bluekarin Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 Just read this article, and thought it may be of some interest to you peeps. I have to agree about the black mould as I don't even remember my mums washing machine having this problem. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2050239/How-washing-machines-familys-health-risk-Low-temperatures-mixed-loads-spreading-dangerous-bugs.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 I will be sticking to my 40 washes I think That Service It stuff is great once every 3 months,for keeping the dreaded grey gunk at bay. I also do a very hot wash with a bleachy powder once a week,as I hate getting that nasty stuff off if the seal of the washing machine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lillybettybabs Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 (edited) I like to do a good hot wash on bed linen and i have a tube wash setting, so i use that with a cap of bleach. I feel another OCD creeping in Edited October 18, 2011 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 You're not alone K I never wash in the machine below 40deg and always use a 90deg wash with Napisan for the whites, also, not closing the washing machine door when it's empty keeps mould at bay. I can't say that I've ever had it go mouldy. One observation; much as I'm in favour (generally) of economy cycles, the washing machine seems to do a poor wash as it uses less water. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angie Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 Having got a new washer through D&G ins to replace my old one which did have that nasty mould stain on the door seal . I was determined not to have it again.....never had any mould on the previous machines, but i will admit i didn't worry over my energy bills then. So when i got the instructions it came with a lovely booklet from ariel going through all their products and how they work etc...They advise you do the correct wash for the clothes you are washing and not stick to the cold 30 min wash as this causes the machine to retain bacteria and causes mould. Boil towels and bed linen, hot wash all clothes that need it and a machine cleansing wash with bleach powders once a month or weekly if you do all eco washes. So the article in the mail today made me put a cleansing wash on....... Have you seen how long the wash takes ???????? 3 hrs and 10 mins my new digital screen tells me. Oh My !!!!!, all that electricity and heating of water , even though it is a AA** washer i am a tad worried about the bill it will create , can't i get away with this when i do a towel load ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 Using washing soda in your wash will soften the water and break down the fatty deposits from soap powders and conditioners which help mould to form. I use a tablespoon full in each wash. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angie Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 I haven't seen washing soda for years who sells it ? I do use napisan in my whites , bedlinen and towels on a hot wash. I have used it for over 30 yrs since the days of nappy washing, always had a line of beautiful white nappies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 I've just put a 90 wash with bleach on after reading that . (I've got that washing basket in the photo .) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abwsco Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 I never use fabric conditioner. I only ever wash my good fleeces and a couple of DD's tops at 30 as they shrink otherwise. Hardly ever use my eco wash as it takes soooooo long. I also throw in teatowels and dishcloths whenever I do my max temp maintenance wash. Bedding is done at 60 and everything else on a 40. Works for my Bosch which is 12 or 13 years old. Infact the manual says about the maintenance wash. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 I haven't seen washing soda for years who sells it ? I do use napisan in my whites , bedlinen and towels on a hot wash. I have used it for over 30 yrs since the days of nappy washing, always had a line of beautiful white nappies. You can buy it from supermarkets in the laundry gubbins aisle, this is what you're looking for: DP Soda Crystals, very cheap too I often use white vinegar instead of conditioner; it softens the wash and water, any residual whiff easily evaporates on drying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 I do more low temp washes as lots of tops can't cope with 40. We are not on mains drainage, I don't think we can use soda crystals but I might be wrong Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ali-s Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 No mains drainage here as well. I have used soda crystals to freshen up plug holes We were told not to use bleach or bio washing powders/liquids. I wash bed linen, towels, dishcloths and tea towels at 60c. Smelly foody work clothes at 40c. I must admit that any other clothes get washed at 30c. After reading the article I will wash at 40c and hotter from now on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angie Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 Thank you dogmother, i will see if i can find some, i think sainsburys might have them, my local asda definately doesn't have them and i haven't been to tesco in a while as it is a bit of a drive away. I have decided to do a weekly towel wash even if i have to wash big towels more often . It is easy when OH is home he goes through clothes like they were going out of fashion. Even the dogs towels will go in a boil wash now, when i was boiling nappies every other day my washer was sparkling clean went for years without any repairs, lucky to see 7 yrs these days.....must be the eco washing we do, not keeping the internal workings clean . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 Yes, the temps used now aren't high enough to melt the residues. You can also clean it by running through with dishwasher cleaner, there are various makes on the market. I think that soda crystals are cheaper though. If you need something really clean but it can't go on a hot wash then use Napisan. Does anyone else remember their mother using an old gas fired boiler to boil up the nappies and other whites? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckmum6 Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 I never wash lower than 40, but struggle wash hotter without shrinking the clothes, even the duvet covers recommend 40. It is really hard to hot wash any more , I don't cold wash because they don't clean clothes properly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 My bed linen is mostly 100% white cotton so it all goes on at least a 60deg wash, most usually 90deg along with the white face cloths. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 I can't be doing with it myself. As long as it looks clean and doesn't smell I'm happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 Interesting article, must admit I wash at 40 or 60, depending on the item. Clothes at 40 generally and towels and sheets at 60. Never had mould as I use soda crystals in every wash (you can also buy them in the discount stores like B&M Bargains or Home Bargains, as well as the usual supermarkets) and I always leave the door and drawer ajar on my machine too! Must get some Napisan though!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 Napisan is just great Claire - one of my favourite items. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekarin Posted October 18, 2011 Author Share Posted October 18, 2011 I've just put a 90 wash with bleach on after reading that . I did that - 1/2 a cup like it said - and I had bleach foam coming out of the powder drawer!!! I had to cancel the wash, drain and rinse it and then ran another hot wash Right, I need to get hold of some Napisan....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 I wash at 40 and 60 degrees. All bedding, towels and cotton shirts go in at 60, everything else at 40 I also went back to using big box powders because I found that the tablets and concentrates just didn't clean things properly especially whites. I will be getting some Napisan and soda crystals though I wonder if the shops are ready for another Omlet affect Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy-Mama Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 I will be getting some Napisan and soda crystals though I wonder if the shops are ready for another Omlet affect I am going off to the shops too Just checked my powder does have bleaching agents. I do wash clothes at 30 though so will up that to 40 now. Bedding and towels get washed hotter and tea towels get 95 Can't seem to win, be good to the environment or have hygienic clothes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 Read the article - only ever do a 40 degree wash except tops that say 30 as OH and ES say I shrink everything - I think its poor quality fabric which we in the UK pay a fortune for in the name of fashion Incidently going onto another thing I once ran out of dishwasher powder and used fairy liquid instead -BIG MISTAKE suds everywhere - I couldnt see the dishes when it had finished - was so worried as I knew OH and kids would roar with laughter - it was like one of those ads where the woman is in the bath with bubbles up to her boobs except it was the dishwasher learn from my mistake - dont do it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 All clothing gets washed at 40 deg here. Towels and bedding get washed at 60 deg or occasionally 95 if they look a bit skanky. I have in the past run a cup of washing soda through an empty machine at 95 deg to clean the machine out. It's ages since I've done it so it's probably time to do it again. I can see the point of running undies through their own wash at 60 deg, however with just me and OH to wash for, that's going to mean an extra wash each week with the machine only half full each time, so I'm not really prepared to do that and will just have to continue to run the risk of contracting e-coli from my pants Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 Napisan is usually in the baby section of supermarkets. Hmm, just bought a bottle of bio laundry liquid but may well get a small box of powder to try out. Not that I'm unhappy with the wash I get. Interestingly, I moved to liquids when I read that powders can leave a residue on clothes which irritates skin *shrugs* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
