Hi Glitter

was going tosay it could well be the seal, I do a boil wash once a month..on an empty machine...I put not soap powder or conditioner or anything in it...

I was told many many years ago by an engineer to do this given how hard the water is in the area where I live...

I have had my current machine 16 years, which when the gas man was here a couple of weeks ago fixing a broken door, said was really good as they are nto built to last much more than 5-7 years...

I use vinegar for cleaning loads of things....its great on crystal...