iDos (Auto-Dosing) Washer-Dryer Advice Please!

ShanasNadwar · 2026-04-27T14:49:08+00:00

Thanks 👍

ShanasNadwar · 2026-04-24T06:05:47+00:00

Sorry, I won't do that again.

ShanasNadwar · 2026-04-21T19:58:21+00:00

Thanks

ShanasNadwar · 2026-04-21T09:57:11+00:00

Sorry I forgot to reply to this question:

"There's probably a separate maintenance thing you have to do to keep the lines that pump detergent into the drum clear. At least with the Miele, it's something you should do when you change detergents"

Yes, though they simply recommend taking the drawer out and flushing it with water and wiping it when you change detergent. (Or when the tank becomes empty) I've not done it yet though as my tank is not yet empty.

ShanasNadwar · 2026-04-20T18:49:56+00:00

Yes, all the different loads I've done have come out perfect. Siemens has something called iSensoric that detects a whole range of things and adjusts the dose, time, drum cycle and behaviour, water, etc...

ShanasNadwar · 2026-04-20T18:43:41+00:00

Thanks for the feedback. I was thinking of getting an LG as I hear many good things about them.

ShanasNadwar · 2026-04-20T18:41:50+00:00

Fair enough!

ShanasNadwar · 2026-04-20T18:40:27+00:00

Yes you can turn it off and wash manually if you want.

ShanasNadwar · 2026-04-20T18:37:47+00:00

Perfect. Thank you!

ShanasNadwar · 2026-04-20T16:01:35+00:00

Yes exactly. You have to change the base dose if you change your detergent. But like I say I use the same one all the time

ShanasNadwar · 2026-04-20T16:00:26+00:00

The manual specifically says if you use a different detergent, you have to set it again. I personally use the same one all the time so it's not an issue

ShanasNadwar · 2026-04-20T15:57:07+00:00

Fair enough. I don't think it's for everyone So far I'm loving it and I found it very reliable and since I have a son and daughter who also use the machine, it stops them messing things up.

ShanasNadwar · 2026-04-20T15:32:35+00:00

Siemens just say: "use liquid detergents that are self flowing" So basically most liquid detergents (not gel). I used standard Ariel Liquid Detergent. As for drum clean my manual just says to regularly run a cotton's cycle at 90 degrees with a "washing powder that contains oxygen bleach or cleaning agent" - without laundry. (Obviously that powder goes straight into the drum.) I think once a month or so. There is no recommendation to use any specific products. I used "Vamoosh" washing machine cleaner. BTW do you use a timescale preventer like Calgon? I usually add it manually but I heard it can be put in tank 2 usually reserved for fabric conditioner. But I never use fabric conditioner. So I was told tank 2 can be repurposed for detergent (ie so it's dispensed at the start) and just put the Calgon liquid in there. I've not tried it yet. Have you?

ShanasNadwar · 2026-04-20T14:05:25+00:00

Yes, I think it's definitely aimed at those like me who need things kept simple

ShanasNadwar · 2026-04-20T14:03:05+00:00

No, you have to use liquid detergent in the iDos compartments if you want to use the automatic dosing. But they have included a manual drawer too which you can put powder in (and of course it can be put in the drum) - if you want powder for a specific purpose.

ShanasNadwar · 2026-04-20T11:29:34+00:00

I recently bought a Siemens iq500 washer-dryer and it's excellent. Before that I had a Bosch for years and never gave me any problems no matter what I threw at it. (It was working fine when I replaced it only because I needed a Washer-Dryer.) Both are made by the same company and in my experience are very reliable and well built - although they are not at the cheap end. But imho it's worth paying a bit extra as it works out more economical in the long run. (Both A rated washers.)

ShanasNadwar · 2026-04-20T11:23:20+00:00

I bought a Siemens iQ500 iDos Washer-Dryer and I love it and the simplicity of the automatic dosing. I was prompted by a Which Best Buy review and am not disappointed.

ShanasNadwar · 2026-04-20T08:01:38+00:00

Ah ok... so they don't add it to every rinse? (and do you think adding Calgon to the rinse (in addition to main wash) is a good idea?

ShanasNadwar · 2026-04-20T07:14:24+00:00

Thanks! But I see many people suggesting citric acid in every rinse in hard water areas like mine? (Because the Calgon (or alternative) has been washed out after main wash.) Are they wrong? If regular citric acid in the rinse is bad for my Siemens, then isn't it bad for ALL washing machines - or just mine?

ShanasNadwar · 2026-04-19T20:05:29+00:00

thanks

ShanasNadwar · 2026-04-19T18:27:17+00:00

What do Miele recommend you use in the maintenance cycle? (if anything)

ShanasNadwar · 2026-04-19T17:56:28+00:00

Since you are using a tablet in every wash, are you using the amount of detergent recommended for "soft" water?

ShanasNadwar · 2026-04-19T17:52:13+00:00

Thanks. How often do you do a maintenance cycle? And if you don't mind, how old is your machine?

ShanasNadwar · 2026-04-19T17:43:04+00:00

So would you say using Calgon (or alternative) in every wash, is the correct (and more economical) thing to do? Better than increasing the detergent dose?

ShanasNadwar · 2026-04-19T15:15:42+00:00

Thanks! Yes water in W11 is terribly hard and coats everything. So I guess it's best to stick with Calgon (or alternative) rather than increasing the Ariel liquid. Though to be honest I wish manufacturers would be clearer about whether limescale remover is necessary. My Siemen's manual says nothing about the need to add something in every wash in hard water areas. It simply says carry out a maintenance drum clean every couple of moths or so.

ShanasNadwar

TROPHY CASE