Maytag Bravos Help?

[ptcruiser51]

My sister has a 2011 BOL Bravos. Does a great job, but over the weekend I did a white load and noticed little black flecks over the load. Lots of them. I could dust them off before I put the stuff on the clothesline, and those I missed shook-off easily when I got home. I did a dark load and didn't notice anything.

I'm wondering is the boot flaking-off? Or is it residue from the outer basket? The inner one is stainless, but I think may be mold or somthing else because she washes everything on "normal". I use cycles which are accurate for what is being washed: Heavy duty, whites, sheets, etc.

Any answers? Any questions? Anyone care for a mint?

 

[DADoES]

 
You didn't cite the model.  Could be an F&P-based Bravos, or more likely the new VMW design.  Either way, there's no rubber boot involved.

 

[gansky1]

It does sound like it could be something flaking off from the outer tub or under the impeller. These machines are easy to disassemble, there are videos on YouTube, etc. You might not want to wash there again after seeing the inner depths of the washer

No mint, thank you, I want Cake!

 

[laundromat]

What type of detergent are you using? The ones that have the so called built in fabric softener can cause a wax build up inbetween the inner and outer tubs. It then loosens and leaves a nasty residue that winds up on the clothes.It could also have been some kind of plastic like the outer shell of a pen? 

 

[matthewza]

Could also be liquid fabric softener that's caused mold in the machine and its now starting to flake off. If you know how to dis assemble the machine, then do that and clean it. Otherwise fill with hot water, pour in a splash of white vinegar and a dishwasher tablet or powdered dish detergent. Let it agitate for a while on the strongest cycle, let it soak (preferably overnight) and then run it through a long hot cycle. That's what I do when I get moldy machines and it works a treat

 

[yogitunes]

there should be a "CleanWasher" cycle on this machine.....but if its been a while since used, you may have to run it several times

 

[ptcruiser51]

Thanx Fellows!

I suspected more "nasty buildup" than anything else. My sister tends to run everything on "Normal" or "Hand Wash" rather than the correct cycle. I'll run a "washer clean" cycle with Affresh next time and see what happens.

FWIW, when I was at THD, my factory reps always recommended that I suggested to my customers that they select the correct cycle for what they were washing: Whites, colors, towels, heavy-duty, etc. I usually never heard complaints from these folks. After I told the nay-sayers what they were doing wrong, I never heard from these people, either.

Again, thanx for your help!