At first it might seem odd to clean an appliance that itself cleans your clothes, but thinking about it, of course it makes sense. You wouldn’t wash in a dirty bath or shower so to ensure your laundry get the best wash possible, you’ll need to know how to clean a washing machine. Giving your washing machine a regular MOT will help banish mould, bad smells and clothes ruining – and potentially prevent it breaking down too, so a little care and cleaning goes a long way.
One Mrs Hinch fan has taken to Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips on Facebook to share how to properly clean washing machines.
As advised by an engineer, Kelly Elphick wrote: “Just had my washing machine serviced and I asked him what was the best for cleaning my machine.
“He said hands down it’s soda crystals, once a month throw half a cup of them into the drum and put on a hot wash.
“He said to steer clear of vinegar as it can damage the rubber seal over time.”
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Judi Robinson said: “Totally agree! I put soda crystals in mine and a hot wash. Never use vinegar because it’s an acid.”
Christina McManus commented: “I have always said vinegar can damage the machine, you only need soda crystals and a hot wash once a month.”
Louise Baker wrote: “I was told the same thing about vinegar. Now I only stick to using soda crystals and they’re amazing. Only 80p from most shops.”
While it is true that white vinegar can damage washing machines, cleaning experts at In The Wash argue that it is “fine” as long as households “don’t overdo it”.
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They warned: “If you start adding huge amounts of vinegar to your loads every single day, then the seals and hoses on your washing machine will start to perish.
“What we mean by this is, excessive use of vinegar in a washing machine starts to break down one of the most important parts of a washing machine – the part that stops the appliance from leaking.
“Not to mention the substantial rotting damage it can cause to the hoses at the back of the appliance too.”
So, while vinegar is good at cleaning and refreshing clothes, households should use it in moderation in order to keep washing machines alive.
When it comes to using soda crystals for this cleaning task, the experts note that it is “perfect” for removing grease, grime and softening water and are therefore “a great option” for cleaning your washing machine. They said: “Every time your washing machine begins to get a bit smelly you can add soda crystals to your detergent drawer and put it on a hot and empty wash.
“This will help to kill bacteria and remove any built-up grime that has accumulated there over time. You could do this every four to six weeks to make sure your washing machine is as clean as a whistle.”
They suggested using around 500g of soda crystals for the “best results” to leave washing machines “looking cleaner and smelling fresher” for longer.
Soda crystals can be picked up for 80p from local supermarkets such as Sainsbury’s and Ocado. It is also sold at Tesco for £1.25 and at Waitrose & Partners for £1.75.