How to clean a washing machine

Den1se

Hi

Can anybody give me any ideas how to clean a washing machine. My washing machine smells really musty & quite often the clothes smell worse when they come out!! We have had engineers out who keep telling me it needs a good clean. Did a bit of research on the internet & found suggestions of White vineger on a boil was & soda crystals (what are these??) Anyway - tried the white vineger and the drum smelt better for a couple of days but now it is back to smelling of 'dirty water'. I am on the verge of just buying a new washing machine as I am washing clothes at least 5 times

totalsolutions

Buy a packet af soda and follow the instructions. Soda cleans even in cold water and makes the water soft. Popular 40 yrs ago ??

love-hearts

Would that work for a whiffy dishwasher too?

bubblegumcola

I was using bicarbonate of soda and vinegar on the hottest wash possible. I had a guy out to service the motor on my machine and he said to use a small amount of biological powder on the hottest wash possible and to do this on the hottest wash possible. Basically he said that as I was using non-bio and eco friendly liquid which doesn't 'eat' the bugs that build up inside, biological does. He also it was better to use powder rather than liquid as it just builds up. So far it seems to be working. How old is your machine? Mine is about 5 years old and my last one about ten years old.

Maybe you might have to do the hot empty wash a couple of times, just to flush it out?

Worth a try...I'm sure there will be other ways/products you can use. I've never tried soda crystals so can't advise on them.

tandraig

I use bio and have never had prob with whiffy machine. but i also do an 'empty run' now and again with no detergent etc. whiffs can also be caused by back syphonage apparently - but the service engineer should have picked that cause up. i would put machine on rinse only put about a tablespoon of bicarb in drawer put it on then leave overnight then do empty wash cycle - if this doesnt cure it - its prob the back syphonage.

tartantotty

I clean mine once a month, by putting soda crystals in the drum and in the drawer, and white vinegar in the fabric conditioner drawer, and stick in on a 90c wash. I do bung the odd teattowel and cloth in too if they are lying about! It does the trick

Also make sure you keep the door open when you are not using the machine, or it can get a bit smelly inside that way. I had a wee spell of a whiffy machine but doing the above helps. Also give the filter a good clean at the same time. Hopefully all that will sort out the prob!

vivamartin

Maybe help to clean the filter, when the washing machine is empty,

wallbash

I clean mine once a month, by putting soda crystals in the drum and in the drawer, and white vinegar in the fabric conditioner drawer, and stick in on a 90c wash.

Thats great advice.
If you are getting black gauge as well :mad::mad: it might take a couple of attempts, as the first just loosen the problem.:D

I am on the verge of just buying a new washing machine as I am washing clothes at least 5 times

Don't :eek: your machine heats water and spins ..... therefore it is working
You only need to clean.

TomsMom

Various possible causes of washing machine smells

You can buy soda crystals in any supermarket, usually in the same aisle as washing powder. Comes in a bag, 1kg I think.

I always leave my washing machine door ajar and don't get smells.

As Wallbash says, don't buy a new washing machine, you will be wasting your money. Check out the links in the article above and give it a good clean.

Den1se

Thank you so much for all your advice - I will give them all a try

Maybe buying a new washing machine was a bit 'hasty' - but I was getting really fed up of repeatedly washing my clothes. I have to use non bio & sensitive conditioner


I will let you know how I get on

wallbash

I have to use non bio & sensitive conditioner

A lot of people do , BUT run the occasional boil wash /soda crystals as well.