Three ‘effective’ tips to clean washing machines using household items

How to clean a washing machine effortlessly

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Washing machines work hard, what with all those loads of stained and dirty laundry. Over time, soap scum and detergent can build up and start causing problems, leading to less efficient wash cycles and a smelly washing machine. Thankfully, cleaning a washing machine at home is relatively quick and easy. 

Cleaning experts at Cleanipedia explained: “You don’t need specialist materials, just some common household items and a little bit of time and elbow grease.”

How to clean a washing machine with soda crystals

Soda crystals are a natural compound that have been traditionally used in cleaning all around the home for over 100 years.

The experts said: “They can be used to soften water, loosen dirt and dissolve grease.”

They’re also free from enzymes and phosphates, making them a good option for people who suffer from sensitive skin issues such as eczema or psoriasis.

The cleaning pros continued: “To effectively use soda crystals on your washing machine, make sure your washing machine is empty and place 500g of soda crystals into your washing machine drum.

Soda crystals can be picked up from as little as 80p for a 1kg bag from stores such as Sainsbury’s and Ocado. As the cleaning method only needs 500g, this method will end up costing 40p.

The experts then advised homeowners to turn on their washing machine and run them on their longest and hottest cycle as this will “eliminate dirt, grime and bacteria”.

They added: “If this is the first time you’ve cleaned with soda crystals, you might want to repeat steps two to three a few times.”

DON’T MISS
Home renovations to avoid that ‘devalues’ a house – ‘puts off buyers’ [TIPS]
Kitchen colours to ‘stay clear’ of ‘especially for cabinet doors’  [INSIGHT]
‘Best’ tip to stop pigeons ‘destroying’ gardens for ‘effective results [EXPERT]

Soda crystals aren’t just great for cleaning the washing machine, they can also keep the machine working smoothly if they are being used during laundry cycles too.

All homeowners have to do is add some sodas crystals to their regular wash (around 25g for medium water, 50g for hard or 100g for very hard water), alongside their usual laundry detergent, either in the drum or drawer of the machine.

How to clean a washing machine with white vinegar

Is there anything vinegar can’t do? Certainly not when it comes to cleaning washing machines.

The cleaning gurus said: “White vinegar is a powerful natural cleaner that’s great at removing odours and grease so is a brilliant way of deep cleaning a machine that gets a lot of use or hasn’t had a maintenance wash in a while, as it will handily blast through residue build up.”

To use white vinegar to clean washing machines simply add two cups of white cleaning vinegar to the detergent dispenser and run the machine on empty on its hottest wash.

The experts noted: “Once it’s worked its magic your machine should look all new and shiny again.”

Britons can also spray the washing machine drum with white vinegar and wipe it all around the drum with a clean cloth. This will help to get rid of residues and hard water stains and can even lift away grease easily.

How to clean a washing machine with baking soda

Is the inside of your washing machine drum looking a bit worse for wear? The cleaning pros suggested that a simple paste can be made using baking soda (also known as bicarbonate of soda) and water. It can then be applied to the inside of the machine using a sponge or cloth to get it “sparkling” again.

Baking soda will gently scrub the inside of the machine and combat any stale, mouldy smells left behind from soap and fabric softener buildup.

The experts said: “This is also a handy way of removing anything that has become stuck to the inside of your machine. You can also combine baking soda with vinegar for the most effective and ultimate washing machine deep clean.”

To do this, start by adding two cups of white vinegar to the detergent drawer and set the machine to run a hot cycle, making sure it’s completely empty.

Allow the machine to run for a minute or two, then add half a cup of baking soda before letting the machine run for a second time.

After another minute or so has passed and water has started filling the drum, stop the cycle and allow the water to sit in the machine for 30 minutes, before restarting the cycle and completing the wash.

Once the cycle is over, run another hot cycle to rinse the machine thoroughly to make sure all of the baking soda has been dissolved.

Source: Read Full Article