Fabric softner has WRECKED my machine!!!

[~Stoked~]

Well, not exactly wrecked, but it has made the inside of the seals (front loader) mouldy, slimy and VERY SMELLY!
I am soooo angry! I have tried to clean using white vinegar but no luck. I never used to use fabric softner but started when we had bub, just on his clothes. I have never had a problem with a smelly machine before, i could even leave the clothes in for DAYS (accidentally of course!!) and they would not stink when i hang them out and now i can't leave them in there for five minutes without stinkin!!
What should i do!? What can i use to clean it? I am seriously considering throwing it out and buying a new one! Please help!

[Chocaholic]

Can you replace the seals? Might be cheaper than replacing the whole machine.

[BrightSparkles]

Hmmm.. not sure. I wash always told to do a HOT wash every couple of weeks to prevent that from happening. Could you try doing a cycle of the hottest wash you can with nothing in there? Hope someone can suggest something for you. xx

[mrsmac]

A washing machine repairer told me never to use fabric softener as it ruins your machine.
My machine has a clean cycle does your have something like that you could try?

[Arimeh]

Yeah I'd probably just try a clean machine cycle.

[mbear]

A washing machine repairer told me never to use fabric softener as it ruins your machine.

............same here....
I often do a clean cycle with bicarb and vinegar....warm water is a good idea too. Clean your filters out too...GL!!!!

[Marnikat]

So that is what happened to mine? I have the same issue with my front loader and had no idea why? I will watch this thread for any ideas!

[Rouge]

Front loaders need to be cleaned regularly. The water and lint can get trapped in the door seal and it can create mould. Even without fabric softner. It is a good idea to wash your machine out with a really hot rinse and bleach or vinegar at least once a month (especially if you only use cold water) and wipe the seal out every couple of weeks, if not every time you wash. This is the only way to stop mould growing in your door seal. Also do not close the door after a wash, make sure you let it air. Fabric softner can wreck a machine especially if you do not use hot water as it needs the hot water to break down.

[Arcadia]

Wow, I didn't know some of this....thanks

[~Stoked~]

Thanks everyone!
My machine doesn't have a 'clean machine' cycle but the hottest wash is 95 degrees so i will run an empty wash on that setting. I will try Bicarb and see if that works, then bleach if i have to!
I always leave the door open after a wash and regularly clean the seal but it has never been this bad and full of slime before, and it has never stank! I only ever wash in cold as about a year ago DH thought he had put on weight as all his tops were getting tight, turns out they were just shrinking in the wash!
Will let you know how i go!

[~clover~]

I never ever use fabric softener for this reason. I just wish DH would get it! He doesn't use it, coz I don't buy it, but he occasionally tries to buy or use it
Instead of softener use vinegar It does the same thing.

[~Stoked~]

Hello Ladies,

Well, i tried bicarb AND vinegar together, popped on a glove and scrubbed the inside of the seal, then ran an empty wash on the hottest cycle............and.............................. .. i think it has worked!
I can still smell it slightly (maybe due to my extra sensitive sense of smell at the moment??) but i washed some towels afterwards and they smelt lovely when they came out! i might just do the same thing one more time to be sure but YAY!!! Thanks so much for your advice! xxxx