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Best way to clean a washing machine

22 replies

Rottie454 · 07/07/2018 23:00

What is the best way to clean a washing machine? I've tried vinegar but it doesn't seem to do much. I washed clothes today and some had little dirt patches on them Sad

OP posts:
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Gibble1 · 07/07/2018 23:02

It might be that you need to give it a couple of goes through. Vinegar on a hot wash- you can put it straight into the drum.

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Mollymissy · 15/07/2018 19:05

I was going to post on her today asking for help with my washing machine, I used my washing machine the other day and the washing came out really smelly, and the washing machine stinks . I've used soda crystals as online it said they were good, used twice washing machine still stinks help 😱

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dementedpixie · 15/07/2018 19:09

Clean out the filter, the dispenser drawer and the bit the drawer fits into. Do a hot wash

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Nquartz · 15/07/2018 19:11

Try cleaning the rubber seal.round the door, ours is rank inside (water & mildew) but I can't get it clean 😞

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Slanetylor · 15/07/2018 19:14

I got a special wash in aldi that did a great job. I can’t remember what it’s called.

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Mollymissy · 15/07/2018 19:19

Thanks will try these, inside my washing machine looked really dull I've never seen it like that before. I've just put another hot wash on, the seal around the door is always like a grey sludge I'm always cleaning that it's rank

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PickAChew · 15/07/2018 19:28

Liquid detergents are terrible for causing this sort of build up, BTW, as is fabric conditioner. Powder is best for prevention.

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blueskypink · 15/07/2018 19:30

I take out the soap dispenser tray to clean it, but can see lots of mould in the place where it slots back in and can't reach it all. No idea how to clean in there.

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mangocoveredlamb · 15/07/2018 19:31

mollymissy
Mine suddenly started smelling and I thought it was a goner, but the heating element was broken and it wasn’t heating up the water so everything was gross!

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dementedpixie · 15/07/2018 19:34

I spray bleach spray and use an old toothbrush to clean the bit the drawer fits into. A microfibre cloth can also be used to clean it a bit if you can fit your hand inside the space. I switched to powder as well as liquids made the drum slimy.

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Mollymissy · 15/07/2018 20:33

Thankfully I've just done another hot wash and it's smelling a lot better, I dont use my dispenser I just use a ball and put the washing powder in there, I'll do a wash now and let you know

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Vintagebeads · 15/07/2018 20:37

Our was the same it was a combination of liquid tabs 30 degree wash and hard water.
I cleaned the tray the gross seal-which was causing the small and two hot washes with vinegar.
Every wash I put soda crystals in the draw which seems to be cleaning it as well as softening the water.
Once a fortnight a hot wash so far so good.

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madeyemoodysmum · 15/07/2018 20:40

Every month so a 90 wash with soda crystals. I also use zoflora if I can smell the drain when it empties.

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Mollymissy · 15/07/2018 21:07

Yes I will also start using soda crystals once a month if that keeps it smelling better, I'm going shopping tomorrow I'll also get some zoflora,

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Mollymissy · 16/07/2018 08:54

Hi I did a wash last night and thankfully it smelt lovely, thanks for all your help, I will once a month use soda crystals to keep it clean so hopefully the terrible smell doesn't return 😏

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FiveShelties · 16/07/2018 09:36

I use half the recommended amount of powder and add about the same amount of soda crystals in every wash. Machine stays really clean. Every couple of months I do a hot wash with just soda crystals in.

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Mollymissy · 16/07/2018 17:13

That sounds good half soap powder and half crystals would never of though of that, anybody who is following this post is getting good recommendations thanks

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clairedunphy · 16/07/2018 17:16

Following, mine is fairly dire too. For those that use zoflora, how are you using it please?

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Tawdrylocalbrouhaha · 16/07/2018 17:21

You need Dr Beckmann washing machine cleaner - currently £2 in Wilko (normally £3). Just put it in the drum and run a long empty wash at 90.

I tried all the soda crystals, vinegar, bio powder on a hot wash etc but there was a lingering whiff, which suddenly increased in the hot weather. Then I used the Dr Beckmann and it smells completely clean (maybe a slight whiff of dry cleaner shop). Wish I'd used it sooner.

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madeyemoodysmum · 16/07/2018 23:26

A cap ful in the drawer. Hot wash empty.

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mammmamia · 17/07/2018 00:04

If using vinegar how much and what kind of vinegar?

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Mollymissy · 24/07/2018 09:23

Thanks for all the tips thankfully my washing is now smelling lovely again

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