White powdery substance - top rim of TC5000WN

[mikec]

A couple of weeks ago I started using my new TC5000WN. I noticed that the top 1 1/2 inches of the drum was a more dull shade than the rest of the basket, but I put that down to the fact that the wash and rinse water don't reach that high. However when rubbing my finger along that area I found it somewhat covered with a white powdery substance. Anyone have this experience or know what this could be?
Also, when researching the machine and calling about maintenance (so many machines now-a-days call for a cleaning cycle with a special tablet) I was told by the rep that the SQ didn't require any special care and to make sure not to use more than 1 tbsp of detergent. I use Tide liquid and have always used less than the recommended amount since our clothes are rarely visibly dirty. 1 tbsp sounded like a pretty small amount but that is what I have been using. Can people chime in on how much detergent they use and if they use a "cleaning cycle" for this machine?
Thanks and Happy New Year!

 

[DADoES]

 
TC5 is a deep-fill machine, not HE-low water. 1 tablespoon of detergent is not enough.

The residue may be mineral deposits from the water and/or accumulating soil-scum ... which goes along with insufficient detergent to sequester the mineral content of the water and flush away the soil.

 

[combo52]

Residue On Washer Tub

Yes Glenn Said it well in reply #1, and I will say it again, Use the full recommended amount of detergent listed on the detergent package, adjust slightly less if your water is under 3 gains hardness, use more than package instructions if water is over 7 gains hardness.

 

You basically cannot use too much detergent in an automatic washer [ within reason ] you can easily double or even triple the amount recommended with out problems.

 

John L.

 

[oldschool88]

Assembly residue?

I noticed yours is new...I've read elsewhere about assembly residue left on the stainless steel tub, similar to dry toothpaste and possibly polishing compound used to prep the surface metal. Should be easily removeable with Windex or similar and a rag if this is the case.

 

[rp2813]

On the tub of my step-daughter and SIL's SQ, the assembly residue was a dark greasy substance.  Maybe SQ has changed what they use since that machine was purchased several years ago.

 

[mikec]

Thank you for the replies.
I am trying to use the minimum amount of detergent necessary to clean my clothes (without harming my machine in some way) because I needed to have a drain hose extension kit installed, and the gooseneck that comes with the kit doesn't fit into the standpipe adapter which I technically should be using since my standpipe is only 2 inches in diameter. I want to avoid the problem that some have where suds come out of/overflow the standpipe during the final drain and spin, a situation that the the adapter is supposed to prevent.

 

[mikec]

washer maintenance

Also, does anyone periodically do a maintenance cycle on their SQ top loaders using washing machine cleaning tablets (or using another process)?

 

[combo52]

No Washer Should EVER need Cleaning

TL or FL if it is used properly.

 

If every time you use your machine it gets a little dirtier the clothing is NOT getting clean.

 

If you are getting a hard water mineral build-up it can destroy the water pump and main water seal, If the main seal goes it can cost close to $500 to repair.

 

Using either too little or cheap ineffective detergents is one of the biggest preventable causes of washer repairs and it can eventually destroy a machine, Try running your cars engine on too little oil, detergent cleans and lubricates your machine.

 

Your SQ TLer will work fine with a 1 1/2" or 2" standpipe, if you have problems with suds backing out around the drain hose tape or seal the hose in place.

 

The white stuff is not from the factory.

 

We are a SQ dealer and servicer, we have sold over 1000 of these TL SQs, and serviced several hundred as we are the main Factory service for DC and DCs Maryland suburbs.

 

John L.

 

[mikec]

drain hose / hard water

Thank you, John. Well the drain hose is tied to the standpipe to keep it inside but of course there is a gap around the hose so suds would not be prevented from coming out. I don't know what you mean by "seal" as I had understood that the standpipe needs "access" to air.
Also, would you advise using a water softener like Borax over using more than the recommended amount of detergent when the water is hard?

 

[combo52]

The stand-pipe technically needs have an air-vent, it can be as tiny as a sizzle stick the vent is to prevent a siphon from starting.

 

How hard is your water ?

 

Borax is OK to use but is not very effective at softening water.

 

You can buy phosphates on line which really help, but it is probably better for the environment and cheaper to just use enough good detergent, or consider a whole house water softener system if that is an option for you.

 

John L.

 

[mikec]

drain hose / hard water

Thanks for clarifying how the standpipe works. Is there something in particular you would recommend to seal the hose in the standpipe?
I don't know exactly how hard my water is. A few years ago when my daughter had a betta fish, she tested the aquarium water occasionally for hardness and her notes said it was always 8. I don't know how that compared to the tap water at the time. I hope to call the water company tomorrow to see if they can give me some information.

 

[mrb627]

Standpipe Seal.

This should do the trick.

 

[mikec]

Standpipe Seal

Thanks!