Apparently I'm a slattern and also can my washing machine be saved?

[TheBeesKnee]

I just found out that washing machines are supposed to be cleaned and serviced after 30 washes?! When I was renting we had a washer-dryer which I cleaned when we moved in and then 5 years later when we moved out. We never had any issues.

When we bought our house we inherited a Hoover washing machine from previous owners who said it was only a year old. It keeps growing mould and I feel sick at the thought that I'm "washing" my clothes in it!

I've used white vinegar, bleach, the Dr Beckenham stuff (not all at the same time!) but it just keeps coming back. I suspect that it's heading to the dump and needs replacing but can anyone offer me any hope as to what I can do to save it and/or consolation that I'm not the only idiot who didn't know that washing machines basically had to be cleaned once per month?

I throw a couple of capfuls of vinegar in with my towels. It makes them lovely and soft and helps clean the machine too.

It’s easier than remembering to clean the machine.

Btw a 10% solution of bleach in water is more effective at clearing mould than neat bleach.

Clean the drawer area with an old toothbrush and some bleach. When the machine isn't washing, pull the drawer out a bit to let it dry.

Only use powder, not liquid.

Buy a bunch of white cotton towels and bedding so you always have something to wash on the hottest setting. Use vinegar instead of softener on those washes! Always leave the drum door open after a wash to let it dry out.

My washing machines last ages with that sort of treatment.

I agree with moose. When younhave got it clean stick a load of tea towels/towels/ cotton sheets in on 90 every week or so rather than doing an empty wash

I prefer just not to look .