A recent survey by Tap Warehouse revealed that many Brits are looking for effective ways to maintain their home appliances.
By analyzing online searches starting with “how to clean,” we identified the most pressing concerns among homeowners.
This is no surprise since washing machines are at the top of the list of cleaning-related searches and they are essential to preventing unpleasant odors and getting your laundry clean.
Washing machine drums, rubber gaskets, and detergent dispensers can often accumulate dirt, hair, and bacteria.
This build-up can lead to mold growth, creating a musty odor and affecting the freshness of your laundry.
To tackle this problem, Tap Warehouse’s in-house cleaning expert, Nancy Emery, shared an affordable solution using common household materials you probably already have.
Nancy recommends a simple and effective way to deep clean your appliances, combining essential oils and vinegar to remove dirt and eliminate bacteria.
Speaking about the terrifying problem of bad smells, she said: “To combat this, add about 10 drops of an essential oil, such as lavender, to 2 cups of white vinegar and pour it into the detergent dispenser on a hot cycle. Then add half a cup of baking soda and start another hot cycle. I will.
“This effectively kills germs and removes dirt.” As an additional step, the cleaning pro adds: “It’s also worth cleaning the filter every month to prevent dirt from clogging up your washing machine.
“Before removing the filter, make sure the machine is switched off and unplugged, use a soft-bristled brush to remove any debris, and secure it in place when done.”
Finally, to maintain the lifespan of your washing machine and prevent bad odors, experts recommend leaving the washing machine door open after each load.
