washing powder residue

[helliebobs]

3rd attempt at posting this question!

Is it normal for there to be some powder left in the drawer after a wash? Usually if this happens I just wipe the residue out and leave the drawer open to dry out. I've just gone to put another wash on and found 2 near perfect tablets in there from the last wash. Daz advise putting them in the drawer but most other brands seem to advise putting them in the back of the drum, so I was a bit perplexed by that anyway.

So aside from the fact I'll have to wash those things drying nicely on the airer again, i'm also a bit worried it means my machine isn't working properly. Any ideas? A similar question had been asked but because the tablets I'd used had hardly broken down at all, I wondered if there was a more serious issue?

[woofgang]

if the tablets were't wet or not much, it sounds to me like you have a blockage in the bit that sqirts water into the drawer to dissolve the detergent. You could try running the machine empty and when it is filling for the main wash, open the drawer cautiously and see if there is water there. Its amazing the glob that collects in the hole that the tray fits into...I pull the trasy right out and scrub mine out with a toothbrush a couple of times a year (old toothbrush!!)

Alternatively if you have hard water then there might be a limescale build up, you can use descaler spray on the drawer hole , also calgon do descaler tabs for washing machines.

Hope this helps, other wise it gets expensive!!!

[WendyS]

Another alternative to dry would be to use one of those plastic balls which the washing machine liquid manufactuers supply into which you pour Ariel Liquid and just throw it in the drum with all the clothes. The liquid soap then just dissolves in the water in the drum as it is whirling round.

[ruthann58]

i always put them or powder in the drum saves having to clean the drawer out and does not make any difference to the washing

[Ethel]

With so many washing machines being cold fill only, I think it's sensible to use a liquid or tablet that goes straight in the drum.

Next time you do a wash, ease the drawer open a little and see if the water seems to be going in ok.

[markja]

like wendy says, just use a plastic ball and liquid. works fine and no more clogged drawer.