Help! Need advice on how to wash...my washing machine!

[alliecats]

DH insists on us using liquid fabric softener in our laundry. Problem is, it has left this nasty build-up around the edges of our washer tub (whatever you call the washing basket thing--it is not in the basket itself, but on the edges at the top, and all over the area in which you put the fabric softener. I don't guess it is hurting anything but it looks gross and I can't get it off. Any advice? And please, no telling me not to use fabric softener. A little like locking the barn door after the horse has been made off with, not too much help LOL.

Thanks for any help you can give me!!!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Mr Clean Magic Eraser! Gets everything off.

 

[kbkids]

That's what I used on mine. You're right. It does get gross!

 

[alliecats]

NO WAY!!! You guys are kidding me!!! Ok, I am going to go try it out. If it works then it truly is magic. I will post back with results.

Thanks!

 

[msdznyduck]

Mr Clean magic eraser does wonders for the shower doors also.........sparkling clean, and ours haven't been that clean for a long time

 

[Sandcass]

I would probably try vinegar. It breaks up everything.

 

[kbkids]

Mr Clean magic eraser does wonders for the shower doors also.........sparkling clean, and ours haven't been that clean for a long time

Works awesome on that shower floor too that nothing else seemed to clean!

 

[alliecats]

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser has gone down in shameful defeat. My fabric softener buildup kicked his ***. I don't have any vinegar but will get some tomorrow.

 

[kbkids]

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser has gone down in shameful defeat. My fabric softener buildup kicked his ***. I don't have any vinegar but will get some tomorrow.

Chisel and hammer?

 

[alliecats]

Chisel and hammer?

You laugh, but it may come to that.

 

[rascalmom]

I had that gunky build-up too - I scraped it off with the side of a credit card. DH thought it was a better use for the card than another trip to the mall.

 

[Sandcass]

SO ? Update please... did the vinegar work? (just curious!)

 

[alliecats]

Sorry, Sandcass! I haven't had time to run out for the vinegar yet--I am in the midst of trying to un-disaster-area my house. You know, the post-Christmas clean out. I promise to post an update with a vinegar review, in case anyone else has the same problem. It may be tomorrow, though. So many house crises, so little time!!!

 

[golfgal]

Have you tried wiping it out with a dry rag or old bath towel, dry? I had this problem too several years ago and I can't remember what I used, 409 or Dawn dishsoap maybe? I stopped using liquid fabric softener after that.

 

[RobynK]

FYI- I dilute my fabric softener with an equal amount of water.

 

[alliecats]

I have tried with a dry rag, with 409, and with the magic eraser. I also dilute my fabric softener, so as not to get those weird greasy stains which always manage to get on our clothes if I use it full-strength. Maybe this has helped--we've had this washer for 7 years, I think, using Snuggle the whole time...and just now developed this problem.
I still have to try: scraping with a credit card and vinegar.
Thanks, you guys!
I wonder if CLR is worth a shot, but I don't want to do something that will hurt any clothes I wash in there later...'
It is funny what I have considered...Goo Gone? Simple Green? Baking soda?
Well, better get back to the grind.