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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

Original poster

mouldy disgusting wachine machine drawer -how do I stop it happening and how do you clean yours?

31 replies

brimfull · 10/08/2009 14:34

is it powder or liquid that makes it worse?

Have soaked in bleach ,scrubbed with brush and poked into dark smelly orifices with cloth .

It is now in the dishwasher....life is too short for this kerfuffle.

What is the answer housekeeping gurus?

OP posts:
CybilLiberty · 10/08/2009 14:35

Regular sluicing is the only answer.

Original poster
brimfull · 10/08/2009 14:36

bloody hell why can't a washing machine be cleaned whilst it washes ffs!!

OP posts:
Original poster
brimfull · 10/08/2009 14:37

american type one is required I think

OP posts:
MmeLindt · 10/08/2009 14:39

This is one for the hated inanimate objects threads. My mum always puts the tabs in the wrong bit and it makes it even worse. Why can't someone design a washing machine drawer that stays clean?

crokky · 10/08/2009 14:41

I put the washing liquid directly onto the clothes in the drum. My drawer is pristine!

Original poster
brimfull · 10/08/2009 14:42

You're right it has been done to death on mumsnet.

I normally ignore the thread and the washing machine but the filth has been coming out on the white wash now.Farkin all over cream three piece suite cover !!!

OP posts:
Original poster
brimfull · 10/08/2009 14:42

crokky-really ???

just chuck it on??

OP posts:
crokky · 10/08/2009 14:43

yep, just chuck on the clothes. However, I do use quite small quantities and all my clothes are clean. Try it out on some kids clothes if you are worried .

SOLOisMeredithGrey · 10/08/2009 14:44

But it's the fabric conditioner part that gets more manky than the detergent IME.

DamonBradleylovesPippi · 10/08/2009 14:45

same probl here, but thought it was because it is a s**t one from prev owner. I will do what crokky does to from now on! doesn;t the powder remain on the clothes though?

MmeLindt · 10/08/2009 14:49

ggirl
No, I did not mean that it has been done to death, I meant that the washing machine drawer belongs on the Which Inanimate Objects Piss You Off?

crokky · 10/08/2009 14:52

SOLOisMeredithGrey - I don't use fabric conditioner - I tumble all the clothes so don't need it.

DamonBradleylovesPippi - I haven't tried it with powder, only liquid. If you use a small quantity of liquid, it won't remain on the clothes.

Again - disclaimer to all - try it out on some cheap kids clothers!!!!!

DamonBradleylovesPippi · 10/08/2009 14:55

ahh yes if liquid I believe and I am sure it does work. they used to do those plastic balls which you put directly in the drum full of liquid det, don't they do them anymore? why one needed the ball I don't know though. I think I'll buy liquid and do it this way too.

now since we are talking about the sodding washing machine, why does my crappy one smells mouldy? and how do I get rid of it?

LadyMuck · 10/08/2009 15:01

I dread to think how long I owned a washing machine before I realised that the detergent drawer is designed so that it can be removed for cleaning. I probably only do so once or twice a year, though I don't use fabric conditioner in many washes.

LadyMuck · 10/08/2009 15:02

DamonBradleylovesPippi, are you in a hard or soft water area? And how recently have you descaled your machine?

DamonBradleylovesPippi · 10/08/2009 15:03

ladymuck I have never removed it either, DH does that. However mine wasn't designed that well tbh as it is bloody hard work to get it out!

MmeLindt · 10/08/2009 15:06

Hmm, might try the liquid in the drum thing. I think that I have seen capsules somewhere, they go straight into the drum.

DamonBradleylovesPippi · 10/08/2009 15:07

hmmmm good question LadyMuck... hard????

I'm in london, would you know?

no have not descaled it. I have bought the stuff though but did not get round to read how to use it even... god I am painting a great picture of my dwelling am I not . Maybe I should get up and use this time in which both dd are asleep to do such chores! Think I will.

LadyMuck MN is great: there's always someone worse than you .

ZippysMum · 10/08/2009 15:08

We had a stinky machine for a while and I spent some time online researching how to sort it out.

Washing powder is the best for not getting the drawer gunked up, blocks next best and liquid is the worst. Also ours was bad as we generally did a cool wash to save energy.

We cleaned the drawer and now do a hot hot empty wash cycle once a month with soda crystals and it smells fine

crokky · 10/08/2009 15:09

Recently a washing machine repair person told me that if you do lots of washing, particularly at 30 degrees and some at 40 degrees, it is so cool that it allows mank stuff to breed in your pipes. I ususally put a 90 degree empty wash on about once a month and usually choose a time directly after I have washed something really filthy so it flushes all that through as well.

I was also told that you can put milton in the washing machine to clean it out, but I have never tried this and don't know exactly how to do it.

DamonBradleylovesPippi · 10/08/2009 15:10
ZippysMum · 10/08/2009 15:11

x post! Great minds

DamonBradleylovesPippi · 10/08/2009 15:12

Could it also be something to do with keeping the door closed at all times? Or have I just dreamt that?

crokky · 10/08/2009 15:14

No, you must not keep the door closed if the machine is free. You have to keep it open a bit unless you are actually using it.

ZippysMum · 10/08/2009 15:14

Oh yes, door open or at least ajar to help it to dry.

AND (if you can be bothered...) clean the mank out of the doorseal and then use a cloth to dry it after each wash. (life's too short )

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