£5.81 Washing machine cleaning hack that uses kitchen cupboard staples
Admit it – you probably don’t clean your washing machine as much as you should. Beko UK suggests we’re supposed to be scrubbing it at least every one to three months to stop it from turning into a cesspit for mould, grime and bacteria.
While this may seem like a mammoth task, experts suggest there are a few ways to make it a bit easier. Surprisingly, this includes making use of two cupboard staples which they claim ‘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.”
White vinegar’s acetic acid content is perfect for banishing the mineral build-up that may clog up your machine, while the baking soda’s abrasive texture will help to scrub away dirt and grime.
Meanwhile, lavender oil is not only thought to boast antibacterial properties, but smells utterly divine, giving your machine a delightful new scent.
Importantly, 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 stress that diluted vinegar won’t damage your clothes and it’s easily washed away during a rinse cycle. Meanwhile, other experts swear by 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 bag yourself 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.
