Limescale and mould are two things that quickly build up in washing machines relative quickly.
These appliances need cleaning regularly to keep your clothes sanitary, avoid unpleasant smells and prolong life expectancy for the appliance.
Luckily, cleaning enthusiasts have been swapping tips on combating these common issues without specialist products, offering an affordable solution that caters to both problems while giving the machine a thorough cleanse.
A post in the Mrs Hinch Army Cleaning Tips Facebook group by Charlene Mclaren sparked a conversation on washing machine mould removal tactics. She asked: “What’s best to use on the washing machine for mould?”
Some group members recommended using a mould spray, but another effective hack stole the spotlight – soda crystals.
In response to Charlene’s query, Poulton Lucy advised: “I use soda crystals in the machine on a 90-degree wash and it cleans everywhere.”
Echoing this sentiment, Sue Clarke claimed: “Soda crystals in every other wash will tackle the mould and even limescale. Wipe out the drawer and seal after every wash.”
Offering her take, Carlyne McHugh suggested: “Soda crystals packed between rubber and a mug’s worth thrown into the drum. Then set the machine on an empty hot wash, at least 60 degrees.”
One happy individual shared their cost-effective cleaning victory, confessing, “My washing machine had really bad mould and limescale in the seal and drawer and soda crystals were game-changing. The stuff vanished in one hour on the hot cycle.”
The pros at Dri-Pak claim that adding 500g of soda crystals directly into the drum helps “eliminate” any signs of mould and limescale in just a single cycle.
Nonetheless, for those who may have neglected their washing machines for an extended period, the experts noted that a second go-around might be needed.
To help minimise the return of mould as much as possible, after each wash cycle open the washing machine door to allow air to circulate and dry out the drum, door and rubber gasket.
Promptly remove wet clothes from the washing machine when the cycle is finished. Leaving damp laundry in the machine for an extended period can create a moist environment where mould loves to thrive.
It’s’ also worth running an empty hot water cycle in your washing machine as that helps to kill any existing mould spores and with the addition of vinegar prevents limescale.
