I am a huge believer in those cleaning and/or delimescaling tabs you can buy from Lakeland (good) or even Tesco (less good, but still work). I just put one in as usual as my machine was starting to smell but didn't realise I'd left something in there from the last load - it looks like one of DHs t-shirts. The machine is making the most disturbing noises - like there's gravel inside it.
I'm worried that somehow leaving the t-shirt in there I've messed it up. I can't do anything until the cycle ends anyway but am a bit concerned.
And not looking forward to telling DH I just de-limescaled his t-shirt! 