mouldy washing machine

[meysey]

help I've got mould in my washing machine. it's in the bit that the powder compartment slots into and is very hard to get at and clean as my hand won't fit in. I have been looking at spray bleach products in the supermarket but they have various warnings not to use them with certain materials... and I am not sure what to do.

I have tried boil washes etc, but that does not get into that area of the machine.

have you put bleach in the boil wash?

no, just vinegar, but will try bleach if you think machine won't explode! (though how it would get back up to the powder area I don't know, maybe the fumes would help)

my brother fixes washing machines and he said to do it and I have so don't worry. You could even put some in a spray bottle. Can't you reach in with a toothbrush and bleach?

do mean when you've pulled the drawer out? either way try a bottle brush to get into awkward places!

Blimey JuniperDewdrop, I think I need you as my personal consultant. Fraid I'm following you around.
Meysey, what say we both run a boil wash tomorrow - do you think that toilet bleach is compatible with washing machines - will try remember to report back results.

I have terrible problems with ours. Ever since it was new has been no end of trouble, even though it cost a fortune being integrated!!
Have called them out to look at it on several occasions due to build up of scummy stuff on the outside of the drum that every now & then semms to get on my washing(usually my whites-sod's law)
Was told it was todays modern detergents!!!??
I too have a black slimy gunge that build up in the powder compartments. I am forever taking the drawer out, scrubbing it & trying to clean underneath with a bottle brush.
I use soda or a dish washing tablet on a boil wash to clean it out but might not have much effect depending on where you have the problem!!

Another top tip - thanks from me too.

I have the same prob - so far I have sprayed Dettox anti-bacterial Mould and Mildew Remover in the area, left it 5 mins, then run an empty boil wash. So far, no ill effects, and gets rid of the mould, though it doesn't say you can use it like this on the container. Before now, I've had a good scrub with a dish scrubby-mop thing and soapy water.

Just remembered, the washing machine repair man recommended something called "OUST" (sp?) Have seen it to descale kettle but can't find the one for washing machines so I don't really know how good (or expensive) it is.
I'm going to attack it with some bleach tomorrow!

Well all I know is that I used bleach on mine ( a Bosch so supposedly a good make) and it conked directly afterwards I had to get it repaired. So just from personal experience I would urge caution with bleach.

So far then, don't use bleach, do try dishwasher tab, dettox 'mould and mildew remover' or 'oust'(?).
Or just get in there with rubber gloves and appropriately shaped brush (hmmm... not sure brushes ever quite the right shape - not even toothbrush)
Anymore takers?

Does the drawer actually pull out completely? Some do, which makes them easier to clean. If it does, then it won't matter what you wash it with as you can rinse it all away and it won't get into your machine. Hot water, an old toothbrush and any old detergent should do the trick. If you want it completely disinfected and 'back to white' then soak it in diluted bleach for a few hours.

here is oust

Afraid that this is awfully sad but if you get down on your hands and knees and look at the upper surface of the inside of where your powder compartment slots into - that's where this disgusting dirt collects or mould grows. And as it's where the cold water must spray down onto the powder etc, it has quite a complex profile. Hence hard to clean with brushed etc...

Ooh Dingle. It's supermarket sweep day for me tomorrow.

after you've cleaned it up, use liquid detergents in the drum from now on. powder just clogs everything up and goes all slimy and disgusting... inside the machine where you can't see as well as places like the powder compartment.

I used nearly a whole role of kitchen paper cleaning mine after I pulled it apart as much as possible I crunched up the paper and shoved it in all the crevasses - it did a pretty good job actually - now I try to keep on top of it on an ongoing basis. Great Thread

Hello! Do the mould experts think that perhaps this self same mould might have caused black spots to appear on my clothes post wash? My drawer doesn't pull out far enough to see what's collecting back there...