After a year or so of owning a new washing machine, an unpleasant odour began to permeate and cling onto my laundry. Despite leaving the washing machine door and drawer open after each wash, and diligently wiping away mould from the drawer, my clothes still came out smelling foul.
Even using the self-wash setting on the machine didn’t help. In desperation, I turned to scent boosters which initially worked well, but eventually, the musty smell returned. The stench was so bad that pulling out a garment from my wardrobe was enough to make me recoil; traditional remedies like white vinegar and baking soda were also ineffective.
This led me to try Dettol 5-in-1 Antibacterial Washing Machine Cleaner, priced at just under £4. The product promises to “kill bacteria”, prevent bad odours, remove limescale and hidden dirt, resulting in “lasting freshness”.
Although it may seem surprising, the entire bottle is required for one cleaning cycle. However, it’s incredibly easy to use and most importantly, it works.
The process involved pouring the contents of the bottle into the washing machine drawer (where you’d usually put detergent) and running a 60C wash without any clothes inside.
While there was no immediate change post-wash, the difference was noticeable after my first laundry load following the treatment.
This time, intrigued, I ran a wash with just detergent – no scent boosters – and was pleasantly surprised to find the clothes emerged from the wash smelling delightful.
Given that the suggested usage is one bottle every two months, it seems like a worthwhile investment – and the freshness does really last.
Sometimes, natural isn’t always superior – and chemical cleaners can be better. Considering I’ve previously exhausted a significant amount of white vinegar and baking soda in an attempt to clean my washing machine, I’m content to continue using the chemical product.
Moreover, there’s not a substantial difference in cost – and the results, in my view, are significantly more effective.