The easiest way to banish bad odours from your washing machine

Do you remember the last time you cleaned your washing machine? If you can't pinpoint a specific date, it's a sign that it's time for some cleaning. How to do it? Discover the most straightforward method.

The washing machine is one of the most frequently used appliances in the house. After each wash, impurities accumulate, which can cause a bad odour. The appliance requires regular cleaning.

How to clean the washing machine? You don't need any unique products. Just use something that usually ends up in pickles or salads. Pour it into the compartment, and the washing machine will shine cleanly after the wash cycle.

The washing machine is one of the least cleaned household appliances. Many people think that the machine cleans itself. That's a myth. After each wash, impurities accumulate on it, which can turn into mould in contact with water and moisture. Let's not forget about limescale—build-up deposits not only in the compartment but also in the internal parts of the washing machine. Excess limescale can lead to the appliance malfunctioning.

How do you keep the washing machine clean? You don't need special detergents. Ordinary white vinegar, recommended as a natural cleaning agent, works well. It effectively removes dirt, bad odours, and stubborn limescale.

How to clean the washing machine with vinegar? Follow the "three-step rule." Remove the filter from the washing machine and rinse it with hot water. After rinsing, clean it using a mixture of water and vinegar in a 2:1 ratio. Then, rinse it again with water and dry it with a paper towel. Soak a cloth in this prepared solution and wipe the seals and spaces between the seals. Dirt from detergent residues often accumulates in these places, which blackens over time, causing an unpleasant smell.

Finally, pour a cup of pure white vinegar into the detergent compartment. Set the highest possible temperature and start a wash. After the cycle, open the compartment and door to let the interior dry. Repeat the procedure every three months to avoid appliance malfunctions.

Vinegar is just one natural ingredient for cleaning the washing machine. You can replace it with baking soda. Sodium bicarbonate has bleaching, disinfecting, and antifungal properties. To clean the washing machine with baking soda, pour a cup of it into the drum, then set the program to a temperature not lower than 60°C (140°F). You will get rid of dirt and bad odours.