A cleaning guru has shared a list of washing machine hacks you’ll need to make sure your laundry stays fresh. Cleaning and home hacks creator Christy shared the steps she takes to make sure her washing machine is in tip top shape.
In a recent TikTok video, Christy explained how she thoroughly deep cleans her washing machine, and all you need is two ingredients. She recommended deep cleaning the machine once a month. You should be doing one wash with baking soda and another wash with vinegar.
How to deep clean washing machines
Pour a cup of white vinegar into the first compartment of the dishwasher drawer. Run the machine on a normal cycle.
Next, place a scoop of baking soda into the drum of the washing machine. Run again on a normal cycle.
This combination works well in the appliance as they can remove hard water deposits as well as dirt and grime. As baking soda is a mild alkali as well as an abrasive, it can help break down and dissolve dirt.
Due to the acidic nature of vinegar, it can help dissolve mineral deposits and hard water stains, as well as removing odours. When the two mix together, they react and produce carbon dioxide.
This in turn creates a fizzing action that helps to lift dirt from the washing machine. Vinegar is also good for getting rid of mould, too.
It can be used under the washing machine’s seal to get rid of any mould or build-up mildew. Experts from Hometalk also recommend adding an extra step by treating the rubber seal of the washing machine with baking soda and vinegar.
They noted: “Address the rubber seal by pouring bicarbonate of soda and adding vinegar, creating a powerful fizzing reaction that tackles hidden dirt.”
Christy’s video has been viewed over 9,847 times, receiving 900 likes and 54 comments. Kelly wrote: “Every two weeks I say to myself I’m going to do this. This week. Tomorrow.”
Shannon agreed, “My sign to do my washer,” while another said, “Fabulous tips.”
Another TikToker recommended using toothpaste and lemon to clean the inside of the washing machine. The combination works due to the lemon’s citric acid, which breaks down mineral deposits, white the abrasiveness of the toothpaste works for scrubbing away.
The hack can also help to remove dirt, mould and grime, as well as giving the machine a fresh scent. The experts at Pro Housekeepers also suggested using lemon juice instead of vinegar.
They wrote: “Instead of vinegar, you can get the same results—and a fresher scent—by using lemon juice. Simply replace the white vinegar with the same amount of real lemon juice. Just be careful there’s no extra sugar or other additives that will leave a residue in your washer.”