How often do you clean your washing machine? Beko UK advises that we should be giving it a thorough clean every one to three months to prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for mould, dirt, and bacteria.
Although it might sound like a hefty chore, there are a few ways to make the process simpler. Astonishingly, this involves using two common kitchen items which are said to ‘cut through grime’ and ‘kill bacteria’.
Nancy Emery, a cleaning expert at Tap Warehouse, explained: “To combat [a build up of mould and mildew] add around 10 drops of essential oil like lavender to two cups of white vinegar and pour this into your detergent dispenser on a hot cycle and then add half a cup of baking soda and begin another hot cycle. This will effectively kill bacteria and cut through grime.”
The acetic acid in white vinegar is ideal for eliminating mineral deposits that could block your machine, while baking soda’s coarse nature aids in scrubbing off filth and dirt. Moreover, lavender oil is not just believed to have antibacterial qualities but also emits a heavenly fragrance, leaving your appliance smelling wonderfully fresh.
Crucially, Nancy isn’t the only expert to vouch for these cleaning solutions either. Specialists at The Spruce echo her praise of white vinegar as well, writing: “Distilled white vinegar and cleaning vinegar contain acetic acid that helps dissolve minerals that build up in washer drums and hoses. The acid also helps kill bacteria and fungi that cause odors.”
They also emphasise that diluted vinegar won’t harm your clothes and it’s easily rinsed away during a rinse cycle. Meanwhile, other experts have praised its abilities to get rid of dandelions, unblock sink drains and even keep strawberries fresh for longer when used in other DIY hacks around the home.
Nancy added: “It’s also worth cleaning the filter on a monthly basis to stop dirt from clogging up your washing machine. Ensure the machine is switched off and unplugged before removing the filter and then use a soft-bristled brush to remove any debris and then secure it back in place once done.”
You can grab some white vinegar at various supermarkets including Tesco or Aldi for only 35p. Sainsbury’s sells tubs of bicarbonate of soda for as little as 59p, while Holland and Barrett retails lavender oil at £4.87. Altogether, that totals a mere £5.81.
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