The Daimler Benz has Arrived...Model 4842

[combo52]

Miele Pump Protector

This is really a pump protector to keep foreign objects from blocking the pump and not any kind of lint filter. In many cases the washer could go through its entire life with out the need to remove anything from this pump protector.

 

[foraloysius]

Only older Mieles had a lint filter. My mother's W423 from 1975 had one that needed cleaning regularly.

Newer Mieles all have similar pump protectors. No cleaning needed.

 

[ronhic]

Generally speaking, there is no need for a lint filter on a front load machine at all as, compared to a top load machine, they generate next to none.

Louis, when you say 'needed cleaning regularly' - what sort of frequency are you talkiing about? Weekly/Monthly/Every load?

 

[foraloysius]

I think we cleaned it every month or so. Before that machine my mother had a 1966 Bosch. It had a lint filter too. That one needed cleaning also rather frequent. If you didn't clean those filters often enough, draining would get slower and slower.

 

[launderess]

Well While "Lint" Per Se

May not be a problem have found everything from collar stays to the odd small object trapped in my Miele's pump filter.

Also IMHO checking the sump/pump bilge water via the filter is a good peek into the overall general health of one's washer. If the thing and area is covered in mould that can mean anything from poor rinsing to under or over dosage of laundry products. Whatever the cause it seems to indicate to me that the final rinse water which is allowed to sit after washday is done contains enough bio matter to promote fungi growth.

 

[foraloysius]

I was talking lint, really lots of lint. The filters would be full with it up to the point that no water could go through the filter anymore.

 

[toploader55]

What a Great Point Laundress...

Checking the sump/bilge for the Overall Health of the Washer...

 

Yes, that is a Good Indicator.

 

I'm thinking that I don't ever wash in cold water, using powder detergent and Never Fabric Softner, I think the General Health of my machines (with a little LCB now and then) should remain consistantly good.  I will use the Clean Cycle Once a month with Bleach as Miele Recommends.   But as you saw today after maybe 15 loads the water in the "bilge" was clear.

 

[launderess]

When cleaning out the pump filter of my Miele will keep a bottle of the stuff one uses to clean mould/mildew from bathroom surfaces. From the scent it's chlorine bleach based so keep it well away from the seals and what not. Still a good spraying, waiting period then good rinsing (of the actual filter and pump area) seems to do the trick.

After everything is put back together always run the washer either through several rinses or simply do a load of wash (usually at temps of 140F or above). This ensures any left over chlorine bleach is flushed out of the pump area and neutralised.

Am finding with using not only various soap based products (vintage Persil, most European liquid laundry/gel detergents), Ivory Snow, etc, it is very important to keep the pump and by extension other internal areas of the washer clean of the oil/fat residue from soap that can lead to mold growth.

Indeed am wondering if all the mildew and mould problems many Europeans seem to be having lately with their front loaders is because of the often soap laden liquid/gel laundry detergents that have taken over the market.

European laundry products have long contained some soap for various reasons, but it seems to me at least that ratio is increasing.

 

[mrboilwash]

"Reassamble and close the door"

Actually you`re not completely done with the procedure by then. After cleaning the pump it is advisable to fill her up a little by either starting any program then abort and switch to drain/no spin. You cold also simly dump the collected water into the drum and let her drain again. This will activate the valve which makes sure that the detergent of the following wash will be 100% used for the wash instead of sitting unused in the pump and sump area.

@ Launderess
I was surprised when you reported a while ago how gross your pump filter was. Had to check mine immediately, because I haven`t used powders in years and I also like FS. It was spic and span! I tend to rather overdose the detergent and underdose the softener and I love very hot washes. Guess this helps a lot keeping my Miele clean.

 

[chestermikeuk]

"any Europeans seem to be having lately with their front

Its part of the problem, but the bigger issue is the fabric Conditioner.....we love it, double concentrated and then still people will fill the dispenser of the machine, not even measure a capful or teaspoon full....load it up and go, and thats the issue....then in the last rinse all that gooky thick water is spun all over the machine and there it stays until the next wash....

We tested it with two new machines, the AEG and Hoover vision, one was used with liquid, (In The Tub) the other with powder (In The tub) no washing detergent entered the soap dispenser, (and hasnt done to this day - washers 3 yrs old) just fab con....hot and cool washes where used and green box powder with bleach - AND STILL the pesky black mold appeared in the dispenser drawer...

Nowthen, to the many who overload clothes, under dose on liquids & gels and OTT dose on fab con, use a low temp washes and dont clean the machine and leave the door closed...What are you gonna get!!!

Do you think they use their cars without basic top ups and services!!!..Hhmmmm...

 

[chestermikeuk]

Miele Sump Pump

Thanks Eddie, was familiar with the domestic and commercial models here but just wanted to check they hadnt come up with something else...

Glad youre enjoying your new Miele machine, are you on a water meter at all, do you think your water bills will be significantly lower??

Cheers, Mike

 

[toploader55]

Hi Mike.

I'm on a water meter but haven't really taken any numbers down yet.

 

But I can say this... I'm going to guesstimate roughly that a Full Cycle Normal Wash is taking about 15 gallons tops. compared to 30-40 gal per cycle.

 

I'm glad I bought this for a "Daily Driver". Being on the Septic Tank, this should help out tremendously.

 

Next week, I'll have the time where I will drain off the Miele's Full Cycle into one of the Top Loaders and see what the Real Water Consumption is.

 

[brisnat81]

Hi Eddie,

They're beautiful machines, I really wish they'd bring the large capacity models to Australia now.

Chris, the early Miele machines have a pump protector that is like a collander, each hole is about 3mm x 3mm so everything that comes off the clothes gets caught in it. Pet hair, fluff from Blankets, and if you let a tissue go through the machine will not drain .

My W423 does about 10 loads a month, I usually clean the filter once a quarter. There is then usually a solid layer of fluff to remove.