Ecover detergent has ruined my washing machine??! Help! Post Reply

[milliemolliemilo]

Has anyone else found their washing machine to be smelly and growing black mould/mildew on the rubber door rim?

I am devestated as I am a bit of a clean freak. I have read eco washing detergents can cause this as they, obviously, do not have bleach or chemicals in. I want to be eco friendly and try to use chemical free cleaning products around the house. I used to use Fairy and never ever had a problem before I switched to Ecover laundry products. I do use the Ecover laundry bleach for whites, but it's the natural oxy bleach.

I ran the machine empty with soda crystals which helped to remove some of the not so bad mildew. I actually did this twice with half a bag each time running it at 90 degrees. The first load of washing was great and smelt lovely. The second load is sitting in the washing basket waiting for me to go out and buy some Fairy and re-wash it.

I do not know what to do. I am really annoyed about it. It just crept on me and I just want to replace the whole thing, (which is a little drastic as it's only 3 yrs old!)

Any ideas or suggestions would be most welcome and it would be interesting to hear if anyone has had the same problem.

Thank you in advance.

[ekf]

I don't think it's the type of detergent that you use causing the mould. It's caused if you close the door of the machine while its still damp. If you leave the door open and let the machine dry completely before closing this should help reduce the mould. As for cleaning existing mould I'm sorry but I'm not sure, my machine has a fair bit so would be interested to know. I'm think a high pressure water cleaner might do the trick.

[milliemolliemilo]

I never shut the door....!

[ekf]

Hmmm there goes that theory then!

[WannaBe]

I am not sure it's the washing powder as I've used Ecover the entire lifespan of my 10 yr old washing machine and no mould. No useful suggestions though, sorry.

[milliemolliemilo]

Really? It's the only thing I have changed hence my suspicion.
Do you use powder or liquid?

[WannaBe]

Both, depending what I wash. More powder though. Bio or non bio?

[milliemolliemilo]

I only use liquid - non bio...

[WannaBe]

Maybe you can try non bio powder?

[milliemolliemilo]

Maybe I should. I don't really know the difference!
Certainly will change to powder.
Thanks

[ceecee12]

replace the seals on your door rather than buying a new washing machine. there could be a blockage of some sort in your machine thats causing the mould. Dispite leaving the door open for ventilation. Get someon out to service the machine and fit the new seal.

Nanny s

[milliemolliemilo]

I bought some Dettol mould and mildew spray which contains bleach and donned my marigolds and sprayed the whole drum and the seal. It is not meant to be used on rubber but I decided if this didn't do it I would replace the seal. I shut the door and let it get to work and ran it on an empty cycle.
I am amazed at the difference. It has certainly cured the mould for now and it smells so clean.
I should have remembered this product as I have used it before with great affect on bathroom mould when we moved into our last house.
Definately reccommend it, although not not an eco product, but maybe a strong cleaner is required every now and then to keep these things at bay.

Thank you for all your advice

[KarenCun]

Used it for years and dishwasher tabs and never had issue

[mumtoafew]

My efficient German Miele gives me periodic reminders to run a wash at 75 deg or higher in order to eliminate bacteria and prevent mould. I also leave the door open ajar the majority of the time. Perhaps that will help for future?

[WannaBe]

Ah yes, periodic high temp wash. I do that. Though my Miele is not telling me to! Bad Miele.