Items at bottom of washing machine left sopping wet ...

Savvy_Sue

Have had a quick search and can't find similar, apologies if I've missed something, but ...

I've been aware for a few days that items at the bottom of the drum are wetter than I'd expect. It hasn't worried me, I've just assumed it's my imagination, or something.

However yesterday I found that a pillowcase was absolutely sopping wet, really dripping. The sheet and duvet cover were fine, apart from being a bit damper where they'd been touching this sopping wet pillowcase.

The things had been left in the machine, switched on, for a while.

I tested it after that, but switched the machine off at the end of the cycle. That time, it seemed fine.

Where do I start troubleshooting? I confess I haven't tried cleaning the filter, maybe that and the drain pipe are the places to go first?

There's no obvious sign of a leak anywhere, but anyway, the problem seems to be internal.

Thanks for any help given.

Hintza

Filter first.

And any time you have a problem with a washing machine clean the filter.

evoke

It looks like it's not draining properly. As well as the washing machine filter, you should check the drain hose isn't blocked or kinked. Also ensure that the waste pipe that the drain hose goes into isn't blocked.

pimento

There's nothing worse than having a kink in your hose.

Savvy_Sue

Well, the filter was smelly and disgusting, and the pipe leading to it was very gunked up. I think I have cleared that successfully, checked it, and NOT flooded the floor too badly thanks to a couple of large towels!

Then I decided that I might as well see if I could get at the drain hose, and the U-bend it goes into. I have successfully taken them apart and cleaned thoroughly: not blocked but gunk around the outside of the hose was fairly impressive!

Trouble is, I can't put it back together again! It's a two handed job (whereas taking it apart only needed one!), and I can't get both arms into the space because my left shoulder doesn't have full function. DH has damaged right shoulder so he's no help. And our combined shoulders mean that moving the washing machine out isn't an option either.

DS3 has agreed he can probably come home during the day tomorrow if I leave full instructions ...

Once he's done that, I plan to do a hot wash with soda crystals, just to flush it all fully through, then I'll check the filter again. Unless anyone has any better suggestions?

evoke

Once you've got everything connected again you may want to consider running an empty cycle at the highest possible temperature with a small amount of washing powder.

Low temperature washes tend to clog up the pipework.

In fact, most washing manufacturers recommend running an empty 90+ degrees C boil wash once a month just to clean things out.

I also use a Calgon tablet with every single wash as that will keep the limescale build-up to a minimum.

Savvy_Sue

Well, I think I'm sorted, got another load sitting there so shall check on that in a minute.

DS3 re-attached the U-bend and drain hose, leaving no leaks. I've run a boil wash with a few soda crystals in, then re-checked the filter which remains clear.

I very rarely wash at less than 40, it doesn't get DH's clothes clean at 30. Sheets and towels done at 60, always.