Can you stop this???

warwicktiger

Once a month run the maximum for a full cycle at maximum temperature, with some bleach in the soap drawer

dibuzz

I don't use the drawer, we can't use fabric softener anyway.
I try to dry the seal if there is nothing in it but as it's in use most of the time it won't make much difference.

kboss2010

Ladyluck1 wrote: »

Clean it out!
Take the drawer out and soak and wash in soapy water with a little bleach if you can or scrub with bleachy toothbrush if not.
Wipe around the seal very week too.

I HATE this, because when we moved into our house (rented) it had an intergrated washing machine, which has since broken.
It was black with mould and I had to scrub the whole thing at 38 weeks pregnant. Wasn't impressed AT ALL.
Who leaves their washing machine in such a state?!

I have to confess I've never wiped down the rubber seal or the drawer of my washing machine Although I do occasionally run a hot wash with washing machine cleaner because if I don't the machine starts making holes in all of my sheets and my OH's boxers and socks! (Btw does anyone else get this?)

[Deleted User]

I do not use the drawer except for vinegar in the final rinse. Detergent always goes into the machine its self. This is the first time I have had this problem......I wondered if it was started by the ariel liquid I started to use when I first had the machine. I always take the drawer out every 6 weeks or so and use a toothe brush to clean it. I do leave the drawer and door open but OH has a habit of shutting them which infuriates me.

The chap who fitted the seal recommended I go back to using the cheap washing powder and washing soda mix I used before. So hunting for cheap washing powder. I already have the washing soda.

imho

Deleted_User i use Aldi washing powder in a green box. Its about £2.45 and cleans clothes really good.I used to make my own Gloop but dont bother now as Aldi soap powder is so good and cheap.

Ladyluck1

kboss2010 wrote: »

I have to confess I've never wiped down the rubber seal or the drawer of my washing machine Although I do occasionally run a hot wash with washing machine cleaner because if I don't the machine starts making holes in all of my sheets and my OH's boxers and socks! (Btw does anyone else get this?)

You wouldn't leave it if it was obviously black and mouldy though?

~_Aridjis_~

Mould spores like damp and warm conditions, so leaving the drawer and door open as much as possible will help, as others have suggested.

I also think that while liquid detergent is gentler on your clothes, it can gunk up the machine, so maybe stick to powder and the soda crystals. It seems to be a toss-up between wear and tear on your clothes versus wear and tear on the washing machine :undecided

I don't get black mould but I do get a kind of brown colouring on the bottom of the rubber door seal, I wonder if that's to do with it being a hard water area?

lostinrates

Ip don't leave my drawer and door open, but I do clean the drawer and wipe down the door seal once in a while (not weekly).


I also do a regular hot wash as I wash my cleaning clothes on a 'boil' wash. Its one of the few things I wash hot as we are not on mains drainage and I don't want to put too much hot in our tank, but my tank is very healthy and the people who empty it always compliment its management. (I also use bleach in my loos and kitchen once a week so I know I'm not doing perfectly, but that its coping).

PenguinOfDeath

Thanks for posting this, I already leave the door open when not in use and wipe it and the seal down after use (after seeing the state of MIL's machine as its fairly neglected).

Anyway, we don't use the drawer in ours but out of curiosity I looked and yes, patches of mould starting in all sections, and on the bottom! Urgh! All scrubbed and drying off now

A.Penny.Saved

~_Aridjis_~ wrote: »

Mould spores like damp and warm conditions, so leaving the drawer and door open as much as possible will help, as others have suggested.

I also think that while liquid detergent is gentler on your clothes, it can gunk up the machine, so maybe stick to powder and the soda crystals. It seems to be a toss-up between wear and tear on your clothes versus wear and tear on the washing machine :undecided

I don't get black mould but I do get a kind of brown colouring on the bottom of the rubber door seal, I wonder if that's to do with it being a hard water area?

Leaving the door open should prevent mould from growing. It helps with dishwashers as well because they are more prone to mould than washing machines due to the high humidity. I leave my dishwasher partly open as much as possible along with the washing machine door.