Menopause Matters Forum
General Discussion => This 'n' That => Topic started by: CLKD on May 11, 2012, 03:25:20 PM
-
>:( I've put towels through twice in 24 hours but they still smell ........... 'off'. They are blowing on the line trying to get some fresh air into them ::) .......... I put a hot wash on without clothing last week and have done laundry since, maybe vinegar on a hot wash ?
Suggestions on a post card please ???
-
I could be wrong here, but I'm sure my daughter told me if you soak them in bicarb first, then wash, that's supposed to neutralise any odours.
-
Maybe run the machine empty on a bicarb wash then?
-
Maybe run the machine empty on a bicarb wash then?
Yep, that works - I have done it in the past.
Purplenanny x x
-
You can also buy stuff to clear your washing machine pipes by Dr Beckman. It works in much the same way as cleaning stuff for your dishwasher. Think it's about £4 a pack.
-
Yes, you need to do a hot wash (no laundry in) about once a month - I'd use soda crystals actually. They only cost about a quid a pkt in all supermarkets.
It might also help if you leave the door slightly ajar when you finish a wash and wipe inside the rubber door seal with a cloth or sponge. Water usually gathers there and if you close the door straight away it gets a funny smell.
-
Would definitely agree, cubagirl. Dr. Beckham came to my rescue too. S. x
-
Don't want to hijack the thread but I'm having dreadful trouble with my almost new washing machine! I liked my old one which was a hot and cold fill but nowadays you can only get cold fill. If I do a 60 wash it takes 1hr 30mins but the glass doesn't get hot until a few minutes before the end of the washing time. This means the socks etc. are being washed in almost cold water and no matter what the eco warriors say it is not enough to get washing clean. I have been on a few websites about this and everywhere there are people moaning about their cold-fill not getting the whites clean. Many people are having to soak or scrub their clothes first - whats the point of that! Give me back my hot and cold fill machine!!
Taz x
-
I changed my fabric conditioner. Same brand, different fragrance. Then noticed a funny smell coming from the machine and clothes. Washed the machine with the Dr Beckham stuff, changed conditioner back and now all is well. I now clean the maching once every 3 months .. when I remember ::). It's suppose to stop build up in the pipes and prolong the life of the machine.
Taz I don't like the fact it's only cold fill now. Just doesn't seem right. My whites are ok though. But I do add stain remover when they are very dirty.
-
I recently put a small amount of dish washer cleaner through on a very hot wash [90] with no laundry in the machine. Three wash loads later and it's smelly. It smells stale. Like washing has been left damp on the floor ::) ......... I've wiped out the machine regularly and always leave the door open. Himself will check the filter tomorrow.
I thought that the cold water heated up to the required temperature? you shouldn't be able to feel the glass getting warm because it's a safety issue. I did wonder early whether there's a mouse trapped in there :o
-
I'm a fan of soda crystals it seems to keep my machine smell free. I have never used spirit vinegar in my washer but I bet that is good at gettin rid of smells too, cos it works on spilt milk and :sick02: smells (when the kids didn't quite reach the bathroom) that would otherwise linger.
Cazza xx
-
The water used to heat up before the wash properly started in a hot and cold fill but now the wash starts anyway because the belief is that washing powders wash at a cold temperature. The glass has to get warm - you can't have hot water in a machine and not feel it through the glass but it doesn't get hot enough to burn anyone. My problem is that the machine washes for thirty minutes in "getting warmer" water which is not at 60 degrees and the last few minutes in hotter water. Sports socks, shirt collars etc. are not getting clean. I was surprised to find that this was a common problem but didn't realise how hard it was to get a hot and cold fill machine nowadays. I also think it is the small amount of water used - less than a washing up bowl to wash a full load.
Taz x :(
-
I never knew all that Taz, no wonder my 'whites' don't look clean!
Does anyone use vanish powder in their white wash?
Purplenanny x x
-
I'm about to try Vanish in mine!
Even my son has asked why his washing doesn't smell clean anymore. After giving him the retort of "if you don't like it then try doing it yourself" I did agree that it just isn't getting clean. T-shirts stay underarm smelly and bedding - even on a really hot wash - still smell, well, beddy!
Do you put the water on the clothes then Janie?
Taz x
-
>:( I've put towels through twice in 24 hours but they still smell ........... 'off'. They are blowing on the line trying to get some fresh air into them ::) .......... I put a hot wash on without clothing last week and have done laundry since, maybe vinegar on a hot wash ?
Suggestions on a post card please ???
Yep that will be your best solution. I had this exact problem earlier this year when we had a prolonged period of wet weather here in Oz. Every time I would use a fresh towel there was something decidedly stinky about it.
So I did a google search and found the best remedy is vinegar. Put your washing machine empty through a full cycle with a couple of cups of white vinegar and hot water. Then to get rid of the sticky smell in your towels, put them through a cycle of vinegar and hot water. Worked a treat for me, and I haven't had the problem since.
I also always leave the lid of the washing machine open at least overnight until I'm certain the inside of the machine is totally dry.
-
I use the Vanish Oxi Multi. Good at getting rid of stains. When OH was working I used the Vanish spray on the collars of his shirts to get rid of marks. It worked for me.
-
I usually use the "quick wash" facility on my machine - it's called "30 min wash" but takes between 35 and 50 depending on which temp and spin speed you choose. I find tha clothes come out just as clean as on the longer 1hr 30+ washes and was wondering why. Maybe it's because the water is heated up quicker so the clothes are actually in hot water for longer? ??? I only use Ecover stuff - the stain remover is brilliant - and usually wash on 30 or 40 degrees. Even with my old machine I rarely washed above 40, apart from the dog's bedding and towels. I do the "tub clean" fairly regularly with Calgon.
Bette x
-
I gave up on the quick wash on mine - it didn't clean anything! My quick wash is supposed to take 46mins but sometimes takes around half an hour longer. This is because the water from the mains is sometimes warmer or colder depending on outside temperatures and other things! I am still researching but I have uncovered loads of complaints about the cold fill machines. Apparently people are paying good prices for old hot and cold fill!
Taz x
-
This is making me feel less guilty about buying an expensive machine! I got it a couple of years ago when we revamped the kitchen. First time we'd had one in the kitchen here - old one was in the outside boiler room (still is, use it to wash the dog's stuff.) I was thinking that as I wasn't using many of the fancy programmes and facilities, I'd wasted my money but as it does seem to clean everything well (which, thinking back, is what the reviews said) maybe it was worth it after all!
Bette x
-
What sort is it Bette? Is it cold-fill only?
Taz x
-
It's an LG. It's the one with the steam/refresh programme which, in retrospect, is wasted on us as we don't have the sort of smart shirts/blouses that it's designed for. ::) I think that it's cold-fill - had a look outside in boiler room and can only see one pipe and it's got a blue tap. My old one was a Dyson and was great but they've stopped making them. :(
Bette x
-
the pyrolitic self cleaning oven - have to say, that was the best decision I made when we had the kitchen done. Next best was the induction hob.
Bette x
-
Another thing which can cause washing to smell is believe it or not - conditioner. Most people switch from brand to brand and don't check how strong it is. More and more firms are going over to "Concentrated" or "Super Concentrated" and people are putting it in without realising and not diluting it as they should!
-
I hardly ever use vanish or conditioner because the powder I use should do the 'job' without adding extras. It's playing on the housewife's guilt trip >:(. Occasionally I use either if I think the laundry requires it. Thanks for all the advice, I have opened up a can of worms ::)
-
... I have opened up a can of worms ::)
Yep ;D
-
This is what I am saying CLKD - the powder SHOULD do the job but with some of the new machines it doesn't due to a very small amount of cold water being used instead of a nice half drum full of hot water and you have to resort to extras to get a good result.
Taz x
-
so the new machines are suppose to be economical, and save the planet, but the reality is we spend more on cleaning products and pump them into the planet so destroying it just as quick ... guess a man thought this all up >:( ::)
-
It does sound crazy - I resent paying out an extra £4 for something that I didn't need before. I still haven't finished gathering info yet.
Taz x
-
:clapping: I spoke to our village shop keeper today and her washing was smelly a couple of weeks ago so she's sold me a product which she used. Maybe all that rain has caused problems for our machines ........... ::)
Have run it on a 65d wash and will find laundry to put through on Monday. watch this space ;)
-
I might try that Janie!
Taz x
-
Jeans are washed, rinsed, smell OK and blowing on the line. Result!
-
:clapping: I spoke to our village shop keeper today and her washing was smelly a couple of weeks ago so she's sold me a product which she used. Maybe all that rain has caused problems for our machines ........... ::)
what was the product she uses?
Glad the washing smells sweet :)
-
'oust' - used in either dish/laundry machines. Will be looking at washing machines in earnest when next in a comet-like shop ;)
-
'oust' - used in either dish/laundry machines. Will be looking at washing machines in earnest when next in a comet-like shop ;)
Ta ;) can you buy it in the supermarket or do I need a hardware store?
-
This might be worth reading http://www.ukwhitegoods.co.uk/help/cleaning-help/cleaning-maintenance/2773-washing-machine-a-washer-dryer-maintenance-wash.html
Taz x
-
thanks Taz :)
-
I hadn't even thought of posting it before as I was so taken up with my lack of cleaning woes! My washing machine man (who has listened to my grumbling about the machine not cleaning and is coming out again next week) has always advocated the maintenance wash. He says to add a cup of bleach to the machine as well as the washing powder though. I try to remember to do this once a month and, so far, I have not had any "malodours" as he calls them. :)
Taz x
-
Bleach?! :o Sorry but I hate the stuff. :sick02: I can't see how it can be good letting it into the environment. I do realise, though, that you want to get your clothes clean!
Bette x
-
Bleach .. My worry would be if it didn't all rice from the machine and then damaged a wash load later.
I am a bleach fan :)
-
Dettol :sick02:
the manufacturers say on the advert for 'vanish' that it doesn't contain bleach but Himself, a Chemist, tells me otherwise ;)
-
I've 'ousted' both machines but on using a particular laundry powder noted smells again so have bought something completely different!
-
I only ever use non-bio powder (supermarket's own make) in my machine. Hubby is allergic to anything else. My brother who has eczema was told by a skin specialist to only use supermarket brands too as a lot of the Big makes have ingredients which irritate skin.
Washing machine engineer also told me to never ever use liquid capsules as they clog up the pipes which can lead to smells.
I use a branded cleaner in my machine about 2 or 3 times a year, which in itself leaves an odour, but it clears with the next wash.
-
I've 'ousted' both machines but on using a particular laundry powder noted smells again so have bought something completely different!
That's what I did although with mine it was the fabric softener
-
I just do the maintenance wash with bio tablets plus a cup of bleach once a month or so and it keeps things smelling fine.
It's still not washing properly though!
Tazx
-
Mine has been great washing Mum's hospital clothes - some pretty dirty, as you can imagine. :sick02: Used the slightly longer "synthetics" programme rather than my usual "quick" one (1hr 30 rather than 45 mins) but still on 40 degrees and everything has come out really clean with just my usual Ecover liq and no stain removers.
Bette x
-
My washing has started smelling a bit too. So after reading all the threads I am going to run it empty on a hot wash and if that doesnt work I will buy the £4 cleaner. My powder drawer keeps going black, I thought that was the problem, but it wasn't. Do your drawers go black or is it just mine?
-
BLACK++ - every so often I take the drawer out and stick it into the dishwasher with other crockery on a very hot wash and it still requires soaking in bleach and a toothbrush scrub. I leave the door open but maybe should leave the drawer open in future.
Washing smells better with a supermarket own brand biological powder .........
-
My drawer goes black too. You have to remove it and give it a scrub once in a while. The black mould contains stuff you don't want to know about!
-
What sort of stuff? I clean it with jif and a toothbrush in my rubber gloves. May I should add an anti-bacterial liquid too.
I'm going to go and clean it in a minute.
-
Carcinogenics apparently. I only found out recently from our daughter as her partner is a macro-biologist and does lots of research into how bugs form. Sorry that may be too much information.
-
Well I don't know what they are but I don't like the sound of them.Lol
Well I have just cleaned it. The drawer is easy enough to clean, it's the roof of the compartment that's the problem.
-
I scrape my hands and arms on that blasted roof, must have been designed by a man ;D. Bleach or Milton for a good soak helps too.
-
I've washed my drawer, but will have to tackle roof another day. ::)
-
I have a love relationship going on with Milton :)
I use a squirt of it on kitchen roll to get the roof bit clean.
-
What a good idea San I will try that. The roof bit on mine is full of ridges, if it was smooth it would be a lot easier.
-
My washing machine sounds like it's headed off across the utility room floor :o and it's drizzling so no hanging outside today >:( and it's towels ::)
-
Must give Milton a go, sounds like a good idea to me.
-
My washing machine sounds like it's headed off across the utility room floor :o and it's drizzling so no hanging outside today >:( and it's towels ::)
was it the drum because the load wasn't balanced? hate it when that happens. It makes such a racket ::)
-
Probably. I thought I'd done it OK but of course, once the door is shut ::)
Washing smelt better though :)
-
Had a new rubber seal on the washer yesterday. Asked the engineer about smells coming from the washer. He said you get bad smells if you use liquid detergent (which I do all the time). He showed me where all the 'slime' builds up. (it looked disgusting).
The answer is to run the machine empty at 90 degrees using powder, twice.
So the washer is on as I type.
-
I posted this link earlier in the thread but it is worth a read http://www.ukwhitegoods.co.uk/help/cleaning-help/cleaning-maintenance/2773-washing-machine-a-washer-dryer-maintenance-wash.html
Taz x
-
Taz you are a mind of information. I think you should change your name to Wiki. :)
LM x
-
I vary the types of powder I use. Occasionally I add a liquid 'pink' cleaner and sometimes a comfort-type liquid to soften towels. In recent months I've had now nasty whiffs from the machine. That co-incideded with the Water Company lifting the hose-pipe ban so I do wonder if there was less water getting through from the Companies >:(
-
I think it is definitely the liquid detergent that causes the smells. Someone told me that too and since I changed back to powder I have had no more smells. Think that was a couple of years ago.
-
Littleminnie - I only have that link because my local washing machine repairer always leaves it with his customers. Of course I keep forgetting to do the maintenance wash much like I forget to check the filter...
Taz x :D
-
I seem to be ok using the liquid detergent but I do run the "tub clean" programme every now and then.
Bette x
-
What a waste of water >:( - I put towels/sheets through on a very hot wash (60) and haven't had whiffy laundry problems since we went off the hosepipe ban ::)
-
Discussed this washing smell problem with OH, who used to do research with a firm that makes washing powder, liquid and other things besides.
The question, is liquid detergent less likely to cause smells?
The answer, no, makes no difference.
Apparently the problem arises when debris is left in the machine after washing, and rinsing removes all detergent, which lets bacteria grow, so then smells develop. Who am I to argue?
-
debris being what exactly? I did a tissue wash last week >:( ::) - 3 pairs of jeans and mine had one in a pocket ......
-
I used to find screws and bolts after washing older son's work trousers, despite checking them before they went in - good job he's moved out as not good for my machine. ::)
-
CLKD apparently debris is just the general detritus (sp?) of washing. Fabric gets eroded over time, and that sticks to the inside of the machine. Also we should never forget tissues, well I shouldn't, forever leaving them in jeans
-
What a waste of water - I put towels/sheets through on a very hot wash (60) What a waste of electricity!
Bette x
-
I did a tissue wash last week >:( ::) - 3 pairs of jeans and mine had one in a pocket ......
I did several CLKD in my new washing machine! Hubby was to blame. Have told him umpteen times to remove tissues from his pockets as it's not my job to check them. ::) He carries wads of the things in every pair of trousers/shorts. Paper snow was falling outside as clothes dried in the wind! ;D
-
My mum's the culprit here; she always has umpteen tissues in every pocket. ::)
Bette x
-
I always try to use the Eco wash on my machine but every so often I will put towels and or sheets through a really hot wash.
I dont get smells but I think that because my machine is used so often they dont get a chance to start. There are four of us and that means a lot of washing every week. :o
Honeyb
x
-
My machine has stopped smelling since I tried a tip - can't for the life of me think where I got it from, but this is what I do:
Mine's a cold fill like everyone elses and as Taz says, the water only gets hot enough towards the end of the washing cycle. So I put the powder in the drawer (or liquid in the drum depnding on which takes my fancy), start the machine then 'pause' it just as it starts to fill. I fill up my kettle with hot water from the tap and pour it into the drawer (only slightly open, not fully out - don't want it to go all over the floor!). On the cottons wash it takes 5 kettlefuls on the initial fill, less on the synthetics cycle.
My washing is noticeably cleaner and I've got no unpleasant smells! :)
It does mean standing over the machine for a few minutes while it's filling up but I think it's worth the effort. I imagine I might be saving a bit on the leccy too (I have a hot water tank that's heated by the gas boiler every day so I might as well use the hot water up if it's there anyway).
Hubby thinks I'm bonkers doing this but I don't care! ;D
Catweazle x
-
Bette - my hot wash plus towels does the job of putting the machine on a hot wash without laundry ;)
-
Catweazle7 - we have to do a similar thing. The machine should put hot water in, but it's broken. We fill a bucket with hot water from the tap and pour it in through the detergent drawer, has to be done slowly or it goes everywhere. :-\
It does take time, but OH seems to do it, he got fed up with me getting it all over the floor, much appreciated. :)
-
I've gone back to using powder. I realised the liquid wash making the machine smell. Powder's cheaper too :)
-
The problem with doing the maintenance wash with a load in is that the powder is absorbed into the clothes and doesn't actually clean the machine.
I think these cold fill machines are throwing us back into the dark ages! I have to soak my white socks etc. before I put them in the machine in order for them to get anywhere near as clean as they used to and white shirts and t-shirts are taking on a grey colour. Give me back my old un-green machine!!
Taz x
-
I've gone back to using powder. I realised the liquid wash making the machine smell. Powder's cheaper too :)
I've only fairly recently gone back to using powder for certain wash cycles. I bought some from Aldi - it was as cheap as chips and it's brilliant, especially for whites. Pouring the hot water into the drawer from the kettle helps it dissolve - if I let the machine cold fill there's always some left stuck to the sides of the drawer.
I'm sure these so called green machines must use more leccy than the old hot fill ones. The heating element seems to be on for ages. I have an energy monitor so I can see how how long it's on and how much it's costing me. :o
Catweazle x
-
For the first time ever I put a stained jumper into a 'pre-wash' programme and was amazed that even without any powder, the amount of suds at the door :o ....... even though this jumper has been washed on a gentle programme and rinsed/spun gently ::)
-
That's confusing. Where did the suds come from if you didn't use powder ???
-
The previous suds??? ;D ;D
-
From the jumper or from the machine ?
-
From the jumper - it's a sign of poor rinsing which is normally due to the short programmes and small amount of water used nowadays apparently.
Taz x
-
Could it also be from any softener used previously? I'd always assumed that some must "stay in" the clothes for them to smell of it. ???
Bette x
-
I haven't used softener on this particular jumper. Expect it's from lack of thorough rinsing!
-
Muchos apologias if someone else has already said this (but can't read all six pages - in lunch hour at work!!) but after I was moaning about my smelly machine, a colleague of mine suggested I get a big bottle of Milton sterilising fluid (or you can get a cheapy version in Savers) the stuff that you use for sterilising baby bottles, and pour the whole lot into all the drawers and slosh the rest around the drum. Put on a hot, hot wash, and voila! Fragrant smelling machine, and problem solved (well, for me anyway, my machine was really smelling of old drains, and it was revolting. I had also tried bleach, vinegar etc.)
Hope this helps.
P x
-
:thankyou: I use Milton for everything ::)
-
I was told by the washing machine engineer that the machines start to smell as they are constantly washing on 40 degrees.
If you run the machine at 90 degress once a month that should banish the smell
-
That's what I do. Just run the program with nothing in, having first cleaned the filter (mine's a washer dryer so I have to do that quite regularly) , and the drawer.
-
Well! I have had a light cotton top which I love - a few weeks ago I held a greasy jam jar close to my chest to undo the lid, there has been a stain on the top since; despite going through various wash cycles. This morning in desperation I rubbed lavender scented hand soap into the stain, left the garment to soak; hey presto! through a cool wash, onto the line and :-*
-
Good tip CLKD. I always use Vanish for stains - especially greasy ones. Either the bar or the spray.
Taz x
-
Vanish was first marketed/ invented by the violinists Nicola Benedettis dad.
Bit of completely useless information ;D
Honeyb
X
-
Vanish didn't work on this particular top >:( ........... nor did it work on the muddy jeans I brought home from the Bird Fair on Friday >:( :(
It seems that the lavender bar of toilet soap did though :-*
-
The one that works for me on everything is Astonish. It works on carpets and upholstery as well.
They also do a cream cleaner that works brilliantly on hobs, and stainless steel. Great shine and no scratches.
Honeyb
X
-
For the past few months my washing machine has smelt bad. I've tried everything - vinegar, washing soda, an expensive washing machine degreaser but to no avail. My washing machine is in the garage and so once I've turned it on, I leave the garage and don't go back in till later. But because of this smelly problem, I've been googling to see what could be causing it. I read that if you use liquid (which I did) and wash at low temperatures (which I do), then gunk builds up inside the machine and smells bad. So I've been going into the garage to check on the machine every so often and I realised it wasn't getting hot at all! So of course gunk was building up as it wasn't being dissolved by hot water.
New element fitted by my "White goods man" and now my machine smells clean again - hooray! He was most impressed by my diagnosis too.
ariadne xx
-
Well done! These apparently low wash temps. are useless. Washing needs to be hot. Otherwise the powder will soak into the laundry and parts of the machine ........ I find if I don't do towels on a very hot wash they smell ............ they get an extra rinse too!
-
I do a very hot wash with towels and biological powder ( cheap powder will do ) once a week and this seems to keep the smell away.
You have to clean the powder drawer out first.
I think I saw this on superscrimpers once.
My machine is integral and I keep the door shut when not in use ( which isn't often)
I was finding it was getting very smelly but since I've been doing the very hot wash it has been ok.
-
I did actually look at my instruction booklet recently and it does recommend a Maintenance Wash on the hottest setting once a month. I've never done that on a regular basis - naughty girl. And when I did do one recently, I didn't realise my machine wasn't getting hot ::)
I intend to do one from now on of course :ange:
ariadne xx
-
Also: remembering to empty the filter thingy is important :P
-
Oh yes :-\
-
Ah - now I asked my washing machine man if he could do that for me because after struggling to locate it, neither me nor hubby could undo the thing. But washing machine man said unless your machine isn't emptying properly, leave the filter alone because sometimes after they've been undone and emptied, the washing machine can start leaking. I ws looking forward to a good clear out as well - bra wires etc. ;D
ariadne xx
-
Having had success in getting out stains by using hand soap, I bought a different sort of powder - phew, the drum smells, the jeans smell stale ........ out on the line in the drizzle, will probably need to put them through again >:(
-
I grabbed a packet of 'Zingy' washing powder from a shelf recently but can't recall which store I was in ;D - it works OK and of course, it was cheaper so now want another/several packets …….. but it isn't stocked locally ::)
-
Put some lemon juice in the wash buy a fresh lemon squeeze it in to the washing water if uve top ;oader
If its a front loader put in to where the fabric softener goes
Also other tip is mix some Bicarb in with the soap powder xxxx
-
I stopped using fabric conditioner years ago as son was allergic. Means a bit more ironing but the upside is it does not 'bung up' the washing machine. Also you get a build up on fabric which can turn stale.
-
Ironing :-\ ??? :D
Lemon juice! thanks SuziQ (how are you by the way?)
-
Do you all use soap powder as that is best for machine. :D
-
Yep, powder is the best. The glumpy stuff in the packets don't get washed away. I also wash on a hot wash because cool ones really don't work, the powder needs and optimum temp in order to dissolve ::).
So sheets and towels are done on a 60 degrees; pants, jeans, cotton shirts on a 50; woolly shocks and other delicates on a wool or delicate wash cycle. I haven't shrunk anything for years ;D
-
Me too, I dont buy into this low temperature lark, 8)
-
When our machine got smelly I was advised that low temps 40/30 and non bio powder are ok but once a month run a hot wash of 60 or above (even 95) with Bio washing powder and that strips out all the residue. So I put the dogs towels and mats in on a very hot wash with non bio once a month and no smells since :)
Does anyone in a hard water area use tablets for limescale?
-
I use powder for everything. I refuse to buy a product which is coated in a plastic packet when there is a powder version available. All those plastic packets go into landfill >:( …….. in fact the only things that go into my landfill bin are plastic i.e. those that are packed around washing powders and those that are packed around Sunday supplements etc..
I don't have radiators this week so the washing is taking hours to dry …….. so it gets a bit old-damp-dog smell …..
-
I use the powder tablets plus a capful of soda crystals in the drawer to help reduce limescale. I had the element replaced three times on my old machine and the repair man showed me it was thick with limescale. So when I had a new machine I decided to add the soda crystals to every wash in the hope of preventing it happening again.
Ariadne xx
-
Now we are being told that, in order to kill bacteria left on clothing after a 30 deg wash, we should use Dettol bacteria killer as well. PUT IT ON A BOIL WASH :beat: :beat: :beat: ::)
-
I don't suppose if makes much difference money wise, you either spend money on the extra electricity or on the dettol.
-
However, it has been proven that a cool wash doesn't 'do' …….. because the soap doesn't break down so machines get clogged! ::) ………. so 1 has to call out the engineer :
-
When I start eating my clothes then I will start to worry.....up until then, it's just another way to sell yet another product.
Honeyb
X
-
:lol: that's taking recycling too far ;D
-
I used to use Ecover liquid and fabric conditioner. My washing machine smelt and the clothes were never very clean. Now I wash at 40 using Simply pure tabs and vinegar for the fabric conditioner. Clothes are clean and the machine doesn't smell. The powder tabs dissolve fine as long as I chuck them right at the back of the machine. If I forget and put them too near the front, they sometimes get stuck in the rubber seal and don't dissolve.
I'm in a very hard water area, but I guess I use enough vinegar to help. Had the machine for 6 years (bought 2nd hand for £30) and it's never had any trouble.
-
we have hard water too!
-
The saga continues. I did a load for my neighbour whose machine has 'broken' down. Only to find that my programme stopped half way through :o so DH had the outlet pipes off the wall and OH MY ! the gunge and gloop that had collected from previous wash; sludge, tissues, grit ......... sort that had solved the problem as my next load went through OK. The following load stopped half way through so he now needs to clean out the U-bend - apparently. Wonder if neighbour and I will get buy 1 get 1 free if we choose a washing machine at the same time ;D
Note to you all: check the sludge in the outlet pipes!!!
-
Machine won't select any programme except 'empty water' - well that's a relief then ::)/ Left with soggy washing though.
Got the paper work out, we bought it [Zanussi] in May 2003. Off shopping this week ……… don't want as many programmes but the important thing is to have as quick a spin cycle as possible!
-
New machine ordered - don't know delivery date yet. Meantime, dripping laundry outside in the drizzle and in the bathroom ::)
-
I was pleasantly surprised! Used several times a week ……. so I have gone for the same make with a larger drum size
-
New Zanussi is lurking in our utility room - arrived at 8.15 a.m. :o
Crikey the buttons are sensitive! I only had to look at them and something clicked deep inside :-\ and lights flashed on !
It is going through a 'maintenance' cycle. However, I'm confused at the 'finish in' facility. Don't know if it's on/not ::) so my anxiety level is up :-\ ………
It currently says 2.25 hours :o. At least I can alter the programme should it continue …..
Other clothing dripping on the line in heavy rain.
-
Don't talk to me about new washing machines......I got mine a week ago, and am thinking of booking into night school for some lessons >:(.......Why do they have to make things SO complicated .......I just want to wash my laundry ::). And I don't need twenty ************ programmes .....grrrrrr sorry rant over :)
-
Spin for delicates takes 11 mins., it required 2 - could have done with 3, that's those that were hanging on the line for a few days. Coming to the end of a 'quick' cycle, 1 hour 57 mins. apparently at 60 deg.. Had it been without the 'quick' cycle, apparently it would take 3 hours :-\ but it should adjust the time according to the load weight. It's going to take a while to get accustomed ;D
-
DH stripped down the old washing machine today ……. took it apart, sorted bits for the recycling bin, some went into the land fill bin but he found that the outlet pipes were FULL of gunk. So much for using Calgon etc., it would seem that the back up of the gunk probably caused the mother board to burn out = not reading the wash programme ::)
Of course these pipes are not accessible to clean as they are buried deep in the guts of the machine ::)
-
CLKD that's interesting. Last year when we had our kitchen refitted the washing machine was parked outside in the garden so DH jetwashed the hoses and around the drum. The grey sludge that came out was unbelievable!! Bit too much effort to have to do that regularly though, getting it out of the kitchen and then back in once was bad enough!!
S x
A lot of that grey sludge is caused by using concentrated fabric conditioner. People don't realise this, they just pick up any old bottle but they HAVE to dilute it as per instructions. It's not like normal fabric conditioner which can be used neat.
-
:o - never realised *that* ……… DH took even more of it apart yesterday and there was THICK sludge where the sun never shines :o even with using Calgon-type products. Not enough force of water to wash it all through ……… does the washing not smell of vinegar Dorothy?
I have found the 'short' programme - 60 degs cottons takes under 2 hours by a few minutes ::) and it seems to rinse out the pipes before filling for the new programme. Haven't found the 'make tea' button yet :D
-
Well Girls - in the 1st wash of 2-day I used powdered water 'softener' - when I pulled the drawer open, it hadn't gone through, lurked in a hard lump in the drawer :-\ - not much softening going on there then ::)
It took quite a sharp knife to remove it from the drawer. There was already a build up and the machine arrived on Monday! I am loathe to use liquid 'calgon'-type stuff as it's quite thick. Think it will be a 90deg wash with Dr???? or MrMuscle in future!
-
:o - never realised *that* ……… DH took even more of it apart yesterday and there was THICK sludge where the sun never shines :o even with using Calgon-type products. Not enough force of water to wash it all through ……… does the washing not smell of vinegar Dorothy?
I notice a faint smell of vinegar when I unload the wash, but by the time it's dried, it just smells of clean fabric (because of course, there is no perfume from the conditioner to scent the clothes). I have a very sensitive sense of smell, so I think I would probably notice if there was any vinegar odour still there. My mother doesn't notice it at all, even when the machine is first opened.
-
White vinegar?
Won't be using the powder water 'softener' again ::)
-
I think it's meant to be cider vinegar, but I use whichever is cheapest...for years, I 've been using big bottles of malt vinegar which works out about 1/10 price of most fabric softeners!
-
How much do you put in? to the drawer rather than drum …...
-
In the fabric conditioner drawer. Not sure how much really, I don't measure it, just pour it in. Maybe start with the same amount you use for fabric conditioner and see how you go? I tend to put a bit more in for static-y stuff and less for things like cotton towels.
-
DH stripped down the old washing machine today ……. took it apart, sorted bits for the recycling bin, some went into the land fill bin but he found that the outlet pipes were FULL of gunk. So much for using Calgon etc., it would seem that the back up of the gunk probably caused the mother board to burn out = not reading the wash programme ::)
Of course these pipes are not accessible to clean as they are buried deep in the guts of the machine ::)
You can make a fab firepit out of an old washing machine drum. Have you still got it? Have a google- they look great.
Ariadne xx
-
:thankyou: both. Will try the vinegar trick.
Yep we were told about drums making good BarBQs ……. it's laying around the yard ::)
It would probably make a good water feature too.
-
1 thing I've noticed is, that by having a larger drum, I don't do as much washing each week :-\ …… 'cos it takes more clothes. It makes drying inside more difficult as I run out of space ::) ………. so it must be 'greener' to have a larger drum, initially for putting the sheep skin rugs through when it's a sunny, windy day so they can get a blow after washing.
I've cracked the programme required: cottons, 60 degs., 'quick' means 5 mins. under 2 hours. It switches off automatically if I don't go to it when it bleeps to say 'finished'.
-
Have you got a tumble dryer CLKD, I simply couldn't manage without mine. It's rarely used in spring and summer but given where I live trying to dry inside is just not an option. I'm not prepared to have wet washing hanging around. It causes condensation and dampness.....so tumble dryer it is.
I never have to add anything to my wash....we have very soft water here.
I did read that London water is recycled through lots of things....and people umpteen times :o
I know where our water comes from....I drive past it.
Honeybun
X
-
But your water is put through a filtering system etc. before it reaches your taps - unless it comes out peaty coloured? That happened when we stayed at Dornie, our bath was filled from the spring behind the bungalow - there was a warning on the taps that it might be peaty with bits in ;D …….
Anglia Water region has HARD water - most comes from aquifers deep in the ground …….. and nope, never had a tumble drier as our utility room has the boiler in so clothing is dried within hours in the Winter. Out on the line weather allowing and the window can be opened to allow a blow through. Sorted ;)
-
Well yes it's filtered....but not through other people before its filtered again ;D
Been on loads of holidays in the Highlands where the water is brown....tastes pretty bad and stains your clothes.
Our water is really very good and very soft so I guess our appliances should last longer as there is no lime scale.
I couldn't manage without my dryer. Even in summer I will use it to fluff my towels....I hate a scratchy towel.
Honeybun
X
-
Wouldn't be without my dryer! Daughter's house is like a Chinese laundry most of the time. House damp enough on it's own without the washing.
-
Apparently some tumble driers are on 're-call' and shouldn't be used until they have been repaired :o despite what the Company Hot-line might suggest :bang: :bang: :bang:
-
Apparently there's now a 'add wash' facility on some washing machines: great as long as the 2 year old doesn't notice and decides to put the hamster in with the laundry :D
-
I've just saw this thread and wanted to say that I've used white vinegar for years as a fabric conditioner! I put it in the compartment where the fabric conditioner goes instead of using fabric conditioner but I only use it when I do towels and whites, I never use it on coloured clothes. It not only keeps my towels nice & fresh but the washing machine also, I hardly ever have to clean out the drawer, before vinegar the drawer used to get black & mouldy really quickly. No you can't smell the vinegar, at least not once the clothes are dry as it evaporates. I do wash towels every day though as there are 4 of us living here. I buy the cheap white vinegar from Asda or Tesco for less than 50p a bottle ;)
-
How much to you put in each time? I had my powder drawer out on Sat. morning and gave it a Very Good Scrubbing ;D
-
How much to you put in each time? I had my powder drawer out on Sat. morning and gave it a Very Good Scrubbing ;D
I just fill the fabric conditioner compartment to the arrow so I would imagine the same size dose as the recommended fabric softener!
-
:thankyou:
-
Sounds bizarre, but wash a lemon in ur machine xxx
-
Whole or sliced ::) (http://::))
-
I use half in the microwave to freshen that up.
-
I'm learning loads today! I'm going to try vinegar as a fabric softener. We live live in a very hard water area. I use vinegar to polish glass and mirrors.
5 years ago I treated myself to an expensive washing machine with a 10 year guarantee and it's been great. However, I usually run one of those cleaning, rescaling thingy through it every month or so, but I didn't while convalescing for quite a while and it started not rinsing properly. I rang up and was advised to run two washes without laundry at the hottest programme. Problem solved and I cleaned the machine.
In the past, washing machines always seemed to break down at the worst possible time, like when a child had been sick all over the duvet etc. And they seem to start leaking. Yep I love this new machine!
-
Don't know if it was just my machine, but I've never had to do a cleaning cycle since using vinegar instead of fabric softener. (I also use it to descale the kettle)
-
I know that using a 30deg wash doesn't get the wash clean as it doesn't rinse the clothing hot enough ::)
-
Don't know if it was just my machine, but I've never had to do a cleaning cycle since using vinegar instead of fabric softener. (I also use it to descale the kettle)
Mine too never needs cleaning now! Always looks & smells fresh & it's over 6 years old! The longest I have ever had a washing machine!I do wash towels every day on a 60 degree wash though.
-
As an aside - apparently a UK Council [Bristol] have been using vinegar to kill weeds and people are now complaining about the smell ::) …….. like, since when has vinegar killed weeds :D
-
It does CLKD! I use it on my patio weeds and its great. Smell doesn't last long ::) (http://::))
-
http://www.garden-counselor-lawn-care.com/vinegar-weed-killer.html
Taz x ::)
-
I know that using a 30deg wash doesn't get the wash clean as it doesn't rinse the clothing hot enough ::)
I've washed at 30 degrees for years, never any hotter. I think the vinegar must clean out the machine, same as it does for the kettle!
-
Does your cuppa taste of fish and chips ;D
-
:o
No, I boil up a kettleful of water and chuck it out after I've done the vinegar. :) Can't risk spoiling good tea!
-
So am I a slut ;D. Apparently 1 should be using 'dettoll' in my laundry washing. OH who knew ;D. It works on 20degs apparently. Doesn't it bleach ? If the rinse cycle is good enough it won't make any difference. Currently I use a powder; nothing else. Sometimes even at 60 I need to run a rinse cycle due to the towels feeling sticky. Then they go onto the line for a Very Good Blow.
-
My towels were smelly a while back.
I washed them in bicarbonate soda, & just a tiny amount of powder, and rinsed in white vinegar.
I thought they’d come out smelling like a chippy, but to my surprise, no.
It’s the build up of washing powder/softener, that makes them smell apparently.
-
Which is why low temperature wash doesn't work - hot water rinses the soap debris away = no smelly drum. My wash is never lower than 40 unless it's a quick wash for delicates at 30 and then I sometimes need to rinse a 2nd time ::)
-
I prefer my washing not to smell, strong fragrance in washing powders or softeners give me a headache :-\ I remember when the perfume Poison was popular, so strong I couldn’t wear anything that pongy :worm:
-
I add Calgon to my washing every now and again.
-
I wash most of my clothes at 30, but I do a hot wash at 95 for cloth etc every so often and also clean with a washing machine cleaner. My washing machine is 11 years old and does not smell. I leave the door open. The only time my clothes have smelt is when they take a long time to dry hanging inside, so I make sure I put on a fast spin for those.
-
I bought some white vinegar for the rinse this morning, I await with interest to see if it's helped with my lovely acrylic thick blue jumper which is on the line. Swinging gently in the breeze.
-
Do any of you use 'laundry sheets'? Reading an article this afternoon about ditching plastics, I wonder whether the sheets are reusable or whether like dishwasher tablets, they disappear into the ether :-\. I've used small amounts of powder for years, recycling the boxes in2 the Council bin.
White vinegar was too expensive to keep buying. The acrylic jumper remains in good service - tnx for asking ::)
-
We use concentrated laundry sheets, they're so convenient and no plastic. They're called True Earth Eco strips. They disintegrate in the wash.
-
Tnx C.C. - I've seen those advertised on line. Might give them a whirl ..........
-
You can buy the concentrated laundry sheets in the supermarket now.
-
Why would 1 need concentrated :-\ assuming that each sheet dissolves. I don't use as much powder as the box suggests - that's a selling ploy ::)
-
I only used the word concentrated because that’s the term CC used ::)
-
We need something around right now as DH has a back strain = muscle rub stinking out the house ;D
-
However: the package that the Dr Oiyou! 'sheets' are contained in isn't recyclable >:(. 3" x 3" ........... it's going to be more expensive than powder and I can compost the boxes.
-
https://www.tru.earth
This is what we use, hope the link works
-
I've read the True Earth web-site tnx.
The laundry seems to be clean and not over perfumed.
-
Hot weather presents a unique chance to get as much washing done as possible before you have to turn the heating on again.
And as the UK experiences a late summer heatwave, you might have noticed more laundry drying outdoors than usual.
But when the sun fades and you're back to wondering whether you can squeeze your favourite T-shirt on to the clothes horse, there's one item lots of us overlook.
Our towels.
Just how often should you be washing and changing them?
Interesting article. I wash ours every couple of days in this hot weather and when we aren't drying them on the radiators. Along with flannels. Sheets weekly ........ I wouldn't consider leaving laundry more than 5 days at the most, the night B4 we go away the machine is on the go.
-
I suppose it just comes down to personal preferences as no one's going to check. I wash once a week as I have no means of drying apart from an airer and wash bedding every three weeks or so.
-
The article goes onto explain how many nasty bugs may lurk :o in unwashed bedding and towels. :o
-
Sounds an interesting read. I'd be interested to know which type of bugs would be in the bedding and what the resulting bugs might do to harm us. Are they caused by sweat etc presuming that's as dirty as our sheets ever get. ;) We're all encouraged to wash cooler these days. I do everything on 30 as it's a short wash. I do wonder how much is media hype that everything has to be disinfected to an inch of its life in our houses as we're all surrounded by dangerous germs. Presumably most of us aren't living in filth! I'm sure a lot of the cleaning products do us more harm with all the fumes we're breathing in from them. Don't we all have bed bugs running around in our mattresses?
-
The article is available on BBC News
Bacteria good/bad will be present in our sweat which will lurk. Also, all that skin that we shed = mites that feed on it. Bed bugs World wide are taking over. Apparently. None in our bedding ! nor fleas.
I won't wash cooler : 30 x 30 : unless it's for light items. All our sheets/towels/underwear are done at 40. I also don't use conditioner because if the rinse cycle is good, any residue should be rinsed out. If I don't use a hot wash with a long spin, some laundry remains sticky.
-
Don't we all have bed bugs running around in our mattresses?
. I think you're thinking of dust mites?https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/dust-mites-in-your-home/ Bed bugs are not something you want runnng around in your mattress and you'd know about them if they were there ;D
-
Ha ha! Yes of course! ;D Or maybe my bed bugs have eaten all the dust mites! ;) ;D
-
Months ago I stopped using 'conditioner' so my laundry is OK - hung on the line when the weather is fine enough, it dries quickly. I've never had a tumble dryer.
-
I don't have any outside space. Mine hangs around on airers, no tumble dryer. My daughter doesn't even own a washing line, she tumble drys everything. Her children have never seen washing on a line outside.
-
I had a large bath towel on the line since Monday so it's had a lot of heavy rain . This morning I put it into the spin cycle and still soapy water was coming out :o :o
It's sleeting now so no chance of hanging the next load out >:(
-
Any1 know how to remove static from jumpers? I've tried vinegar in the rinse ....... these are base layers which are thick, dry quickly and are really warm: add to that static when removing :o :o :o
I long ago stopped using 'comfort'-type liquids ............
-
:-\ :neutral: