Welcome to womanandhome.com

Sign up to our newsletter

Navigation


Welcome to the Woman & Home Forums - You talk, we all listen


Woman & Home Forums >> Food and Homes
 |  Print Topic Pages: 1
BC41
member


Reged: 05/11/2006
Posts: 233
Loc: England
Gunky washing machine
      #295161 - 03/01/2009 14:47

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


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Twiddledout
member


Reged: 17/11/2008
Posts: 1053
Re: Gunky washing machine [Re: BC41]
      #295168 - 03/01/2009 14:51

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.

--------------------
www.mrstwiddle.wordpress.com


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
PLASMO
member


Reged: 13/03/2008
Posts: 12938
Loc: FLOUNCELAND
Re: Gunky washing machine [Re: Twiddledout]
      #295174 - 03/01/2009 14:59

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

--------------------


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
BC41
member


Reged: 05/11/2006
Posts: 233
Loc: England
Re: Gunky washing machine [Re: PLASMO]
      #295182 - 03/01/2009 15:03

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.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
suzie88
member


Reged: 02/09/2008
Posts: 811
Loc: Essex
Re: Gunky washing machine [Re: BC41]
      #295189 - 03/01/2009 15:07

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

--------------------


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Onceshy
member


Reged: 10/08/2008
Posts: 307
Re: Gunky washing machine [Re: suzie88]
      #295204 - 03/01/2009 15:21

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.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
lovelylady56
member


Reged: 28/10/2008
Posts: 120
Loc: Midlands
Re: Gunky washing machine [Re: Onceshy]
      #295225 - 03/01/2009 15:40

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

--------------------
[image]tangledwing.wordpress.com[/image]


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Foxie
member


Reged: 09/08/2007
Posts: 7980
Re: Gunky washing machine [Re: lovelylady56]
      #295239 - 03/01/2009 15:52

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.

--------------------

I've learnt that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Maya Angelou.


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Twiddledout
member


Reged: 17/11/2008
Posts: 1053
Re: Gunky washing machine [Re: Foxie]
      #295244 - 03/01/2009 15:53

Also, I always leave the door slightly ajar - stops the musty smell and lets it air a bit.

--------------------
www.mrstwiddle.wordpress.com


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
daisie
member


Reged: 02/01/2009
Posts: 125
Loc: Scotland
Re: Gunky washing machine [Re: Twiddledout]
      #295256 - 03/01/2009 16:03

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


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Twiddledout
member


Reged: 17/11/2008
Posts: 1053
Re: Gunky washing machine [Re: daisie]
      #295274 - 03/01/2009 16:20

The white vinegar and bicarb will fizz up - just so that you know! You can substitute the vinegar for lemon juice I think.

--------------------
www.mrstwiddle.wordpress.com


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Carey
member


Reged: 03/06/2008
Posts: 163
Re: Gunky washing machine [Re: Twiddledout]
      #295300 - 03/01/2009 16:42

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!


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
BEL
member


Reged: 21/02/2008
Posts: 2480
Re: Gunky washing machine [Re: Carey]
      #295326 - 03/01/2009 16:59

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.

--------------------


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Sonata
member


Reged: 21/12/2006
Posts: 499
Re: Gunky washing machine [Re: BC41]
      #295609 - 03/01/2009 20:15

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.


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
suzie88
member


Reged: 02/09/2008
Posts: 811
Loc: Essex
Re: Gunky washing machine [Re: Sonata]
      #295662 - 03/01/2009 21:05

Hmm, its advised me to replace my rubber seal for £60-£80. I think I will try the white vinegar first.

Suzie88

--------------------


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Sonata
member


Reged: 21/12/2006
Posts: 499
Re: Gunky washing machine [Re: suzie88]
      #295667 - 03/01/2009 21:13

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 !!!

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
BC41
member


Reged: 05/11/2006
Posts: 233
Loc: England
Re: Gunky washing machine [Re: Sonata]
      #296178 - 04/01/2009 15:29

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


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
ShelBee
member


Reged: 07/04/2008
Posts: 760
Loc: Bangor, N. I.
Re: Gunky washing machine [Re: BC41]
      #296440 - 04/01/2009 18:44

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

--------------------


Take time to smell the roses.


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Pages: 1



Extra information
0 registered and 0 anonymous users are browsing this forum.

Moderator:  torford, Antonia, SeanK, lyndsay_conway, Pippa_Jackson 


Print Topic

Forum Permissions
      You cannot start new topics
      You cannot reply to topics
      HTML is disabled
      Mark-up is enabled

Rating:
Topic views: 486

Rate this topic

Jump to
Contact Us | Privacy statement Woman and Home homepage

More inspiring ideas from womanandhome.com

Competitions

Blanc de Blanc

Win Jacob's Creek wine and a private party worth £1,000

Closes: Sunday, 13 December 2009

Enter our great competition to win the perfect Christmas party, courtesy of Jacob's Creek.

Enter competition




Latest Articles

In Your Network

PINK RIBBON WALK 2010

Join us in 2010 for an amazing day and make a real difference!

In Your Network

Sue's Blog

The final push on my Christmas shopping

In Food

Thanksgiving Menu

The U.S. festival of Thanksgiving falls on 25th November. Follow...

Your Forums

Your Looks

Food and Homes

Health and Wellbeing

Family Firsts

Travel and Treats


Woman and Home magazine

Nov09Cover-Article.jpg_e_63d51a6c885c0071b3a74da4341ed27e

What's in this issue?

November 2009

Tess Daly lifts the lid on her secret addiction to cup cakes and...

Subscribe

Subscribe

/







Your Opinion

Where do you shop when you want to buy a new book?

Poll

  • High street retailer (eg. WH Smith) (25%)
  • Supermarket (17%)
  • Your local bookshop (17%)
  • Online (40%)

See all polls...



Logo_footer