Washing Machine - Best way to clean it?

malachysdad

I was wondering if anyone could enlighten me on the best way to clean a washing machine. I have heard about putting in some bleach and putting it on a hot cycle and also something about soda crystals. I'm worried about the bleach method as could this not stain clothes put in on later washes or do you only use a Tbsp of bleach or something? It's an Ariston 1600 washing machine if that helps... Any advice would be most appreciated.

ormus

we use two cups of vinegar. then an empty hot wash to clean it out.
do it every few months or so.

cally1_2

I do mine with a large cup full of soda crystals in the drum and a good slosh of white vinegar in the fabric conditioner drawer. Run empty on the hottest wash. Then I wash the powder drawer in the dishwasher while I clean that in a similar way...

wallbash

a large cup full of soda crystals in the drum

With a 95 degree wash


And if i'm really bored will use a used toothbrush on the rubber seal

garratt83_2

My rubber seal is really moldy, what is best to clean this with?

spaceraiders

I did an empty hot wash with a bleach based washing powder a while ago. When it had finished and I went to look at it, it looked as if my machine had been leaking. It appeared as if the powder had frothed up so much inside the machine that the froth had came out somewhere and made the floor wet. It's never leaked any other time. Any one else had this? Now I do the hot wash with a few towels in it.

bubblegumcola

I had problems with my washing machine a month or so ago and the bloke that came out to fix it said to put my machine on a hot wash once a month with bio powder as it kills all the bugs, the non bio ones don't. It should keep it clean and not so smelly.

I've also done a hot empty wash with just vinegar through it, its amazing how much soap scum comes through in the water.

So far so good my machine is far less pongy and I haven't got the build up on the door seal like I usually get. You can get stuff specifically made for getting rid of build up in your machine but I've no idea how well they work, vinegar is far cheaper. I'm using bio powder far more often too and its made a difference.

trial and error I guess, see what works best for you.

spaceraiders

bubblegumcola wrote: »

I had problems with my washing machine a month or so ago and the bloke that came out to fix it said to put my machine on a hot wash once a month with bio powder as it kills all the bugs, the non bio ones don't. It should keep it clean and not so smelly.

I've also done a hot empty wash with just vinegar through it, its amazing how much soap scum comes through in the water.

So far so good my machine is far less pongy and I haven't got the build up on the door seal like I usually get. You can get stuff specifically made for getting rid of build up in your machine but I've no idea how well they work, vinegar is far cheaper. I'm using bio powder far more often too and its made a difference.

trial and error I guess, see what works best for you.

Doesn't vinegar leave a bad smell after?

I usually wipe the rubber with a paper towel after a wash.

One time I was staying with a friend who had a serious mold build up around the rubber ring. As I took my clothes out, some got some seriously smelly moldy liquid splashed on them. I went on a trip for a couple of days and only worked out the smell that was following me was from patches on my clothes. Urgh, the smell was awful.

JoolzS

In over 20 years I've never felt the need to clean a washing machine. Maybe it's because I wash my dishcloths and hand-towels at 70 or 80 degrees every few weeks or so.

Julie

Magnolia

I just do a hot wash with the towels periodically and that clears the smell - gets the towels back to their former glory as well!

jackieb

JoolzS wrote: »

In over 20 years I've never felt the need to clean a washing machine. Maybe it's because I wash my dishcloths and hand-towels at 70 or 80 degrees every few weeks or so.

Julie

I've never had a problem in over 20 years, and various machines either - until I moved house last year. Now my drawer needs cleaning out more often as it goes mouldy.The rubber seal around the opening needs cleaned too as pinkish scum gathers (like you'd get in the shower if you didn't clean it). I can't understand it. I rarely use powder now though. It's usually tablets or gel. Would that make a difference?