Best way to clean washing machine

Just_Passing_Bi

I have an Aquarius WF341 washing machine, the rubber around the drum has black marks on it, I've tried wiping it but cannot remove the marks, what’s the best way to clean the machine, would citric acid & vinegar on the hottest wash work?

Grenage

On the rare occasion I've done a wash for a clean, it's been a mug of bleach and a 90 degree wash.


Best way to stop the black marks is to dry the seal after each wash.

keith969

Don't put bleach into a washing machine - that will cause it to fail . Try something like https://www.waitrose.com/ecom/products/dylon-3in1-washing-machine-cleaner/832225-203348-203349?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjvblwYTi5AIVxprVCh2uJwb4EAQYASABEgLDhPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

vansboy

https://www.dri-pak.co.uk/tag/washing-machine/


Lots hints n tips on economical cleaning, too.


VB

poppellerant

keith969 wrote: »

Don't put bleach into a washing machine - that will cause it to fail . Try something like https://www.waitrose.com/ecom/products/dylon-3in1-washing-machine-cleaner/832225-203348-203349?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjvblwYTi5AIVxprVCh2uJwb4EAQYASABEgLDhPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I've used bleach in washing machines dozens of times and never once had so much as a hiccup on any occasion. Maybe I got lucky?

Citric acid won't tackle the mould issue, but it is very good for descaling machines. It is also good for general cleaning of the machine which mould might grow onto in the first place.

To try and get rid of the mould, use bleach and hot water. Start by removing the drawer and soak it in a very hot sink full of water and bleach. While soaking, scrub the drawer compartment out with bleach and hot water also. I like to use a bottle cleaner or old toothbrush to get into the small cracks, but whatever works for you. Then work on the door seals with more hot water and bleach. By the time you have finished, your drawer should have soaked enough for the mould to come away quite easily. But give it a good clean with hot water and bleach.

Now find the hottest cycle you have, which is usually cottons 95c. Some machines allow you to use extra rinses and longer washes - if so, take advantage of them. Set the machine away with a quick, decent amount of bleach. Don't use too much though, as my experience has taught me that too much bleach quickly ends up with bubbles coming out the drawer! :eek:

Hopefully once you have done the above, you won't recognise your machine because it will look and smell so clean.

If you can lay your hands on some citric acid, I would recommend running it through separately. Again I use the hottest and longest wash.

When my machine has finished a cycle, I like to open the door and drawer wide for as long as I can, before pushing them enough so that they remain ajar. This lets the air circulate around the machine.

I should ask what detergent do you use for your washes? If you use mostly liquid or gel detergents, they can be the worst contributors to your causes of mould. I like to mostly use powder detergent, but I do sometimes use liquid if on offer, but not for my whites.

Fire_Fox

One of the branded washing machine cleaners - ?Dettol? - suggests in the instructions using a little of the product to clean the seals IIRC.

You might read a few bottles in the supermarket. Otherwise have you checked the user manual that came with the machine? Download it online if it has gone walkabout.

barnettnce

I used neat bleach on a loofa; just keep rubbing round the rubber seal. I keep it for a while, then put it on a 95 wash and let it run with no washing in just to get rid of the bleach. I hope it helps; it did for me.

Morbier

I use 500g of soda crystals in the drum, on the hottest wash (mine is 95°), once a month. (As advised by the Drypak website). Also leave the door open all the time (apart from when washing- doh!).

There's a special short cleaning programme on my machine which cleans round the door seal and removes fluff etc. (Its an AEG washer/dryer).

Also use powder for whites/hot washes, never liquid.

I clean my drawer with white vinegar.

Silvertabby

My washing machine is a year old. In all that time, I've never cleaned the drawer or its compartment, and they are both still as spotless as the day the machine was fitted. No marks on the rubber seal, either. How? I only use the 'pods' that go straight into the drum, and I use a little distilled white vinegar instead of fabric softener. (No, my clothes don't smell like Good Friday !)

As we live in a hard water area, I use a descaler on a hot wash cycle every 4 months or so and the jobs a good un.

coffeehound

The drawer on my 10-month old W/M doesn't get used for anything, but is just starting to show signs of black mould now. I'll be following advice to leave it ajar from now on. Meanwhile a blitz with Astonish Mould+Mildew spray should nip it in the bud..

.

Working_Mum

My appliance engineer told me to use a splash of bleach in my dishwasher and washing machine to keep things tip top.

I put the soap drawer from the washing machine through my dishwasher when I am cleaning it and the metal racks off my hob. I feel I get three for the price of one! Clean dishwasher, clean drawer and clean hob!