Black Spots from Washing Machine

Dinah93

We've just moved into a new house, and it has a built in washer-drier (around 2 years old) - but things are coming out with black spots on them - looks almost like mould but they're literally going in and being taken out as soon as the buzzer goes so I don't get what this could be. Any ideas welcomed!

Ginger_Snap

Could it be black mould/gunge from inside the thick,deep rubber seals around the door? We had the same problem, there was a lot of disgusting oozy stuff when we explored around the door seals...we had to run a bleach wash on a high temp though the machine (with no clothes inside) to help clear it. OH thinks it was because we run too many non-bio cool washes...I have no idea what he means but it might help you!

Shysarah

Sounds to me like it needs a boil wash with about 100mls of white vinegar. Give that a try then feedback to us if it hasn't helped maybe we can think of something else?

My mum had this problem and the washing machine was very very noisy, she had a problem with the bearings going which was leaking tiny droplets of oil into the drum.

It really depends on what sort of black marks they are.. if it is a washer/dryer has the dryer vent been cleaned out recently?

HTH

babyshoes

You probably want to start with a good clean as others on here have suggested - get right into the rubbery seals with gloves and an old sponge/cloth first. Also find the filter and clean that. Follow with a very hot wash, empty with soda crystals or vinegar - or a branded washing machine cleaner, if you like!

If that doesn't help you probably need to get someone in to look at it, I'm afraid!

rosalie-lavender

The other thing to try is cleaning out the detergent drawer and if it is possible on your machine removing it and cleaning the channel it sits in.

My washing machine builds up black mould and gunk in and around the drawer.

notsorichandnotsofamous

Same sort of advice as the posters above.

Every so often I just put some items on a boil wash with a bit of bleach and it tends to clear it out !

Meadows

If you have black mould on your door seals it can be quite hard to remove, try a good strong neat bleach (but only leave on for about 5 - 10 minutes. This should remove or take away most of the mould. Ensure you wipe the seals dry after use and leave the door slightly open when not in use. If you drawer can be removed take it out often and thoroughly clean, if not clean it the best you can to remove soap and limescale build up.

Run a washer cleaner through your washer once a month.

newleaf

It might not be mould.
When my old washing machine was on its last legs it got very noisy, especially on the final spin. I had a repair man out to look at it and he said the bearings were going. He said 'the next thing you'll notice is black spots on your washing, as the bearings start to break up. When that happens, it's time to get a new machine'. He was absolutely right, within a week or so of his visit, black spots on washing, and I had to buy a new machine as the old one was not worth the cost of repairing.
So, is your machine getting on a bit?

Dinah93

Thanks for all the advice everyone, but we're not so sure it is the washing machine anymore. We've noticed all the marks are on my husbands clothes, not mine. And only on his side of the sheets not mine. Its bizarre.

jackieb

A stupid question, but is your husband's skin okay? My son has eczema and his sheets and clothes are always covered in spots of blood. Other than that I can't think what else it could be, considering it's only affecting your dh? Does he get dirty doing his job? Even after showering maybe the dirt could be coming out of his pores. I really haven't a clue!

Fruball

No no no!!! Don'r use bleach as bleach corrodes rubber and your rubber seal will disintegrate after time.. I speak from experience!!!

soda crystals, vinegar on a hot wash will help