Anyone else's washing machine ruining their clothes?

computerwoman

I have a hotpoint washer/dryer which was only £255 from
http://www.kitchenscience.co.uk/home_laundry/washer_dryers/free_standing_washer_dryers/hotpoint_wd420g.html
these's guy's really good and cheaper than the shop's it's gone up slightly but not much...I have had it for 2 year's now and it's still as good as new...although I don't use the dryer...yet as I have a stand alone dryer also but once that goes I will start using it as a dryer also...I have insurance for it under domestic and general which I have never had to call...yet...which is £64 for 5 year's so isn't bad...

lisyloo

My washing mahcine is ruining clothes but in a different way.
I am getting stains. Sometimes these are large and colourless like grease.
Sometimes I'm getting black lines or spots.

The only thing we have found is some dirt deposits inside the rubber.
I am going to thoroughly clean it out tonight and try again.

It's a 4 year old Miele (expensive machine) and only used about once a week so in very good condition.
About a year ago we got a water softener.

Two possibilities occur to us.

Either the dirt has been collecting inside the rubber as we're now using too much detergent for the soft water (I don't use a lot).
or
there is a leak of oil/rubber somwhere.

3LITTLEPIGS_2

im having this problem too and can't feel anything inside the drum but about 6 mths ago i had lost a wire from my bra so think this may be causing the problem, it may of got stuck thru one of the holes and pops out when on full spin??!!
it is so annoying though and any expensive items i now put in a pillowcase as it made a hole in hubbys nice cashmere jumper!!:eek:

Tao81

lisyloo wrote: »

My washing mahcine is ruining clothes but in a different way.
I am getting stains. Sometimes these are large and colourless like grease.
Sometimes I'm getting black lines or spots.

The only thing we have found is some dirt deposits inside the rubber.
I am going to thoroughly clean it out tonight and try again.

It's a 4 year old Miele (expensive machine) and only used about once a week so in very good condition.
About a year ago we got a water softener.

Two possibilities occur to us.

Either the dirt has been collecting inside the rubber as we're now using too much detergent for the soft water (I don't use a lot).
or
there is a leak of oil/rubber somwhere.

Sorry to hear your having problems too.
Don't know if you are aware, but there is a product out there that you can use to thoroughly clean out your machine. In rather unusually shaped white plastic bottle. If I can find out exactly what it's called I'll get back to you and post it here. I remember buying it from Homebase. Think it was a white powder, instructs you to do a reasonably hot wash, one cycle, and clears out all the gunk.

Good Luck.

lisyloo

Thanks.
I've seen something called CLR mentioned on the web but not sure whether that's a US product.

lisyloo

Bought some OUST last night (degreaser & descaler) and manually cleaned out the fold in the rubber around the door.
Will let you know whether it works.

Tao81

lisylou - found the product I have used successfully in my machine.

Homebase own product - 'Washing Machine Cleaner' Powder in a white bottle with a purple cap.

Instructions:

For cleaning and freshening inside both washing machines and dishwashers. Helps remove limescale and scum. Kills germs and attacks bad odour. Contains special ingredients to clean right inside the appliance.

Use with machine empty.

For first ever application:
Scale and scum may have built up therefore pour one capful into the soap dispenser, run on a short hot cycle, clean any filter and then repeat.

For Normal use:
Pour two capfuls into the soap dispenser, run machine on a short cycle. Repeat if necessary.

For Older machines:
You are advised to consult the manufacturer or your engineer to first confirm suitability of this product, particularly if scale and scum has built up over time.

CONTAINS
Oxygen based bleaching agents, phosphates and enzymes.

300g (can't remember how much it was?! But won't break the bank as it must have been quite reasonably priced for me to purchase it!!!!

Hope that helps?....GOOD LUCK!

bobdauilda

lisyloo wrote: »

My washing mahcine is ruining clothes but in a different way.
I am getting stains. Sometimes these are large and colourless like grease.
Sometimes I'm getting black lines or spots.

The only thing we have found is some dirt deposits inside the rubber.
I am going to thoroughly clean it out tonight and try again.

It's a 4 year old Miele (expensive machine) and only used about once a week so in very good condition.
About a year ago we got a water softener.

Two possibilities occur to us.

Either the dirt has been collecting inside the rubber as we're now using too much detergent for the soft water (I don't use a lot).
or
there is a leak of oil/rubber somwhere.

Sounds like you are not doing the monthly 'service wash' that they recommend ie max temp with just detergent in machine for a full cycle. Its in the instructions. The black stuff is due to using too low a temp for washing (even though the detergent manufacturers recommend low temp washing these days!!!). It never used to happen in the days before the low temp washing trend according to engineers. Most bacteria can survive upto 60 degrees and the ones that cause the black filth certainly thrive below it.
Try it and see.:beer:

lisyloo

Thanks. Yes I haven't read the instructions. Let's hope that's all it is.
We use low temperatures because of delicate materials.
I do try and split out items and wash sheets and towels on high temperatures but most clothes need to be washed at 40 degrees (or at least say they do).

bobdauilda

Yes todays low temp washes have made this a problem. Its a double edged sword as you need high temps to kill the bacteria and dissolve the grease but then if the temp is too high the enzymes of biological powders are denatured and made useless! Also as you say the clothes advise lower temps for washing!

I have a Miele and I do the above every 2 mths or so and never had a problem with the dreaded black stuff. Used to have it bad with my old Hoover machine but then I didn't know about the hot wash and black slime thing until I bought the Miele and read their forum pages http://www.washerhelp.co.uk/reviews/miele-overview_2.html
A great website and full of toptips that apply to all machines.
There are machine cleaners as mentioned above but Miele say that they shouldn't be needed in most cases and that Calgon type stuff is unecessary for most machines. Its a good advert but like most things on the tv ads 'dont believe the hype'. Its like with baby bottle sterilisers etc which make you pay a fortune for their descalers when all you need is some cheap lemon juice or basic 'citric acid powder from the chemists to do the job! (this also descales kettles and your washing machine btw!)
Enough toptips me thinks as I'm sounding like my dad!