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Taking even your higher figure, my water is over 600% harder perhaps that's why detergent doesn't ward off limescale in those circumstances. I'm beginning to think the general guidance of 6 weeks hot wash citric acid may not be enough. Perhaps monthly... will see how it goes. I've calculated the cost of water softners in the past and it's quite expensive (compared to detergent) Also I read Miele specifically don't recommend connecting the washing machine to a water softener.

It is worrying, since armed with knowledge from the original thread, my strategy was to use the correct amount of detergent, Persil Non-Bio in my case, (perhaps Bio fares better). Since the Miele machine uses water conservatively, the standard rinse in certain circumstances doesn't fully rinse out the suds. (we put in a full dose even if washing say a single coat, and I think the machine calculates the water). However this was the price of protection, and I certainly wanted to keep an expensive Miele running for many, many years without limescale problems. Or so I thought. One part that got blocked was the filter, totally jammed. Miele engineer had to force it out, and the filter got replaced with a new one. Engineer was concerned that the machine would be compromised soon and advised using Citric Acid. Used one dose and after a couple of washes, machine wouldn't drain. (excuse my lack of technical knowledge) a round ball valve thing, that got coated in limescale, making it stick, so it wouldn't move into it's other position to drain the water from the machine. Engineer came again, and cleaned this out, and I used more citric acid, about another 3 doses in about 3 weeks to clear the limescale. Used another dose 1st May and the filter housing is squeeky clean, hopefully it will stay that way. /EDIT Here is my hardness level from water board for my postcode mgl CaCO3 (ppm) 326.0 Degrees Clarke 22.8 Degrees German(DH) 18.3 Degrees French 32.6 Detergent rating HARD

This is a continuation of this thread (that topic is now locked) http://www.washerhel.../300-limescale/ Having had my new Miele from about Feb 2007, it got blocked by limescale March 2011 (4 years) So despite using very generous doses of Persil and subsequently Persil concentrated powder (and a hot wash every month as advised in the Miele Manual). It still built up horrendous levels of limescale on predominately 30 degree low temp washes. A Miele engineer had to come out and remove the offending limescale to restore the water flow. He advised using Citric acid every 6 weeks on an empty hot wash. Have used citric acid and it really does remove the limescale from the rubber door ring and filter/housing. The use of citric acid is not mentioned in the 2007 Miele manual and this is probably the most economic solution for owners in hard water areas over Calgon, generous use of detergent. I got a bulk 10kg pack of citric acid off ebay for £30 (much cheaper than Miele branded individual doses http://www.miele.co....x?rdid=&aid=510 £5 for 250g) 10kg works out at 40 doses and at £5 per 250g Miele price, that's £200 worth of citric acid for £30. (or 75p a dose every 6 weeks) So for me, generous use of detergent didn't work with the downside of slightly soapy clothes (from over dosing) and more expensive detergent costs as we were using detergent copiously. Citric acid now allows more normal amounts of detergent, so each box goes a longer way. Citric acid bought in bulk is our new limescale defence. Will report back in a few years

A plastic nut? a metal nut does not cost much more probably 30p more. When you get your refund, I'd perhaps consider another make, as a. the build quality hasn't come up to your expectations b. with another AEG machine, the AEG customer service desk might switch off to any further requests or assistance. Or buy from a customer focused retailer such as John Lewis so you don't have to deal with AEG. as technically speaking a consumer's contract lies with the retailer not the manufacturer. So if your AEG foot broke again, the replacement should come from John Lewis.

I like the new look, if it wasn't for the over heavy 'bezel' of a door I think there is a market for both. the new model 'I think' has a higher port hole for easier loading and unloading (if you look the control panel on the new model is condensed in height utilising the 'worktop' height too - unless it's an optical illusion). Consequently the drainage filter door is mounted slightly higher up too, meaning a deeper container can be put to good use. Doooh... I have to agree with the polishable chrome piece, it's the same as the three pointy star on my car bonnet, and I presume the Flying Lady on a Rolls Royce, you'll just gonna have to polish her However, some new ones do seem to have a metal door as well I guess if you have a girl around and you failed to impress with the audiophile gear, the meal, or the Honda R-Type on the drive.. [ :lol:

Arghhh... I actually go around looking for dirty laundry to do a wash. I was hoping that this 'phase' would wear off. I bought a Miele vacuum cleaner about 2 weeks back, and I've already tired of cleaning the floors. - I've had the washing machine over a month and the urge to wash anything, from small rugs, towels, cloths, coats etc is still there :lol:

I 'think' your machine was reviewed in the latest Which? survey of washing machines. In an older and smaller group test, the two AEG machines (inc smaller cousin 82810) rated 3 stars out of 5 for noise - the same as my Miele on review. Only one machine rated 4 stars and that was another Miele. Noisest was an Indesit WIL144SP with 1 star, two star machines were Gorenje WA61121 (who?), Smeg WMF16AX, Servis M6715, LG WM-14311FD, Samsung J1453S. AEG 'should be' quiet as a Miele, and from my re-collections of reading the latest Which? washing machine test, all AEGs were 3 star rated as were Mieles

Ouch, that does sound noisy from your description. That is a surprise, I did not think anyone would manufacture without a bottom panel. At least AEG are working with you, let us know the outcome

If you haven't already read Washerhelp's article Should I use Calgon anti limescale tablets or other such products? it gives a perspective. I also calculated how much it would be, and it ended up around the same ballpark figure of £70 The Hotpoint machine can cost less than £300 or about £277 from Dixons during their February promotion, which is the same price as using Calgon tablets for 4 years. Ariel has built in softners which work if you use the correct dosage. If the Ariel softeners and limescale protection doesn't work (which I would find pretty slim) assuming limescale death arrives at 4 years on, then it's prudent to replace the Hotpoint with another of the same as a. you replenish the warranty for a year b. it will be (arguably) more reliable than a 4 year old machine. c. it's 'FREE!' - paid for by put aside Calgon costs We didn't use Calgon with our Philips washing machine and that lasted 20 years... It did stop working and I had to remove the filter to clean it out... admittedly it hadn't been cleaned for 10 years!!. I released a load of limescale and other junk which was clogging up the filter, then it worked again!

Ironically the more expensive the item, the likelyhood of me looking at it before purchase diminishes. The house we bought all we saw were the house plans!!! The (only) new car I bought I didn't even see the trim level or the engine I wanted, and certainly didn't have a test drive. I was also contemplating at a later date the then new 320i automatic and no local dealer had it in stock to test drive. Regarding internet shopping I suppose I'm braver than most - with my washing machine purchase I didn't physically look at any washing machines, the same with a wardrobe and chest of draws purchase, computer purchase, digital SLR purchase... I just buy it based on photos.

G 'sounds' quite inefficient Countries where they have traditionally used top loaders have recognised this '...the Department of Energy's new energy and water standards for washing machines will increase the cost of front loading machines by $200, and top loaders by $800. To meet the new standards, manufacturers must start selling more efficient front loading machines, instead of the more popular top loaders, even though front loaders don't wash as well, can't be opened during the wash cycle, and take longer to do the job, using precious water of course.' If you have young kids at home who are allowed access to the top loader, there is the safety aspect particulary if they are left unattended, damage to limbs and very isolated cases of drowning since most top loaders don't have a lock on the door (for ease of adding in extra washing) This safety report refers mainly to top loaders I think http://ip.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/9/4/357 Slightly dramatised documentary, but happy ending....phew. I think most top loaders have a smaller secondary door now due to this. - if you have young kids who could access an unattended top loader, check if it does, or if there is a lock mechanism. Also, if you can do a physical check yourself in the shops, load up a top loader and then load up a front loader to see if the top loader can really take more washing, I'm curious as there is feedback to indicate that the capacity of a top loader 'may' be the same or less than a front loader (for whatever strange capacity discrepancy there is between the two types of machine) read the reviews by previous top loader users dated September 11th, 2005 and May 1st, 2005 http://www.productreview.com.au/showitem.php?item_id=3013 So it may be worthwhile checking out 7.5kg front loaders?

My own personal interpretation of that, is the door falls under 'mechanical', and the leak means the equipment is not working properly. - but it is purely my interpretation. /EDIT the operative word here is 'properly'. if that word was omitted, then that would mean the leak doesn't stop the machine from working - it continues to work with the leak. Breakdown: the cost of repair to the equipment following a mechanical or electrical fault which stops the equipment working is very different (again in my opinion) to Breakdown: the cost of repair to the equipment following a mechanical or electrical fault which stops the equipment working properly i.e. it is not proper for the washing machine to be leaking while it is washing, a properly working machine does not leak. (like some third party auto warranty small print which requires total failure of the component, i.e. if it's leaking, squeaking, rattling, then it's still working and no warranty repair is deemed necessary).

As it is a 'free' 10 year warranty, I'm perhaps less concerned about the exclusions than if I'd paid Dixons Group extended warranty price of £269 for 5 years. What is covered: QUOTE "Breakdown: the cost of repair to the equipment following a mechanical or electrical fault which stops the equipment working properly." However, points I noted were (other points were expected): 1. If your machine is replaced with a new one, the 10 year cover immeadiately terminates. 2. If they cannot arrange a replacement (perhaps Miele don't make the model anymore) a contribution will be made towards the cost of a new machine in the form of vouchers from a retailer chosen by them. 3. Rust and corrosion is excluded

Yes, I was a bit worried as the 'warranty' transpired to be an 'insurance' policy that is underwritten by a third party (Domestic and General) in this instance. Some third party extended 'warranties' (underwritten by insurance companies) have been on Watchdog and the like, who highlighted possible 'scams' where the purchaser of the extended warranty had thought they had registered. 3-4 years down the line when they went to make a claim, to their horror, they find out that the insurance company hadn't received the registration or that their registration wasn't on the system! One particular company 'lost' most registrations and the people who were complaining on the programme didn't put it down to coincidence that it had happened to a whole group of them. It could have been lost in the post, but who knows? So despite it costing me £4+ to send a letter Special Delivery, I had at least ensured that it had got there, and now they have confirmed \o/ Hurrah So anyone registering with any extended warranty, make sure you get confirmation, you don't want a nasty surprise down the line.

Update: I got a D & G welcoming letter and a cover note. Just got to keep this safe for 10 years!!