[Becky H]

Hi guys,

 My washing machine is relly stinky any tips for cleaning it without having to buy a 'special' cleaner?

Many thanks

Bex

[JayG]

Shouldn't really pong if used regularly; check that the pump filter is not choked up with unmentionable bits of debris which have started to go off (you might have to check the instruction book first!)

Otherwise I would suggest doing a "boil wash" (or as near to it as your machine will do) using normal detergent but no load.

[jimbeekeeper]

Shouldn't really pong if used regularly;

Yes it will if used on the low temp settings as it never gets hot enough to kill of the buggs, so basicaly it just creats ideal growing condtions.

A couple full of caustic soda and the hottes wash it will do.

[Belvoir]

Pour a bottle of vinegar and some bicarb in with your boil wash

[DD.]

Won't that make a fizzy mess??

[Becky H]

Won't that make a fizzy mess??

    could be exciting!!

Thanks all am off to try some of these!

Bex

[mumofstig]

I 'save up' my dirty tea towels and then run a boil wash for them every week to 10 days and that's enough to keep the machine clean, as well as the tea towels
(you just need enough towels to last till wash time  )

[elibump]

I 'save up' my dirty tea towels and then run a boil wash for them every week to 10 days and that's enough to keep the machine clean, as well as the tea towels
(you just need enough towels to last till wash time  )

Ditto.  But once used a packet of soda crystals minus load to get rid of smell of white spirit after accidentally putting a rag with it on in the 'dusters' wash.

Eli xx

[Poolfield2]

I also make sure that the dispenser drawer and the channel into the machine get a good clean out every now and again. Leaving the drawer and machine door ajar help stop it getting smelly but I agree a hot wash is the way to go.

[Janeymiddlewife]

Shouldn't really pong if used regularly;

Yes it will if used on the low temp settings as it never gets hot enough to kill of the buggs, so basicaly it just creats ideal growing condtions.

A couple full of caustic soda and the hottes wash it will do.

Thanks for the warning jimbeekeeper - I've just changed to only using quickwash and 30 degrees for most things, so will keep that in mind.
Like mum's idea for teatowels as 30 degree washes don't quite cut it with mine