Share your best tips for keeping your washing machine in tip-top shape with Fairy Non Bio - £300 voucher to be won! NOW CLOSED

[JustineBMumsnet]

Keeping your washing machine in good condition is vital step to having fresh, clean clothes...who knew?! Fairy Non Bio would like you to share all your methods and tips on how you keep your washing machine clean and in tip-top shape.

Here’s what Fairy have to say: “With the amount of washing we all do, we need to keep our faithful machines in tip top condition to keep it running for the long haul. Whether it is running a powder wash or a hot cycle every now and again, we would love to know your tips!”

Perhaps you give everything in the machine a wipe down after every wash? Do you have a schedule for how often you do an empty load? Or maybe you have some home remedies that you turn to that you think work brilliantly?

Whatever your methods are, share them on the thread below and you will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £300 voucher of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck.

MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs apply

I run an empty 90 degree cycle once a month when I remember. Unfortunately it's positioning means I can't leave the door open between uses, so have to give the seals a wipe down every now and then.

Don’t bother, they always break-it’s how they’re made these days. Buy from John Lewis during sales with extended warranty then replace it first sale after warranty expires.

We've got very soft water so don't have many problems, however if we use those add in scent drops it tends to clog it, so we prefer using non bio washing liquid as it always has a nice smell.

I do a wash with soda crystals every now and then, it helps keep the machine lime scale free

Door and drawer are left open after every wash. I do a 90 degree wash when I can remember...probably every couple of months or so.

I leave the door open to make sure it doesn't get smelly, & I wash my cleaning & dishcloths on a 90 degree wash every few weeks. I live in a soft water area, so I don't use any descaling treatments.

I use soda crystals and a hot wash occasionally.

After years of finding that my washing machine drawer kept going black and mouldy really quickly I changed to using a powder and it is so much better!

It's also got rid of the horrible smell that we used to be greeted by when we ran the first wash after the machine hadn't been used for a week or so eg. on return from holiday.

Other than that, running a really hot wash every now and again keeps it in good order

I don't do anything except leave the door open after use, and occasionally putting the dispenser drawer in the dishwasher. Might start some of these tips though!

I take care never to overload the drum and make sure the machine is properly balanced.

I wipe the door of the washing machine- I promise- our clothes aren't that dirty- yet it gathers crud!
About once a month I put it on empty, and do a wash cycle.
Oh, and I wipe inside the rim after each wash.
..
And occasionally the tray for the washing liquid.

Also, I use vanish with my fairy when there are stains.

I have to wipe the seal after every wash otherwise my next load of washing ends up with dirty grey marks all over it. I leave the door open between washes and after a particularly dirty load of muddy sports or work clothes - I run an empty hot wash to try and get rid of any residue.

I wish we just run it into the ground with eay too much wash loads. Occasionally get al the purple fluff out of the filter bit. Very occasinally.

Gawd, sorry, my mini ipad is a beeeech to type on.

Open door after every wash, 90 degree wash every month, vinegar wash every second month.

I use washing powder rather than liquid and empty hot wash every now and then

I run a quick wash every week with anti bacterial laundry cleanser.

I do a hot empty load every month.Always leave the door open after each wash.Swipe dry the rubber.Clean the machine from outside with damp cloth and inside the glass part.Also always remove the draw and give it a good clean with a brush under warm running water.Ours is 12 years old now.It's like a family member and i love it
Soooooo much 😉

After every wash, I leave the door ajar to the drum dries out, and every now an again I call the doctor..............Dr. Beckmann Service-It Deep Clean (I am sure others are available) for a couple of pounds, the fact it cleans and kills bacteria makes a big change to my machine, I only use it a couple of times a year it makes my machine smell clean and gives me the confidence to wash my clothes knowing they are clean and safe. The added bonus for me is it is supposed to help my machine work more efficient for longer saving those ££££s

I leave the detergent drawer and the drum slightly open after every wash.

I do an empty hot wash periodically and also put white vinegar in the softener compartment to descale and remove the fabric softener gunge.

As others, I do an empty hot wash every month. I sometimes use vinegar, though I've just picked a few other tips up from this thread now! I always leave the door open. I never leave wet laundry sitting inside with the door shut for long, always take it out as soon as it's finished or a few hours after, max. This stops bacteria developing inside the machine, and on the clothes which leaves them smelling of course. I take out and clean the washing powder drawer regularly as it quickly gets gunked up from all the powder and liquid.

We run an empty cycle, once a week, with descaler. We also ensure we never overfill the system and we keep the door open to ensure the drum gets time to air. We also ensure it is fully levelled, so the machine doesn’t rock.

Thanks Laucu - I will buy some - top tip!

I use powder for all my whites, and find that has reduced the washing machine smells. The door is always open when empty, and I do a fortnightly (or so) very hot wash with no detergent and towels in to shift any detergent buildup.

I also occasionally use the Dr Beckmann washing machine cleaner