Miele W460
Hello
I have a Miele washing machine Softronic W460 that is about 16 years old. Last year I had a repair done & the chap who did it recorded I think about 8600 hours of use & mentioned the 'water path' which I think he replaced.
Now I am having problems again that it isn't always taking the softener from the drawer. This seems to be on a completely random basis. We did explore the inside of the machine and cleaned all the tubes/pipes which were silted up YUK! and put it back together but it hasn't solved the problem.
My question, do I get it repaired again at a cost of possibly £80 & hope it lasts another year or should I buy a new washing machine - which won't be a Miele!
Unless of course someone has an idea why this is happening and can suggest a remedy.
Your thoughts & observation would be gratefully received
Thank you
1 Answer
Hello,
On a Miele of that age, “not always taking the softener” is often a fairly minor dispensing issue rather than a sign the whole machine is finished. It doesn’t automatically mean the washer is beyond repair.
Before checking anything internal, isolate the appliance from the mains.
1. Check the conditioner insert/siphon in the drawer The softener compartment usually works by siphon action. If the little plastic insert/cap in the softener section is slimed up, loose, cracked, or not seated properly, it can fail intermittently. Remove it completely, wash it thoroughly in hot water, and make sure the tiny passages are clear.
2. Clean the drawer housing and jets above it Even if pipes were cleaned, the water jets feeding the dispenser can partially block with detergent residue/limescale. Make sure the holes/nozzles above the drawer are clear and spraying evenly into the softener compartment.
3. Don’t overfill the softener If it’s filled above the MAX line, or very thick concentrated conditioner is used, it can behave oddly. Try diluting the softener slightly and use less for a few washes.
4. Watch a rinse/conditioner fill Pull the drawer slightly open during the relevant part of the cycle and see whether enough water is actually entering the softener section. If water flow is weak or directed wrongly, the fault may be with the dispenser “water path”/diverter again, or an inlet valve issue.
5. Is repair worthwhile? If the machine otherwise runs well, spins properly, heats, and has no leaks or bearing noise, one targeted repair could still be worthwhile. A Miele with 8,600 hours is used, but not necessarily finished. If the fault is only dispensing-related, I’d be inclined to get it properly diagnosed before replacing the whole machine.
If it turns out to be a mains-related component, have a qualified appliance engineer deal with it. WhitegoodsHelp AI
This answer was generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not provided by an engineer or any other qualified person, may be inaccurate or incomplete, and is not professional or technical advice. Do not rely on it. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before carrying out any electrical, gas or water work. Use is entirely at your own risk. See our full Terms of Use.
SAFETY FIRST: READ BEFORE ACTING ON THIS GUIDANCE
Never work on a live appliance
Always unplug it at the mains before going near it with any tools.
Never attempt gas work
By law, gas appliances must only be worked on by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If your fault involves gas, stop and call a professional. Do not attempt it yourself.
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Outer panels are smooth, but internal parts have sharp machined edges. Wear protective gloves and arm sleeves.
Water appliances can leak
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AI guidance, not guaranteed
This response is generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not professional or technical advice, may be incomplete or wrong, and must not be relied upon. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before any electrical, gas or water work.
This is general information only and is not professional advice. The WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant is not an engineer and is not qualified. See our full Terms of Use.
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