Your washing machine is probably one of the most used appliances in your home, even more so if you have children or pets.
Whilst it's a task to load and unload and then hang up washing, it would be so much worse having to wash everything by hand if your appliance broke. However, over time the washing machines may deteriorate, with limescale build-ups and mould, which can affect your laundry.
Whilst you could use chemical cleaners, or other cleaning hacks like throwing a dishwasher tablet into the washing machine, you probably don't want to risk ruining the next load of clothes. But there is a natural solution that is safe, and you more than likely have the necessary ingredient in your kitchen cupboard.
Laura Harnett, founder of Seep eco cleaning tools, has shared how to banish mould and limescale from washing machines told Express.co.uk: "To beat a build-up of limescale and mould, you should clean your washing machine every couple of months. This is easier and less time-intensive than it sounds. The key areas to tackle are the detergent drawer, drum, seals, window and filter."
"Firstly I would locate the filter and remove it. Soak the filter itself in a bucket of warm water with one part of white vinegar added while you tackle other areas of the machine. If you can reach inside the filter housing, then clean this area using a vinegar spray which is antibacterial and will destroy any mould spores in there."
The spray recommended by Laura can be used to wipe down the seals and the inside of the washing machine as well as the inner drum and window. For a show-stopping finish you can try cleaning the washing machine window with half a lemon, it will come out shiny.
Whilst it might seem like a daunting task, to completely clean it, you will need to remove the washing machine detergent draw, which will allow you to get to the soap residue. Certain fabric conditioners can contain animal fats which can cause blockages and mould growth so to clean this you should soak the draw in hot water and one part vinegar.
Laura says you should go back to your filter and using a toothbrush you should scrub it gently. The same should be repeated for the detergent draw. White vinegar can be bought online or from local supermarkets, distilled vinegar costs 29p at Asda.
4p kitchen staple to clean your ‘entire' washing machine - ‘trick' works after ‘5 minutes'
Knowing how to clean a washing machine is one of those cleaning hacks you may not consider until a foul smell is coming from the appliance. A washing machine can be a breeding ground of germs and mould, even when its job is to do the opposite. Washing machine works hard to keep your household in order. Everyday items, from sweaty clothes to bed sheets to seemingly endless towels, can lead to a less than clean washing machine if you don't maintain it.
cleaning tablet to take care of that. Start by emptying your washer.
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Posting on Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook page, one woman shared an easy way households can clean their washing machine for "sparkling" results.
Grace Haynes wrote: "So I've been seeing the trick about putting dishwasher tablets through your washing machine to clean the entire washer out, well I've just tried it.
"Just five minutes in and the water was already brown. Safe to say it works. My washing machine is now sparkling."
The post was flooded with comments from fellow cleaning enthusiasts sharing their experience of following this "trick".
Using the washing machine isn't the most expensive appliance in the home, but it can add up. To help save money when it comes to laundry bills, experts have shared the best setting for your appliance to run on.
Claire Pashley said: "Just started the wash cycle on my machine and within minutes I can see dirty water. Shocked and disgusted."
Christine C Edwards commented: "Wow, just wow. I didn't think much would happen. Must admit I spent the whole wash just watching the water turn grey/brown. Top tip, I will be sharing."
Shelly Keller wrote: "I have just tried using dishwasher tablets in the machine on a 90 wash and the black on the door rubber has disappeared, amazing."
Dawn Burrows replied: "I tried this today! My god you don't realise how dirty the machine is, smelt lovely after."
Jackie Monchton said: "I have just done this with a dishwasher tablet on a hot wash. Put in all my old rags in as I don't like an empty machine, and it worked a treat. Smells fresh."
Kaytee Lou replied: "I've done this today too, it's amazing. I knew my washer needed a good clean, but I was surprised how yukky it was. Great tip."
Amy Brice commented: "I tried this last night and you can tell the difference straight away! Smells amazing and super shiny! Definitely be doing this more often."
Jenny Routlety noted: "I use dishwasher tablets all the time to clean my washing machine, especially after washing the dog's bedding in it. I usually use one or two on a hot wash and I only use the Lidl dishwasher tablets."
Marcella Tracy added: "My washing machine drum is gleaming after using a dishwasher tablet. Great idea."
Dishwasher tablets are equally efficient at getting rid of residue and smells from the inside of washing machines as they are to clean filthy dishes.
To use them to clean your washing machine once every three to six months, add a dishwasher tablet into an empty washing machine.
Place the tablet directly into the drum, and then add more water through the detergent compartment (with the door closed) until the level just exceeds the height of the lower edge of the hatch.
You can alternatively use dishwashing powder or first dissolve the tablets in warm water before adding them.
After just set your machine to a temperature of 90 degrees, or the highest it'll go to, and run the machine cycle.
A pack of 30 dishwasher tablets can be picked up from Asda for £1.34. This works out as 4p per tablet.
This cleaning product can also be picked up from other major supermarkets, such as Sainsbury's and Tesco.