Cleaning my washing machine

[zoltan]

one thing i - it maye not be the W/machione at fauil;t ehre =- it maye be OK inside, but if the trap on the waste isnt working properly or is dry, then you could be looking at bad smells from the drains ?

 

[LilMissHissyFit]

The other possibility, which is somewhat common, is that your piping arrangements are such that you may be siphoning dirty water back into the machine from the drain. What happens if you whip the washing out immediately the cycle has finished? Is it nice and non-mildewy then? So does the machine get it clean, then get it dirty again straight afterwards? That'd suggest that mucky water is coming back in rather than never going in the first place.

This is what Im worrying about- that dirty water is finding its way into the machine from the drain.
Since I posted this I have found water in the machine when it had previously been empty
Not really sure what I can do about that any idea??

 

[LilMissHissyFit]

Dude, washing soda IS supposed to go in washing machines!

Its in the packet that you should use it for delicates and it can be used to boost your washing powder so I think Im safe enough putting it in the machine

 

[pembrokestephen]

This is what Im worrying about- that dirty water is finding its way into the machine from the drain.
Since I posted this I have found water in the machine when it had previously been empty
Not really sure what I can do about that any idea??

Unless your waste is sealed into the drain, it can pretty much only be siphoning.

 

[selamlar]

Looking at the photo, it appears that the brown pipe is just an extension onto the u-bend.

My plan of action:

1) remove washing machine waste pipe from top of brown pipe.

2) look in top of brown pipe. Is it full of water? Yes? Drain blocked, need to unblock it. No? Bonus.

3) Chop bit off top of brown pipe

4) Put waste pipe back on

5) jobs a goodun.

That should solve any pump related issues, although you would notice if the pump wasn't clearing the water cos the machine would be full of water.

 

[pembrokestephen]

Looking at the photo, it appears that the brown pipe is just an extension onto the u-bend.

My plan of action:

1) remove washing machine waste pipe from top of brown pipe.

2) look in top of brown pipe. Is it full of water? Yes? Drain blocked, need to unblock it. No? Bonus.

3) Chop bit off top of brown pipe

4) Put waste pipe back on

5) jobs a goodun.

That should

Sound. Good luck.

Start off by just shoving the waste hose into the top of the pipe enough to keep it there but not too far in.

 

[selamlar]

Start off by just shoving the waste hose into the top of the pipe enough to keep it there but not too far in.

That wouldn't have the same effect tho, would it? The middle bit of the pipe would still be at the same height, i.e. potentially to high for the pump.

 

[pembrokestephen]

That wouldn't have the same effect tho, would it? The middle bit of the pipe would still be at the same height, i.e. potentially to high for the pump.

We're looking at more than one problem here.

My first guess is that back-siphoning is the likeliest problem, and can be eliminated with the minimum of chopping and changing; if that doesn't work, then looking at the pump problem is definitely an option.

But that's going to be trickier to diagnose, and, in any case, if the pump has failed to the point where it won't lift the waste water a metre, then really the answer is to address that problem (eg elimination of internal blockages, or replacement of pump) rather than worrying about reducing the head...

 

[Minnie_the_Minx]

Thanks for advice, but I'm too scared to do any of the above in case I flood the place.

Will get brother-in-law to look at it one day

 

[kittyP]

How does one go about cleaning the filter in a washing machine?
Ours is in a really awkward position and can't be pulled out unless you disconnect the gas from the cooker and move the cooker out
It's a rented place so we didn't have much say in it.

Our washing is coming out clean but with a slightly musty smell.
I am pretty sure it is draining fine.
I remove the clothes as soon as it is finished.

It is pretty new but doesn't have a service cycle.

I am going to try and do an empty hot cycle with some bleach in it and then one with some vinegar. Or should that be the other way around?

 

[gentlegreen]

Definitely not at the same time.



Though when I used to work in a chemistry lab, one of the other guys used to add hydrochloric acid to Vim for extra oomph.

 

[diond]

Bicarbonate of soda and distilled white vinegar. I had the exact same problem with my washing smelling musty over the past few weeks. I did a lot of research and tried this combination and it worked a treat. The Bicarb goes in the powder drawer and the vinegar where the conditioner would normally go.

I also read that the worst thing you can do is try and rewash the smelly clothes by adding extra detergent. Too much detergent fails to get washed out and traps the smell further.

Anyway, good luck!

 

[kittyP]

Bicarbonate of soda and distilled white vinegar. I had the exact same problem with my washing smelling musty over the past few weeks. I did a lot of research and tried this combination and it worked a treat. The Bicarb goes in the powder drawer and the vinegar where the conditioner would normally go.

I also read that the worst thing you can do is try and rewash the smelly clothes by adding extra detergent. Too much detergent fails to get washed out and traps the smell further.

Anyway, good luck!

Thank you.
I shall definitely be trying this.

I never rewash with more detergent, just an extra rinse sometimes.

 

[superfly101]

Bicarbonate of soda and distilled white vinegar. I had the exact same problem with my washing smelling musty over the past few weeks. I did a lot of research and tried this combination and it worked a treat. The Bicarb goes in the powder drawer and the vinegar where the conditioner would normally go.

I also read that the worst thing you can do is try and rewash the smelly clothes by adding extra detergent. Too much detergent fails to get washed out and traps the smell further.

Anyway, good luck!

This but you can use standard malt brown vinegar that's cheap and can even go on your chips. White is good for glass/mirrors but too expensive for general use.

Add a cup to a 90 hot wash and run once a month. Also check the soap draw and the pipe from it. Use vinegar and a long bendy handled bottle brush to clean out the gunk.

After use leave the door open and remove the soap draw and let it all dry out. Doesn't stop mold completely but it does slow it down.

Vinegar can help with stopping lime scale build up and acts as a fabric softener I add brown vinegar in with every wash even whites without issue.

 

[farmerbarleymow]

I run it through an empty boil wash once a month or so, and chuck vinegar in if I've got any. I clean the seal with the antiseptic kitchen wipes to remove the black gunk that builds up there too. That does the trick.

I don't do everything on a 30°C wash either, as that can cause build up of crap in the machine. Stuff like work shirts, and socks and undies go in at 40°C, and towels at 60°C.

 

[zenie]

I bought a washing machine cleaning kit the other day. Have I been had?

 

[diond]

I bought a washing machine cleaning kit the other day. Have I been had?

No. that'll do the job perfectly, I'm sure, but there's always a cheaper DIY version. I'm just a tight arse.