Washing machine that doesn’t get a gunky rubber ring?

[lorelairory]

My washing machine is about to die, and I’m on the lookout for a new one.

My biggest bugbear with front loading washing machines is the gunk that builds up on the rubber ring!

My machine gets a lot of heavy use - muddy children etc. I do wipe out the ring about once every couple of months, but it builds up again quickly.

Anyway, does such a machine exist that doesn’t have that problem? (That isn’t top loading, which wouldn’t work for the space I have.)

If I’m stuck with that problem, what’s an absolutely excellent washing machine and any tips on preventing the build up of gunk??

If you add washing soda (sodium carbonate, not bicarbonate) to the drawer and avoid too much softener it makes your washing machine less prone to gunk everywhere, including the seal.
I’ve had washing machines from most brands. I wouldn’t recommend Candy and our current basic Bosch has been a reliable machine.

1. Don’t use any liquids—only powders
2. Keep the door ajar so that it can properly dry between washes

I bung powder directly into the drum, clean the drawer regularly and keep the door and drawer open a bit between washes so it dries out. Liquids and pods are the build up culprits, not the machine.

This is interesting! I buy bulk washing liquid. I will switch to powder and see how that goes with the new one!

One day, I’d love a top loading machine but I think you need loads of space for that.

Wipe it out after each time you use it. Takes 5 seconds. Then throw the cloth into the drum to be washed the next times it’s used. Next time the load is finished, the cloth is there and can be used again. Also, keep the door open/ajar between washes.

I would recommend Miele as a brand. It's very solid as a machine and long lasting and the ring seal never gets very gunky.

as for your gunk round the ring, as well as cleaning and wiping round it

-make sure that you are washing hot enough regularly. Whites, towels and anything with bodily fluids (underwear, sheets) need to be done on 60 to get them properly clean

-do an empty 90 degree maintence wash (most machine instructions tell you to do this) now and then

-use some kind of detergent other than a pod at least once a week so liquid that you put into a ball or powder. The pod covers don't always disolve properly especially if you are washing at lower temperatures.

A top loader is narrower and only slightly deeper than a normal washing machine so about the same footprint, but much taller because of the lid coming up.
My gripe was, our Candy top loader was SO NOISY! Water noises, sloshing noises, loud spinning noises. It seemed to have less insulation than a front loader and water from the lid detergent dispenser pooled and eventually rusted the lid when we lifted it.
We saved 20 precious cm next to the toilet but I’d NEVER buy another.

Samsung is the dog's bollocks of washing machines.

Use powder for most washes and once a month or so do a hot wash - 60c or above.
I do use some liquids for wool or handwashing cycles, but most of my washing is done with powder -don’t overdose whichever you use.

I have a gunk free Siemens, but I don’t think the brand is the issue.