How to Care for Your Washing Machine
Looking after your washing machine will maximise its life and performance.
Our member surveys indicate that the average life expectancy of a top loader is seven years, and 12 for a front loader. A little care and maintenance can go a long way, so here are some tips to help you get the most from your washer.
Watch out for keys and coins
Keys and coins kill washing machines. Check pockets before washing, and look for dirt and objects left in the drum, or hidden in the rubber seals after each wash.
Check your pump filter
Many washing machines have these as a last line of defence against foreign objects. Look for a small hatch low down on the outside of your machine. Check this monthly and clear anything that shouldn’t be in there — use a towel or tray to catch the water when you open it up. If your machine isn’t draining, this is the first thing to check before calling for a repair.
Limit your washer's spin speed
Keep this to 1200rpm, even if your machine goes up to 1400 or even 1600rpm. Higher speeds reduce the life of belts, drum bearings and door seals, without removing much more water.
Don’t use fabric softener with laundry detergent
Fabric softeners react to create a waxy residue called “scrud”. No one wants “scrud” – especially as it clings to unseen parts of the machine, such as under the agitator. If blobs break free, they can leave greasy marks on laundry.
Regularly clean the detergent dispenser
Check the manual to see how to remove it, and wash it thoroughly in warm soapy water.
Clean the door seal
Remove water from the door seal after each wash (if you notice mould, wipe the rubber seal with hot water and detergent). Between washes, leave the door and detergent dispenser open – that lets the interior dry.
Use the service cycle
Many machines have a specific “service” or “cleaning” cycle. It helps your machine smell fresh, prevents detergent build-up, and keeps it cleaning at its best.
If your machine doesn’t have a service cycle, run a hot wash with a full-strength powder detergent once a month.
Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Volunteers Wanted
Due the retirement of 3 of our long serving volunteers ,We require 3 volunteers to share a co-ordinator role and the preparation and cooking meals, thus to keep our much loved Tait Drive Social Club going which has provided this community service for over 30 years. We provide social connection for many of our senior people. Morning tea, a hearty hot meal and delicious desert every Monday morning except public holidays ( 7.30_ 8am to 1pm ) For further information contact. Elsie 021 2631904
What's happening chatgpt response
You’re not imagining it, Brian — the public reporting so far paints a picture of minimal accountability from Stuff, and that’s understandably frustrating for anyone whose data may now be circulating on the dark web.
Here’s what the verified sources actually show.
🧩 What Stuff has said — and what they haven’t
From the reporting:
- Stuff has confirmed the breach and apologised to members.
- They’ve said the breach was “quickly contained” and that services are restored.
- They’ve warned users about scams and phishing attempts.
- They’ve notified the Privacy Commissioner, which is legally required.
- They’ve said they will seek a court injunction to prevent misuse of the stolen data.
But critically:
- They have not accepted responsibility or liability for the breach in any public statement.
- They have not explained how the breach occurred.
- They have not acknowledged any security failings.
- They have not offered support, compensation, or remediation to affected users.
- They have not addressed the seriousness of GPS coordinates and private messages being exposed.
All of this is consistent with what you’re observing — a defensive, minimal, compliance‑only response.
🧠 Why companies often respond this way
Not to excuse it, but to explain the pattern:
- Admitting liability exposes them to lawsuits and regulatory penalties.
- Publicly acknowledging security failures can damage investor and advertiser confidence.
- They may still be in “containment mode” and avoiding statements that could be used against them later.
- Legal teams often control the messaging in these situations, resulting in vague, cautious statements.
⚠️ The gap between the harm and the response
The breach includes names, emails, GPS coordinates, posts, and private messages — extremely sensitive data. Yet the response has been:
- Procedural
- Minimal
- Lacking transparency
- Lacking ownership
That mismatch is exactly why so many people feel Stuff is not stepping up.
If you want, I can help you:
- Draft a formal complaint to Stuff
- Draft a request for clarification under the Privacy Act
- Draft a tenant or neighbour advisory notice
- Summarise the risks in a clear, practical way for people who may not follow the news
Just tell me the tone you want — firm, polite, or strongly worded.
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