boil wash causing washing machine to smell!

j.e.j.

I notice that whenever I run a boil wash my washing machine smells horrible afterwards, and any washing I do comes out smelling of stagnant water.

I was thinking of perhaps running another one or two 90 degree washes, in case the boil wash has dislodged some dirt or something like that? Has anyone else had this problem?

What do you normally use to do a 'maintenance wash'? I see Kleeneeze have a washing machine sanitiser, but I normally tend to use good old-fashioned vinegar and washing soda crystals. The washing-machine instructions don't really say.

Seakay

If it happens every time then I can't see that yet another cycle would clean out your machine on it's own.
I've never had this problem myself so can't speak from experience; I would be inclined to contact the manufacturer or at least see if the subject is covered on an online FAQ

Fruball

I've never done a boil wash! I couldn't bear to think of the wasted heat and electricity
Most of my washing goes in at 30c, some at 40c and very occasionally I will do a 60c but that would only be about once a year!

I would say, if it only does it on a boil wash, don't bother boil washing

j.e.j.

Well, I think it's recommended to run the machine on a boil wash every few weeks or so, as it helps clean the machine of any gunk and build-up. I do feel a bit guilty about the amount of electricity it must be using, though!
Also we live in a hard water area (the kettle needs descaling every week or two :eek:) so I like to try and keep the washing machine as scale-free as possible.

Fruball

j.e.j. wrote: »

Well, I think it's recommended to run the machine on a boil wash every few weeks or so, as it helps clean the machine of any gunk and build-up. I do feel a bit guilty about the amount of electricity it must be using, though!
Also we live in a hard water area (the kettle needs descaling every week or two :eek:) so I like to try and keep the washing machine as scale-free as possible.

I live in a hard water area too - do you use soda crystals in your wash? it softens the water so you hardly need any washing powder (I use a little over a tablespoon per wash!) so the machine doesn't tend to get gunky. Might be worth a try?

Otherwise maybe ring the manufacturer... Is it an old machine?

j.e.j.

It's about three years old. The manufacturer (Bosch) recommend Calgon but I prefer to use soda crystals and sometimes a bit of white vinegar in the final rinse.

paulwellerfan

in regards to the limescale in the kettle.
pop a couple of marble in it.
you will find the you would need to descale your kettle less often.
For the resason that the marbles knock the lime scale off every time you boil it.
just wash it out as properly every wekor so.

j.e.j.

Marbles, really?

I have seen little metal limescale collectors (not sure what they're called). My mum used to use them in her kettle.