It’s something most people use on a weekly basis – but not everyone take the time to clean it when needed.
According to cleaning guru Lily, it’s wise to give your washing machine a good clean through at least once a month to avoid unwanted issues.
This has been backed by Beko, who suggest “deeply cleaning your machine once every one to three months”, with this frequency coming down to how often you use the machine.
In a TikTok video, user @cleanwithlilyx shares a cleaning hack that’ll keep your machine in tip-top condition.
She said: “If you overload your washing machine, this can cause detergent to stay in the draws which can cause mould.
“Common places for mould to grow in your washing machine, especially front loaded ones, are the door seal and detergent door, the filter at the bottom of the washing machine that a lot of you probably don’t know about, and the drum.”
Speaking about how often you should clean your washing machine, Adam Norris, Beko senior product manager, said: “Giving your washing machine a clean from time to time.
“Over time, softener, detergent, and dirt can build up, causing some unpleasant odours. To rectify this, clean your machine with a washing machine cleaning agent.
“Simply add this to your detergent drawer and run a high temperature programme with no washing in the machine”. However, you can also clean your machine with white vinegar, baking soda or even dish soap.
A Beko statement adds: “Did you know you can clean your washing machine with vinegar? White vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner that can help remove odours and clean your washing machine’s drum.
“Simply add a cup of white vinegar to an empty cycle and run your machine on the hottest setting. This will help to kill any bacteria that may have accumulated in the appliance.
“Baking soda is another household product that can be used to clean your washing machine. It’s great for removing tough stains and can also help to eliminate odours.”
It adds: “To clean your machine and remove any built-up, pour a cup of baking soda crystals into the washing machine and run an empty cycle on the hottest setting.
“To clean the detergent dispenser, mix a solution of warm water and dish soap, and use a small brush to scrub away any dirt and grime. This will help to keep your dispenser clean and prevent any blockages.”
Commenting on her post, one user said: “I have to clean mine one twice a week as my bath towels are blue and every time I do a white wash I end up with blue fluff if I don’t. Can’t be bothered to clean it though.”
Another user said: “I don’t know how to get the drawer out!” A third user said: “The self clean function is just a hot wash.”