Washing Machine Sludge

Chrisca50

Interesting - the last 2 washing machines I've had (maybe 15 years overall) caused this problem regularly. I regularly did an empty hot wash with soda crystals and vinegar in the tray, but couldn't keep it under control. I bought a new one a couple of months ago (an LG) and can't believe how clean it is. I keep checking the draw and seals and they are absolutely spotless. I don't use anything different (liquitabs in machine and the usual softener in the tray) but the difference in the machines flummoxes me!!

Chris25

dannymccann wrote: »

Sorry I meant to say I don't use the dryer part, nor the drawer. The grey crap is stuck under the door seal, which I can scrape off to a certain degree, but if I pull the seal back I can see it more on the outside of the drum itself but no way I can clean it off.

...

it sounds as though it's made up of undiluted liquid & fluff from clothes.
Just a tip for the future - after each wash has finished, run a cloth around the seal (esp in the crevices) & try to dry as much as poss - also helps to keep the door & dispenser draw open a wee bit to help drying. Should also help to prevent build-up of 'bits'

sparrer

dannymccann wrote: »

OK then, next question! Which powder to switch to? Sparrer you mentioned 'money saving' powder, I'm not sure if that means you make your own or you buy the cheap cheap cheap stuff?

I have a baby on the way so would be nice to have something the whole family can use without increasing the costs too much?

Thanks

I use @sda sensitive, a big box for about £6, as I'm allergic to whatever it is they put in some of the more expensive powders. The equivalent in soda crystals, say 4/5 packets, mix it all together in a bucket with a lid. The last box I bought was on 1st March last year and have used approx half so far. There's only my things, and the pet beds occasionally, so it costs around £10 for a couple of years. It dissolves well for hand washing so no need to buy anything else. Btw I never buy fabric softener for the same allergic reason so use a small splash of vinegar which does the job equally as well with no odour. I get the white vinegar from the farm shop, a 5 litre container for £4.50p lasts me a couple of years, it would be longer but I also use it on chips and making oil/vinegar dressing
hth

dannymccann

What sort of quantities do you use per 4/5kg wash for it to last that long? We are 2 up with a dog and baby on the way in December so any savings I can make the better!

iammumtoone

I've not had a problem with sludge but did hav a problem with the clothes smelling stale. I solved the problem by switching to bio powder (any brand) and washing everything at 60 deg.

It's something to do with the bio powders contain bleach and washing at low temperatures does not kill the bacteria. I would never go back to washing at low temp now I am not sure what the cost saving would be but for me unless it big money it is not worth it.

dannymccann

But don't denims shrink and colours wash out with bleach and higher temps?

iammumtoone

dannymccann wrote: »

But don't denims shrink and colours wash out with bleach and higher temps?

I've never had any problems but its a good point, if I had an expensive piece of clothing (I don't) I would probably wash that at a lower temp and maybe use a colour powder for that only.

My machine does have two dials, one for the temperature and one for the wash style so even thought I am washing at 60 I am still using the quick wash. I know some machines that only have the one control wash for longer on the 60 deg cycle.

sparrer

dannymccann wrote: »

What sort of quantities do you use per 4/5kg wash for it to last that long? We are 2 up with a dog and baby on the way in December so any savings I can make the better!

Always the same, 2 tablespoons in the drawer. Most people use far too much in their machine so it's not surprising it gets gunged up. I don't know about weight per wash as I've never weighed anything but it works just as well for a wash of king sized duvet cover, valance sheet and 4 pillow cases as it does for my few bits of clothing. As there's only one of me I do about five washes a month, no heavy work clothes etc.

I had thought of making my own washing gunk but couldn't guarantee there's nothing in the ingredients which would irritate, so stick with the sensitive one. hth

allybee101

Try using a hotter wash.
60 for smalls and cottons (inc. bedsheets), 40 for cools - denim, synthetic fibres, stuff with lycra etc.
90 for towels.
It could be that the grime/dirt isn't being dissolved sufficiently to be washed out of the machine in the water, and therefore coagulates in the seals etc.

seabright

I use liquid, using half the recommended amount, at 40c.

That always gets my clothes clean (including toddler clothes). I use Tesco own brand colour & white (2 separate bottles) and no fabric conditioner.

I am on private drainage system, which got blocked a while ago and had to be cleared at the joint expense of all the users. The drainage engineers said the majority of the blockage was due to washing powder, which doesn't dissolve fully at the lower temperatures we are advised to use now, for cost/energy efficiency reasons.

So, using powder rather than liquid may not be the best idea.