces. I have used the Dettol washing machine cleaner twice and also the machine's own Auto Clean function twice. I thought I'd cracked it as it was OK for a couple of weeks but now this morning my sheets have come out covered in black bits again! If you try and get them off when they are wet they leave a mark but usually drop off on the line or a use a clothes brush before ironing when they are dry.

I just can't understand where they are coming from. It's driving me nuts. Any ideas?

OP posts:
Original poster
DoraSpenlow · 05/10/2023 13:15

Forgot to mention that machine is about 3 years old.

OP posts:
PressPauseontheMenopause · 05/10/2023 13:48

Oh God, yes - I have this. I think that I've narrowed it down to dog blankets or exercise kit (husband's)...could it be either of these in your case? The only way I've found to mitigate it is to wipe down the whole machine inside, especially the rubber bit by the door. But it still catches me out sometimes 😩 Drives me nuts!

Helenahandkart · 05/10/2023 14:43

Do a 90* empty wash with a cup of white vinegar in. That should deal with any residual dirt.

frumpalertt · 05/10/2023 14:59

I had this at my gran's house and it turned out the machine was breaking and bits of rubber were coming off in the wash! It started clanking around horribly after a bit and has now gone to washing machine heaven.

Original poster
DoraSpenlow · 05/10/2023 16:13

Helenahandkart · 05/10/2023 14:43

Do a 90* empty wash with a cup of white vinegar in. That should deal with any residual dirt.

I will give this a go. Not sure it is dirt as such. Managed to dry out some of the bigger pieces today. When dry it resembles ripped up black bin bag material. Anyway, anything is worth a try at this stage. Thanks.

OP posts:
Original poster
DoraSpenlow · 05/10/2023 16:13

PressPauseontheMenopause · 05/10/2023 13:48

Oh God, yes - I have this. I think that I've narrowed it down to dog blankets or exercise kit (husband's)...could it be either of these in your case? The only way I've found to mitigate it is to wipe down the whole machine inside, especially the rubber bit by the door. But it still catches me out sometimes 😩 Drives me nuts!

No dog blankets!

OP posts:
Original poster
DoraSpenlow · 05/10/2023 16:16

frumpalertt · 05/10/2023 14:59

I had this at my gran's house and it turned out the machine was breaking and bits of rubber were coming off in the wash! It started clanking around horribly after a bit and has now gone to washing machine heaven.

Hope it's not breaking up. Only three years old! They don't make stuff to last these days though.

OP posts:
Lsquiggles · 05/10/2023 16:27

I have a pair of thermal leggings that are slightly fleecy on the inside that do this!

Is it in every wash?

Timbo60 · 12/02/2024 13:55

I have this. I only notice on sheets. The bits are quite hard but scrape off with your nail.

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