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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 often overlook cleaning their handy gadget.
And particularly if you’ve noticed stubborn mould or limescale in your appliance, it’s probably time to give it a proper scrub.
Moisture builds up in our washing machines after wash cycles, which can attract mould, limescale and other dirty residues.
As a result, washing machines need to be cleaned regularly, as if left uncleaned, they will begin to smell musty and cause your laundry to be stained even after a wash.
Luckily for you, to tackle this issue, appliance gurus at have shared their top tips for cleaning each component of your washing machine.
And if you’re on a budget, don’t worry, as you probably already have the secret in your kitchen cupboard.
Thanks to this helpful advice, you’ll need just one natural kitchen cupboard ingredient - white vinegar.
To spruce up your washing machine’s detergent drawer, you’ll first need to turn off your machine and then take the drawer out.
Immerse the drawer in a bowl of hot water and vinegar and while the drawer is soaking, wipe down and clean the inside of the detergent drawer compartment - you can do this with a microfibre cloth dampened with some water and vinegar.
The experts advised: “It's important to get into the top of the compartment as this is where most of the mouldy and limescale builds up.
“If you have any dirt lodged in crevices, use a toothbrush to dislodge those final unwanted bits.”
Now, you can wipe away any accumulated mould and soap scum with a cloth or sponge.
Once you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse your drawer in warm water and thoroughly dry it before slotting it back into the machine.
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.
When it comes to the washing machine drum, to ensure it gets the sparkle treatment, turn off the machine, spray inside the drum with white vinegar and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth for a proper clean.
However, experts stressed: “Make sure not to do this too frequently, especially near the seal of the machine as the vinegar can corrode the rubber seal.”
Don’t forget your washing machine filter too.
All you’ll need to do is simply pop off the cover panel at the bottom corner on the outside of your appliance.
Here are some tips to help you clean your home like a pro:
If a grotty layer of liquid dribbles out, mop up the mess with some paper towels.
Once you've got all the grim bits off, place the filter in a bowl of hot water for a 10-minute soak.
Before the filter goes back in, do a quick check of the machine’s insides for any stray lint.
And last but not least, it’s time to check your washing machine seal.
If your washing machine is kicking up a stink, the rubber seal could be the likely culprit.
This spot is notorious for mould and grime accumulation, as it's the last line of defence in keeping your appliance moisture-rich.
To tackle this, according to the pros, one of the “most effective ways to clean your seal” is by using white vinegar with a cotton bud.
Alternatively, you can sprinkle baking soda straight into the drum for a scorching 90-degree wash cycle.
And don't worry if you've run out of white vinegar - as you can nab a bottle of the stuff for just 35p from Tesco, making this hack super cost-effective.
IF you want to ensure your home is squeaky clean, you'll need to listen up. Below are the household items you're forgetting to clean, and how to get them sparkling...
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.
