To be 38 and unable to do my own washing

[Laundryhelp45678]

I don’t know if I’m being stupid but I’ve had a Bosch washing machine for a few years now and I literally can’t turn my washing machine on and I certainly can’t wash things well in it, so I’m washing clothes (really badly) in the sink! Laundry is a basic life skill and at my age this is really embarrassing!

I mean it turns on for me eventually but I’m literally there pressing the weird button thing for ages until eventually it works (I average about 7 attempts). I could be stood by the machine feeling like an idiot for ages!

Once I can get the machine to turn on, all my stuff comes out soapy and my towels come out hard as a rock. I mean I don’t need to buy sandpaper because the towels will do that job perfectly well!

My towels come out with holes and rips as well and this happened from the very moment we bought this new machine!

I’ve tried changing detergent and softener and using less but it hasn’t helped.

I can’t do laundry like a normal person, I dread using the machine and not being able to turn it on and worry about it ruining my clothes so I’ve literally been washing my clothes in the sink for the last couple of years (I still wash towels in it thought because I just can’t be bothered to wash them in the sink).

It never used to be like this, I had a Zanussi washing machine and it worked fine, you could load clothes in, press start and they would come out without holes, clean and not full of soap, which was great because we all have far bigger things to worry about than washing right?

I reported these problems to Bosch including showing pictures of the rips in towels in the first year of having the machine, an engineer came out to look, they couldn’t find anything wrong with it. For the last 2 years Bosch have just fobbed us off saying it’s user error (which may very well be the case LOL) and delayed doing anything about the issue despite numerous chases from ourselves. They eventually sent another engineer who said the drum was faulty and causing the holes in towels (didn’t explain why I was having the other issues with it though). But they had fobbed us off and delayed things for so long that the diagnosis from this second engineer was made after the machine went out of warranty (clever tactic from them I guess) so they are no longer obliged to do anything to help us. But even if I get the drum fixed, it’s not going to help if I can’t get the soap out of my clothes and turn the machine on first time.

Is the Bosch brand just more entry level and cheaper quality or something? Is that why the customer service is so bad? Or am I just useless at laundry? Do I just cut my losses and buy a more upmarket brand like AEG or Zanussi?

Out of interest, have you asked a friend to come and help and see if they have the same issue?

What is this magic button?

You’d think! I can’t understand why it used to be easy with the Zanussi and now even after advice from the shop and 2 engineers I still can’t use it?

It’s the test of three then, if it happens for 3 people, it must be the machine. I would then tell Bosch others have tried using it and the same was happening.

also, just to ask but you don’t wash with items like zips or buttons on in the same wash? Could it be those causing issues with holes?

If this is real then I'd be inclined to cut my losses and get a new machine. Hotpoint are generally good, and the only time I had an issue (faulty drum) it ws replaced with no issue.

Just buy a new machine. Life is too short.

Which model of machine is it OP?

saying that there’s a little bit excess soap in between the front and the seal suggests you’ve got built up soap in your washing machine, the tabs tend to have too much soap if you don’t fill the machine enough! Try running an empty cycle- add some white vinegar and clean it out. Then if you read the instructions; do a full load and use the correct cycle- surely there are different options- you should be good to go. If you’re washing your towels with a tab that has fabric softener included (they usually do!) that’s where you’re going wrong- use only laundry detergent (not huge amounts!) for the towels!

OP, have you tried asking a family member or friend to have a go with your washing machine? As a queen of the laundry room, I’d be very happy to help a friend with a misbehaving washing machine, once I’d downloaded the manual. I suspect you’re putting your washing in on the wrong setting, but how on earth you’re managing to rip towels in your machine, I have no idea! If your washing is coming out soapy, then put it on an extra rinse cycle. I’m so sorry you’re having these problems.

I’ve tried and I’ve sent the picture of the rips dated before the warranty expired but they won’t repair the drum, they did offer a discount for us to pay for a replacement ourselves. If I thought this was the only thing wrong with it I’d pay to get it repaired but I think I’l still have the other issues after this.

Replace it.

I put softener in the drawer and use a tab for towels, is this where I’m going wrong.

Thanks for the white vinegar tip I might try that!

I get the button issue. Mine’s slightly temperamental and kind of stroking with my thumb works best. But otherwise, no. Your machine sounds defective, and if it was a manufacturing defect rather than an acquired one they should refund you.

I have a cheap Beko, under two hundred quid a decade ago. I used the 30 degree wash for everything, it takes 20 minutes set press go walk away. Treat yourself.

It’s Bosch WAJ28008GB. I bought it because it was all white and would look better than the ones with silver features everywhere. So yeah bought it for looks and not how it worked LOL 💁

I would clean the machine thoroughly to get rid of sny soap build up. Wipe with white vinegar on a cloth, including removing the filter trap at the bottom. Then run an empty hot wash with more vinegar.
Then I 'd probably try one more time to use it, following the instructions very carefully.
If that doesn't work, give up and buy a new one with proper buttons.

Oh ok I always thought Beko was the entry level brand and Bosch more mid range but I think I’m wrong about that, maybe Il try Beko. Thanks

Can you post a picture of the button panel?

It could be that you're not suited to touch screen buttons, I'd avoid those.

Bizarre. I've been doing my own laundry for over 40 years, and never once have clothes come out of the machine with rips and tears.
Nor have towels come out like sandpaper.
If this has been going on for years, I don't know why you don't just buy one that's easy to use - a Hoover, Hotpoint, Zanussi, whatever.
Very strange situation.

I know lol!

It’s just a new machine is so expensive and I think I’ve exhausted my options with Bosch to try to get it fixed. I might have to cut my losses now!

Beko are very easy to use and budget friendly.

Good idea

All our appliances are Bosch following a recommendation from a repairer yeas ago.
Our first Bosch washing machine lasted 15 years; there is nothing entry level about them.

As others have said, it sounds like your machine might benefit from a deep clean. There are specialist products out there that you run through in the hottest, wildest wash programme and which should shake free and dissolve all the gunk.

@Laundryhelp45678 do you put the tab in first? If not, with Bosch the tab goes into the bottom of the drum first at the back. Then the washing on top. Don't over fill it and make sure the door is clear before you close it.

If you are still having issues after that then it is time for a new machine.