| BC41 |
| (member) |
| 03/01/2009 14:47 |
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Gunky washing machine
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This is so embarrassing. My washing machine has some sort of black gunk/mould on the inside of the rubber seal around the door, and also on part of the rim of the drum. It also gets a little 'mouldy' in the powder/conditioner drawer.
What am I doing wrong?
I try and wash most things on 30 degrees (only the whites on 40 as I think it gets them cleaner), and i use Ecover washing liquid as it's the only thing that doesn't irritate my skin (and it's kinder for the environment).
I can't use mould remover, as I can't use it on rubber (or so it says). Scrubbing really hard doesn't seem to make much differencce either.
Help, please!!
BC41
xxx
| Twiddledout |
| (member) |
| 03/01/2009 14:51 |
Re: Gunky washing machine
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Try bicarb of soda mixed with white vinegar as a paste to use directly on the mould bits then add a large cup of white vinegar directly in the drum and a hot wash for general cleaning.
The powder dispenser drawer can be cleaned in hot soapy water in the sink.
| PLASMO |
| (member) |
| 03/01/2009 14:59 |
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Re: Gunky washing machine
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I think I mentioned this in another post on this subject, I always use BOS, but havent tried it with white vinegar, it certainly works thats for sure.
Plasmo x
| BC41 |
| (member) |
| 03/01/2009 15:03 |
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Re: Gunky washing machine
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Thank you - I'll try the BoS and white vinegar. The WV is also vg at cleaning windows, especially with one of those eco-cloths. Blinkin' marvellous.
| suzie88 |
| (member) |
| 03/01/2009 15:07 |
Re: Gunky washing machine
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Mines exactly the same, its a Zanussi and I think its badly designed.I have tried a mild bleach solution which didn`t help, haven`t tried anything else yet.
Suzie88
| Onceshy |
| (member) |
| 03/01/2009 15:21 |
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Re: Gunky washing machine
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Such a relief to know I'm not alone in having this problem too. I have tried white vinegar and wash via dispensing drawer but not directly in drum. Never thought of BOS and WV for door seal but will do now.
| lovelylady56 |
| (member) |
| 03/01/2009 15:40 |
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Re: Gunky washing machine
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My machine is a miele, and i was told by the engineer to use milton liquid on the gungy stuff, worked!!
He also told me to once a month do a wash on the hottest setting to get rid of the stale smell that all machines get.( with no washing in)
lovely lady
| Foxie |
| (member) |
| 03/01/2009 15:52 |
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Re: Gunky washing machine
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I have a Miele machine and I was told to run the machine every 6 weeks on the hottest setting with no powder etc. too. It definitely works. I do the same with my dishwasher as well.
| Twiddledout |
| (member) |
| 03/01/2009 15:53 |
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Re: Gunky washing machine
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Also, I always leave the door slightly ajar - stops the musty smell and lets it air a bit.
| daisie |
| (member) |
| 03/01/2009 16:03 |
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Re: Gunky washing machine
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oh I am SO relieved that its not just me! I have struggled for the past couple of years with the black gunk on the door seal and drawer. I manage to clean the drawer by removing it but could never get the rubber seal round the door clean and it often makes my clean washing dirty if you know what i mean. I eveb bought a cleaner recommended by Lakeland Plastics but it was useless. When I am out shopping tomorrow I will buy BS to use with WV as kindly recommended. Can't wait to get it cleaned (how sad is mylife!) I ama new to the forums and I am so chuffed with all the great advice and comments. Keep them coming! Thanks,
Jane
| Twiddledout |
| (member) |
| 03/01/2009 16:20 |
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Re: Gunky washing machine
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The white vinegar and bicarb will fizz up - just so that you know! You can substitute the vinegar for lemon juice I think.
| Carey |
| (member) |
| 03/01/2009 16:42 |
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Re: Gunky washing machine
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This apparently is becoming more of a problem now we are all washing at lower temperatures. Its good for the environment but not good for the machines, mould grows in the damp machine and is not destroyed at low temperatures.
My washing machine man says the only way to deal with it is to run a cycle on the hottest temp (90c) with some biological washing powder once a month.
Not very green; but may remove the green if you see what I mean!
| BEL |
| (member) |
| 03/01/2009 16:59 |
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Re: Gunky washing machine
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Just had my Miele washing machine serviced,and was advised
to run it on the hottest wash...no clothes in it.....every
6/8 wks,and add a handful of soda crystals,always leave the
door open to keep it fresh.
| Sonata |
| (member) |
| 03/01/2009 20:15 |
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Re: Gunky washing machine
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Here is the link that every person should put in their bookmarks.
http://www.ukwhitegoods.co.uk
There is a sticky on exactly this subject.You need to do a 90 degree wash with a biological powder like Ariel.Low temperature washes without biological powder encourage mould to grow in your machine.
On this site,there are forums where you can get advice on washing machines and dryers, kitchen electricals and much more and the boys are really helpful.
| suzie88 |
| (member) |
| 03/01/2009 21:05 |
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Re: Gunky washing machine
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Hmm, its advised me to replace my rubber seal for £60-£80. I think I will try the white vinegar first.
Suzie88
| Sonata |
| (member) |
| 03/01/2009 21:13 |
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Re: Gunky washing machine
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It's certainly worth a try first but sometimes these things are too ingrained with mould and the only thing to do is either get a new machine (if you were thinking of changing it anyway) or a replacement part. Good luck !!!
| BC41 |
| (member) |
| 04/01/2009 15:29 |
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Re: Gunky washing machine
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Praise be, it's not just me!
I have some Milton in the cleaning cupboard, so will give that a go first. Then the BoS and WV. It will not beat me!!!
BC41
xxx
| ShelBee |
| (member) |
| 04/01/2009 18:44 |
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Re: Gunky washing machine
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Kim & Aggie regularly use BOS and WV together and I think they sometimes add salt too. I haven't tried these ingredients myself yet - does the vinegar not leave everything smelling like a chip shop?
Think it helps to leave door of machine open after a wash to allow seal etc to dry.
And sorry to change subject but what do you think is the best dish washer tablets. I bought some cutlery at the same time as my SIL and mine looks more scuffed.
Also I am one of those people who rinse off dinner plates etc. before I put them in the dishwasher, then I don't put in my sharp knives with the wooden handles, my hand-painted crockery, my saucepans or wooden spoons! So beginning to wonder why I bother. Lately find that I am back to washing up by hand more often and isn't it more environmentally friendly ( I use Eco liquid)
ShelBee