Cleaning washing machine

Viz_2

I want to clean the inside of my washine machine. Its not quite 3 years old.

Does anyone know the solution that is used when running on a maintenance cycle ?

I remember reading it should be done every six months.

frizz_head

If you go to the Moneysaving Old Style board, there is a big thread called Stinky Washing Machine! A lot of posters recommend using White Vinegar to clean all the sludgy gunk out.

Debt_Free_Chick

No solution necessary. Just run the machine, empty, on the longest hottest wash possible.

kazzy

you could put some soda crystals in which is a limescale remover and 1/4 price of calgon and then hot,long wash with nothing in it.A handful of soda crystals thrown in every so often with your wash will keep it nice and clean anyway.Don't pay for calgon-it's a rip off!!!

Viz_2

Thankyou for suggestions !

I have noticed today that the machine isn't taking the fabric softener in cycle. Would the cleaning process sort this out or is it a different problem ?

mini

Can you remove the soap drawer? I have to to keep cleaning mine the fabric conditioner soon bungs it up I have to poke it with cotton buds to clear it.

Do you use powder or liquid in drawer I find that clogs it up more, I felt very told off by washing machine repair man for putting liquid in drawer so use the dosing devices now.

I do a hot wash every 3-4 weeks with towels or sheets & my washing machine hasn't had the smelly problem since not sure if it's down to using the dosing device or hot washes though.

mini

Viz_2

For the last few months i have been using the solid tablets that go in a string bag in the drum with the clothes. And the conditioner as a liquid in the drawer.
My machine isn't smelly though.

Savvy_Sue

Seeing you say it hadn't taken the fabric conditioner, you really must get the dispenser drawer out and give it a good clean! The fabric conditioner goes all gloopy and it all gets bunged up. Leave it long enough and it goes black and mouldy as well - delightful!

Other advice seems fine as well: but unless you've actually got a problem then the main question is whether you're in a hard water area? If you are then running it with soda crystals every few months might be a good plan. If you're not, don't think you need to do anything unless there appears to be a problem.

If in doubt look on manufacturer's website? You can often download instruction manuals.

Viz_2

I do regularly take out the drawer and clean inside.
The problem was the water jets from above the conditioner section. I used a cotton bud to clean as suggested. Thanks !

bunnyears

I was told by my service guy to put the washing powder in the machine drum. Since then I havent had a problem with a bunged up drawer. Mind you I use 3/4 cup washing powder 1/4 cup washing soda for each wash, never use conditioner, only the fab vinager trick with the final wash. The machine never smells and the washing is very clean even on the lowest temp using the cheapest washing powder.