New washing machine: pong prevention

[DontTellTheBride]

Hello,

Can't believe I'm posting about this...

We're getting a new washing machine, and I want to get it right from day one this time: clean, smell-free, no black mould in the inner tube or powder drawer etc.

Can you please give me your blow by blow guides to preventing a pong (leaving the door open, service washes, recommended products etc)? Please state the obvious - I want to know all about your habits and routines to get it right!

Thanks so much

In my experience machines smell when they've been used at low temp washes for a long time with non-bio detergent.

Once a month do an empty wash with bio powder and a tablespoon of soda crystals (buy a green bag for £1 from somewhere like Wilko).

Leave door open after wash.

Use powder instead of liquid detergent. Limit fabric softener use.

To be honest if you do all of the above it should be fine!

Forgot to say the empty wash should be at 90c.

Leave the drawer open, too

Absolutely only use powder, gels and liquids leave residues that build up and reek. Always leave the door open when not in use, and maintenance hot wash once a week. This machine is 2 years in and still immaculate.

Ooh interesting, thanks.

Am on the move but will stop and read when I can.

Thank you

Use a powder detergent. Non bio or bio is fine (not the colour stuff though) as both contain oxygen based bleaching agents which help keep the machine clean.

30 & 40 degree washing is fine for clothes, but turn up to 60 for washing sheets and towels as they will be cleaner & clean the washer out at the same time.

Keep the door open between uses

Reading with interest. I inherited an old one in the house we moved to which works fine, but is a bit whiffy...will be buying a new one when funds permit and want to protect it!

Honestly, mine is like new. Past ones have ended up smelling etc but prior to buying this one i had someone out to repair the old one and he said abput only using the powder as it totally dissolves and the others leave a slimy residue that builds up and not only smells, but wreck the pipes too. I leave the door open too and it doesn't smell horrible at all. If i leave the washing in there overnight it still smells perfectly fresh in the morning, but in past machines would have been gross and needed rewashing.

I got a Miele a few years ago and I'm determined it will last its full lifespan!

Door always open.
Do a hot wash once a week even if it is empty.
Wipe seal about once a week too, so no chance for mould to build up.
Clean with cleaner (I use a citric acid based one as it is more gentle on machine) once a month.
Powder only.
60 degrees for towels & sheets.

I have found, over the years and through a few washing machines, the best method for keeping it mound and pong free is to keep the door open for as long as possible, wipe inside the rim every time you have used it, and remove and rinse the drawer out every time with a wipe inside the drawer space. I keep a cloth on top of the washing machine that I use only for this and it has kept the washing machine like new. Keeping the inside of the drawer space aired means that air gets to the pipes and prevents the mound from growing. We live in a v hard water area so I do everything I can to prevent mouldy in appliances.

Obviously mound = mould!

So interesting, thank you. I do use powder but didn't know it prevented gunkage - will keep using.

I leave the door and drawer open for a limited time after a wash - will leave the door perma-open now.

When you say:

Clean with cleaner (I use a citric acid based one as it is more gentle on machine) once a month.

... sorry to be dense, but how do you mean? Use the cleaner to wipe the seal and drawer and inside the drum?

Thanks all

That question was to @TheSnorkMaidenReturns btw

I have never had a problem with our washing machines smelling in the ten years I've had sole control of the laundry! So I can tell you what I do anyway: it's not too complicated.

I make sure I wash towels on a hot setting: 60 or 90 degrees. I think this functions pretty well as a service wash and with 5 people in the house it means the machine has a hot wash a couple of times a week. General washing is fine at 30 or 40 degrees.

I've used both liquids and powders, but powder doesn't gunk up the drawer. You can also put the powder drawer in the dishwasher every so often for a proper clean!

Leave the door open when machine isn't in use (rare in our house!).

That's about it!

@DontTellTheBride
I get this and use it on an empty hot wash.

Only use powder. 95C wash once a month. Leave door open when not in use. Take out drawer and leave out after every wash, only put it back for wash. Never use quick wash.

Thank you all - my new era begins this week

I use powder for whites, usually on a quick wash and have never done a "service wash". Both previous machines lasted just over 20 years (one had problem with bra wire in drum, otherwise no repairs. ) No smells either.

Yes to door open between washes, and this time am taking friend's advice about black mark on bottom of seal and leaving absorbent cloth in there (old facecloth) to dry it out after every wash..
As quick wash spins at less than 1000 revs, I usually do an extra, faster spin for quicker drying.

I am afraid to say this, but I have a Whirlpool since (OMG) 1996, yes folks that is 21 years. Constant use. Still going strong (well that's the kiss of death for it now!)

Have never used gels or fabric conditioner just powder or tabs crushed into the holder, and a splash of white vinegar instead of conditioner.

90d wash at bed changing time and for towels. Probably once a week or longer(!) yikes I am a slattern. Other than that I just use 40d wash.

Sometimes I think you can just be lucky with appliances.

Dishwasher is the same age..... it was being naughty there for a while, but I just used a tweezer to get the gunk out of the little holes in the rotating arms. Wow, lovely clean things again.