Liquid fabric softener for cleaning the machine = NO. Where'd you run across such info?

That's what I thought! It was a blog about the infamous e04 error on Bosch machines. Never ran across it in my searches before. Thanks.

I haven't researched anything about the Bosch error ... but softener kills suds (being a waxy/oily lubricant type of thing) in the event of an oversuds situation so maybe the tip you found is related to that.

Yes, that would make sense, but this stated that they ran several loads of hot water & fabric softener thru the machine after cleaning out the pump area & NEVER had the error again, because it cleaned out build up. Didn't make any sense to me. I don't use fabric softener just so I don't gunk up the machine. Hopefully mine will be good for awhile, as I love my machine. Thanks.

Could the powder detergent cause the problem?

Cadyren,

I also own a Bosch Nexxt, bought mine in 2009. The very first time I cleaned out the drain area I couldn't believe the amount of gunk/sludge that was in there.I did not have any drain problems or trouble codes, I just did it as regular maintenance. It was pretty gross.

I contributed it to my steady use of nothing but liquid detergents over the years.

I started to use Borax with several loads a week and then only powdered laundry detergent since (Sears Ultra Plus), and the last two times I checked it out it was spotless.

I'd say stick with your powdered detergent and take a look at the clear drain hose on the rear of the machine, some sludge may have made it back there.

Also, I would recommend doing a maintenance of Citric Acid on the Hot Cycle once a month. Doing this will slowly clean the entire drain track.

Jeff

Thanks Jeff. It is working fine right now. I figured after the holiday we should look at the hoses just to be safe. I did run two sanitary washes with no soap yesterday, after I finished other wash. I use 4 tablespoons of tide in most loads. Barely ever see suds, as I have really hard water. Thinking of going back to just two at least for towels. Funny you mention Borax, as I just recently started using that again. Can I use regular Lemi Shine (not the washing machine cleaner) for the citric acid? Thanks again. I do love my machine & would like to keep in awhile longer!

beaglenc, don't know on the powdered detergent. Always thought liquid would be a bigger problem. I really thought I would find dog hair or sticks & stuff from my Forester son's pockets. He does his own wash once in awhile & isn't as careful cleaning pockets as I am. Thanks.

I think the citric acid or Lemmi Shine sounds like a good idea, with your very hard water conditions. Have you ever used STPP? I would think that would help too. Here is a link to the FAQ in the GW laundry section:

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2767047/what-is-stpp

RE reducing to 2 tbsp ... higher detergent dosage is indicated with hard water, not less. The ingredients to deal with conditioning water substituted into detergent formulas since the removal of phosphates tend to be less effective than were phosphates ... although there have been improvements over time. Insufficient detergent dosage doesn't keep laundry soils suspended in the wash water to be flushed away ... soils can settle and accumulate in the pump trap and other areas. Too little detergent is more likely to cause trouble in that regard than too much detergent.

Regular LemiShine is OK to use.

Thanks everyone. Going to keep it at 4 where I see tiny bubbles on the window, maybe reduce for towels as they suds more. Will try some Lemi Shine after I finish the wash for the holiday. Don't want to mess with it until I can breathe, LOL!

Have wanted to try STTP & may do so soon.