Washing machine ruining jumpers on cool wash - any ideas why?

kitschkitty

Hi, I'm hoping someone might have an idea what's wrong with our washing machine (as I think I'm going to need to inform our LL, but at the moment it seems a very minor problem).

Just a few weeks ago I noticed our washing machine has started damaging some but not all of the jumpers I put in to wash.

I normally wash on 30 or 40 degrees, and haven't changed my washing liquid (and use vinegar for conditioner) all other clothes are still coming out fine.

The problem is with acrylic (possibly mix) knit type jumpers, they are coming out very crinkled & the fibres are flat i.e. not soft & woolly any more, making the jumpers look thin and unwearable. (They have all been washed in exactly the same way many times before with no problems).

Also I don't know if it occurred at the same time (I think it was after) the (led) light for the easy iron option is staying permanently lit - even when the machine is turned off, and I have tried everything to cancel it (unfortunately I can't access the plug at the wall to try turning the machine off at source).

I don't know if it's affecting the wash/cycle or is just a light!

Any ideas much appreciated (oh and the machine is only a couple of years old).

Thanks.

joedenise

Ask your LL to arrange an engineer.

Denise

JodyBPM

Do you put the jumpers in a wool wash? Or just a normal wash at 30/40? They really need to be in a wool/delicates wash, which will be a much gentler programme, with a slower spin speed. You've been very lucky if you've managed to wash them on a normal wash before without causing damage!

I have no idea whether the easy iron option has any connection at all to the wash programme or spin speed.

kitschkitty

They're not wool, and I've been washing them (and similar) the same way for over 7 years.

booter

I would think that the LED light indicates that the easy iron option is selected, and if this is the case, the final spin should be slower/more gentle than normal. However, from how you describe the jumpers, it sounds more like they've been washed on quite a hot wash? If you're selecting 30/40, but it's washing hotter, then I'd say it's a fault with the machine, and I'd call the LL. However, as you can't turn it off at the plug, why don't you see if you can "reset" the machine by turning off the mains switch (at the fuse box) and then on again (don't forget - you don't want a load of thawed freezer stuff!) Oh, and don't forget to re-set any clocks/alarms!

kitschkitty

Pity there's no way to tell if the temperature is correct - suppose the only other thing I could try would be a cold wash, but I think I've already damaged the few jumpers like that, that we own anyway!

Annoyingly the programmes, temperatures & additional programmes are all separate and I've never used the easy iron (or any other additional programmes) anyway.

Think I will just pass it onto the LL to deal with!

MrsPBikerChick

If you have it, check the washing machine manual - the light staying permanently lit could be a fault indicator. Our boiler is like that - if the normal temperature indicator lights stay on or start flashing its got a boo boo (as it so regularly does *sigh*).

Get your LL on it and maybe take the jumpers to a laundrette for now. At least that should help you tell if its the machine or the jumpers.

kitschkitty

Well the jumpers are already damaged, so not being worn (so not needing washing) but will report to the LL (and nothing in the manual about the light - already checked that).

pigpen

Def sounds like they have been washed too hot. It may be a problem with the circuit board of the machine causing the thermostat to not cut out when the water hits the right temperature which might explain the light being on constantly, or just the thermostat is stuffed.

meritaten

I would get the thermostat checked - sounds to me like your washing machine has got confused and is washing at a higher temp than the program is supposed to. try setting the program and during each stage put your hand on the glass door. you should be able to 'feel' the approx. temp. if it feels hot - it shouldn't! not on that program- I believe its supposed to be lukewarm. (bung some items in that wont be harmed by higher temps).