Effects on washing machine and dishwasher of using eco-products?

[HowManyDaysUntilChristmas]

Since I switched to more eco-friendly laundry and dishwasher products my washing machine and dishwasher are getting black mould and seem dirtier. Is there a link and what can I do to prevent it? I do put a very hot cycle through with vinegar once a week, but does anyone have any advice on how to clean the appliances in an eco-friendly way? Many thanks.

what are the products you have been using?

Ecover and Tescos own make.

what are they called?

how much do you use?

what temperature do you wash at?

Yes there is something missing that causes mould like that Saw it on some dreadful daytime show ages ago. Interestingly I cleaned our shower cubicle with an eco cleaner and it is already limescaley after only about 10 days usually lasts about 6 weeks

We use the Asda dishwasher tabs (green something) which were recommended by Which as a best buy amongst all dishwasher tabs, not just eco ones.

We use Ecover washing power. Not had this problem with either appliance, though washing nappies means we use the washing machine a lot, so not much time for anything to develop and, that I have to wipe round the seal frequently because of bits that emerge form the nappies and get caught there anyway (re-used and washed carrot bits anyone?!).

Ecover is the non-bio washing liquid and I use what ever it says on the bottle. In the dishwasher I use Ecover tablets, one per load. When I put the hot cleaning wash through once a week I use the hottest temperature there is. I'm washing at 40 in the machine and not sure of the temperature of the dishwasher as the button just says 45 - 70.

Interesting noddyholder - I clean my shower cubicle with sprayed on vinegar and a microfibre cloth every few days and use Method daily spray after each morning's use. I live in a hard water area, but it seems to be working OK.

washing liquids dont contain bleach and it is the bleach that helps prevent mould building up. It was the reason I switched to powders. Do you put anything in the hot wash e.g. soda crystals or vinegar as they will help get rid of any build up?

The mould lives on a sludge of residual soap, softener and grease from the skin or bath oils, hand cream etc.

In the washer, a powder, at a high temperature, will get things cleaner. You can put the powder through the door to prevent sludge in the drawer..

Vinegar and bleach to not wash out accumulated sludge. For that, do a HOT HOT HOT wash with just washing soda crystals, and some white cotton towels (which will stand up to a hot wash) if you have them. No soap needed, as you are trying to wash it away.

If the water goes grey and foams up, that is old sludge dissolving. Do it again until it stays clean. Otherwise you will have disturbed the sludge and stirred it up but not washed it away, and it may smell even more.

Thanks for the info PigletJohn. I will add washing soda crystals to my shopping list.