Kenmore Elite (aprox 8 yrs old)
there seems to be residue buildup that is coming back in through the holes in the washer drum...black flakes ...i can see it on the edges of the holes. I also have had softner trouble with the center resevoir that you initally put softner in. I use to be able to get it off and clean it out (black gunk) but I can't get it off now.

Lisa, February 2008

do a couple of boil washes 90* deg no clothes in and bleach added but i think the mould and gunge will have eaten into the rubber pipes by now ,build up is caused by a lot of LOW TEMPERATURE washes 40 degree or less being done in machine. Most washing machine makers in ENGLAND now recommend a service wash (90*) degrees monthly to kill the mould/gunge in the pipes.

wirecutterman, February 2008