Annarchy, I know
Sometimes I wonder if all the scented laundry products are to cover up that, due to govt regulations on the washer manufacturers, washers just don't actually "clean" anymore. And the scented stuff is to cover up the smell of clothing not actually being clean.
My washer is finally, thankfully (Praise the Lord!) repaired. More $ put into it than the cost of the washer 6 years ago, but Speed Queen no longer makes this model and I'm holding onto it!
If you had that nasty stuff built up in the fabric softener dispenser, you might at some point want to look under the agitator if you can. I clean the column of the agitator where the stuff builds up, but I was suprised how much had built up under the agitator.
Little Sister, you probably want to look into having your locks changed.