Ditch vinegar and bleach for two natural items to banish mould from your washing machine for good – they work like magic
IF you’ve noticed a nasty stench coming from your washing machine, fear not, we’ve got you covered.
Whilst all of us will use a washing machine to do our laundry, it turns out that many people overlook cleaning their handy gadget.
And particularly if you’ve noticed a funky smell coming from your appliance, it might be time to check the inner rubber seal around the door.
Moisture builds up on the rubber seal after a wash cycle, which can attract mould, limescale and other dirty residues.
As a result, washing machine doors need to be cleaned regularly, as if left uncleaned, the seal will begin to smell musty and cause your laundry to be stained even after a wash.
Luckily for you, Konstantina Antoniadou, an expert from Indie Get Up, has shared a super quick and easy way which she hailed as ‘magic’, to get rid of mould in the washing machine.
You’ll need two natural items – but you’ll have to ditch bleach and white vinegar.
Konstantina said: “The acidity of vinegar can pose a risk to certain components of your washing machine, such as rubber seals and hoses. Prolonged exposure to it may cause deterioration or premature wear and tear.
“Also, while vinegar can eliminate some odours, it has a strong smell of its own. If not rinsed thoroughly, the scent of vinegar can linger in your washing machine and even transfer to your clothes. Not exactly the fresh scent you’re aiming for!”
Konstantina also advised against using bleach to kill mould, as not only can the harsh chemicals irritate your clothes but it can greatly damage rubber and make it more likely to cause your washing machine to leak.
Instead, according to Konstantina, the “best natural way” to clean a washing machine is to use baking soda and citric acid, a natural mild acid found in lemon juice but a crystalised version of it is also sold in supermarkets as a cleaning agent.
Konstantina advised: “Baking soda is a fantastic cleaning solution! This gentle yet powerful ingredient is a staple in natural cleaning.
“It helps break down grime, neutralise odours, and acts as a mild abrasive.
“Citric acid is a natural compound found in citrus fruits and is widely used as a cleaning agent.
How to dry wet washing inside, in winter
Drying rack or airer
Load up your airer with wet washing and place near a heat source – like a radiator or direct sunlight – to help distribute air around your clothes.
Dehumidifier
Plug in a dehumidifier in a room with clothes hanging to dry quickly and prevent dampness and mould. Many now have a laundry setting.
Tumble dryer
A tumble dryer can heat moisture out of wet washing, saving time and can be used in any weather.
Heated airer
Many brands and shops now sell heated airers for as little as £30. The racks heat through electricity and can speed up drying time.
Open a window
Choose a spare room or unused room for keeping your washing and crack open a window, but close the door behind you.
Using curtain poles
Hang wet washing on radiators then hook them onto curtain poles with radiators below. The heat will rise and dry the items. Alternatively, if you have a shower curtain pole, hang your clothes in the bathroom with a window open.
“It effectively removes limescale and mineral deposits that can build up in your washing machine.”
It turns out that citric acid will create an acidic environment that will prevent mould and mildew from being able to grow back, without being harsh enough to damage the seal around your washing machine.
Cleaning hacks and tips
Here are some tips to help you clean your home like a pro:
- How to clean your washing machine in a few easy steps
- Keep on top of cleaning your oven regularly
- Clean your shower to ensure it’s always sparkling
- How to clean your microwave using cheap household items
- Here’s how to get rid of that nasty limescale in your kettle
- You’re cleaning your carpet all wrong – here’s how to get it spotless again in no time
- Unblock a toilet without a plunger
- Clean your fabric or leather sofa in a few easy steps
- If you haven’t cleaned your mattress in ages, here’s how
- Steps to cleaning your dishwasher to leave it looking brand new
- This is how to clean mirrors and windows without streaking
- Keep your toilet clean in four easy steps
- Give your TV screen a once-over
- Did you know your Venetian, Roman, vertical, or roller blinds also need cleaning?
- Deep-clean your fridge in five simple steps
Meanwhile, baking soda is alkaline, which means it can break down grease and oily build-up that may be in your rubber seal effortlessly so you can deeply clean the washing machine in no time.
If your washing machine could do with a clean and you fancy giving this method a go, you’ll need to nab two tablespoons of citric acid, 115g of baking soda, some warm water and a clean cloth or sponge.
First of all, you simply add the citric acid to the detergent drawer or to the drum of your washing machine.
Then add the baking soda directly to the drum of the washing machine and choose the hottest and longest wash cycle available.
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Remote Controls: Wipe with a disinfectant cloth. Use a cotton bud for crevices.
Light Switches: Wipe with a disinfectant wipe. Use a mild soap solution for tough stains.
Door Handles: Clean with an antibacterial spray. Wipe down regularly.
Underneath and Behind Appliances: Vacuum or sweep regularly. Mop with a suitable cleaner.
Shower Curtains and Liners: Wash in the washing machine. Use a bleach solution for stubborn mildew.
Kitchen Sponges and Dishcloths: Microwave damp sponges for one minute. Wash dishcloths in the washing machine.
Computer Keyboards and Mice: Use compressed air to remove debris. Wipe with a disinfectant wipe.
Konstantina explained: “The combination of hot water and a lengthy cycle allows the baking soda to work its magic in cleaning your machine thoroughly.”
Once the wash cycle is complete, open the washing machine door and use a clean cloth or sponge with warm water to wipe down the washing machine seal.
Thanks to this ‘magic’ method, your washing machine door should be completely clean, but you must remember to always leave the washing machine door open in the future after a wash to prevent mould.
The cleaning enthusiast shared: “After completing the cleaning process, leave the lid or door of your washing machine open for a while to allow the interior to air dry.
“This will help prevent any moisture buildup and keep your machine fresh.”