Yuck. My washing machine has grey slime between the grey rubber door seal and the metal drum - does yours? Please check for me.

[snooks]

Just noticed this when I put a load on this morning. I do pull out the dispensing drawer and give it a good scrub sometimes because that gets gunky too, but how do I get rid of this watery slimy stuff?? It's a wonder our clothes don't come out smelling of drains. It's where the rubber seal meets the metal drum, under the crease IYSWIM?

Boil wash hasn't helped, evebn more sludge appearing. Never use conditioners, always put detergent in drum. Will now try pwder not liquid

Have only experienced the black slime since we moved home recently. Just found an interesting article which might pinpoint the main cause: washing machines with a plastic outer casing, instead of stainless steel. Problem seems to be exacerbated by use of liquid detergents (with no bleach) and washing at lower temperatures: www.ukwhitegoods.co.uk/help/cleaning-maintenance/3027-mould-lumps-in-a-washing-machine.html A regular maintenance clean at a high temperature is recommended, otherwise it looks as if we are washing our clothes in a machine already full of bacteria!

i know this is a zombie thread but got to post in case it helps anyone - found this as we have exact same problem, dark grey gunk around seal which didn't smell in itself but general bad smell in drum. was getting worse, so many times there'd be marks all over laundry. had cleaned all around seal many times and tried 90 degree biological washes kept filter clean but could still see loads of gunk beneath drum. what has worked is a tip found online: put 1 dishwasher tablet in drawer, 1 dishwasher tablet in drum and run a wash at 90 or highest temp so chuffed gunk has completely cleared, smell has gone, don't seem to need as much detergent (was using more and more each load before) hope this helps

It's so easy to stop this happening. Just use bio or non-bio powder and not liquids. It happens because liquids & those pod things don't contain any bleaching agents, whereas powder does (except Colour powder) so it keeps the machine clean as well as the washing. The sludge is a build up of oils, grease, dead skin & bacteria that's in your clothes from rubbing against your skin that liquids can't shift.

Leaving the machine door open helps too.

I only ever use bio powders but I still get this grey sludge (less of it if I leave the door open regularly). I do use fabric conditioner too though, maybe the culprit?

I think it is the fat / fatty substance in the tabs / softener and some hair conditioners that causes this. I only use very little, if any, fabric conditioner in the wash and only powder, which stops this gunk and I think washes far better. I also make sure the washing machine has regular hot washes and leave the door / drawer ajar.

Hi ladies

I had the same problem with what can only be described as a build up of 'sludge' between the rubber.

Found this helpful article and it's as good as new now. Thought it would help others too: How To Clean A Washing Machine

Leave door open for a few hours till water in the bottom of the seal evaporates.
Use white vinegar instead of fabric conditioner, no it doesn't make your clothes smell of vinegar, is cheaper and keeps the machine's pipes clean!