An expert has revealed a budget-friendly cleaning hack for washing machines that costs just £5.81 and uses kitchen essentials. Nancy Emery, a cleaning expert at Tap Warehouse, suggests adding about 10 drops of essential oil like lavender to two cups of white vinegar in the detergent dispenser on a hot cycle. Then add half a cup of baking soda and run another hot cycle. According to Emery, this method effectively kills bacteria and cuts through grime.
White vinegar’s acetic acid helps eliminate mineral deposits that can clog the machine, while baking soda’s coarse texture aids in scrubbing off dirt and filth. Lavender oil not only has antibacterial properties but also leaves a fresh fragrance in the machine. Other experts, like those at The Spruce, support the use of white vinegar for cleaning as well, highlighting its ability to dissolve minerals in washer drums and hoses and kill odour-causing bacteria and fungi.
It’s recommended to clean your washing machine every one to three months to prevent mould, dirt, and bacteria buildup. In addition to the vinegar and baking soda method, it’s essential to clean the filter monthly to prevent dirt from clogging the machine. White vinegar can be purchased for 35p at supermarkets like Tesco or Aldi. Bicarbonate of soda costs 59p at Sainsbury’s, and lavender oil is priced at £4.87 at Holland and Barrett, totaling just £5.81 for all ingredients.
The experts also stress that diluted vinegar won’t harm clothes and is easily rinsed away during a rinse cycle. Aside from washing machines, white vinegar can also be used for various DIY cleaning tasks around the home, such as getting rid of dandelions and unblocking sink drains.
So, next time you’re tackling the chore of cleaning your washing machine, consider trying this affordable and effective kitchen staple solution to keep your appliance in top condition. Let us know in the comments if you’ve tried this hack and how it worked for you.