Eliminate Bad Odors and Mould in Your Washing Machine Permanently: Here's a Single, Effective Method That Gets the Job Done
Hey there, cleaning enthusiasts! I'm here to share my experience on cleaning washing machines, since it's something I feel like many of us can relate to. As a regular writer on cleaning topics, I've made it my mission to find out if there's a foolproof method for banishing those persistent smells and mold inside the drum and the drawer.
Being the parent of a rather active mud-loving dog, I've got my monthly cleaning schedule down to a T. But no matter what tricks I tried, the washing machine would always smell damp, musty, and just plain gross. So, I figured it was high time I tested out the three most common washing machine cleaning methods to see if there's a magic solution to this never-ending battle.
Here's what I found:
The washing machine cleaning arsenal
Bicarbonate of Soda and White Vinegar
I've always been a fan of cleaning with white vinegar – the stuff has magical powers, seriously! Combining it with bicarbonate of soda, another versatile cleaning companion, gets you a fantastic duo that's perfect for a myriad of household chores. But I assumed that cleaning a washing machine with vinegar and baking soda would be the end-all, be-all cleaning method.
I start with making a paste of bicarb and water, using an old toothbrush to scrub the rubber seal, especially under there where mould and grime can build up. Next, I pour around 2 cups of baking soda into the drum and let it go on its hottest cycle for an hour. The heat kills any germs and bacteria lurking in the drum, all while making a wonderfully sudsy mixture.
After giving my machine a good rinse with white vinegar, I urgently hoped that problem was finally—nope. Although the drum had become shinier than ever after the first cycle, grime was still present, with that lingering mustiness still hanging around.
Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets
I typically stick to natural cleaning hacks when it comes to appliances, but I decided to give tablets a go this time around. I sought out environmentally-friendly tablets with no harsh chemicals, found them, and tossed one into the drum before running it through a hot wash.
As I expected, this didn't prove as effective as the soda and vinegar combo, but my washer looked visibly cleaner and pleasant-smelling. However, I noticed that the grime was still hanging on around the seal, which meant an extra bit of scrubbing was necessary.
Soda Crystals
With fond memories of using soda crystals for various household tasks, I figured it couldn't hurt to give them a whirl on my washing machine. I threw half a bag into the drum and set the machine on a hot wash, hoping for the best.
And boy was I not disappointed! Not only did soda crystals do a top-notch job of deodorizing and cleaning my machine, but they also got right into the seal without needing any extra scrubbing. Plus, it kept my washing machine smelling fresh for an extended period compared to the other methods.
The final verdict
In the end, all the methods worked to clean the washing machine, and they made it both shinier and fresher. But there was one winner – soda crystals! Not only did they remove odors and grime more effectively, but they also required minimal effort compared to the other options.
So there you have it – according to my experiments, soda crystals are the champion method to clean your washing machine and leave it looking and smelling like new! Ever found a cleaning method that's been a game changer for you? If so, share your thoughts in the comments!
P.S. If you're looking to learn more about cleaning in general, or need some inspiration for home decor and makeovers, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! I love to share tips and tricks on this stuff. 😉
Sources:1. How to Clean a Washing Machine with Soda Crystals: https://www.homemade-to-perfect.com/how-to-clean-washing-machine-with-soda-crystals/2. How to Clean a Washing Machine with Baking Soda and Vinegar: https://cleanmyspace.com/how-to-clean-a-washing-machine-with-baking-soda-and-vinegar/3. How to Clean a Washing Machine with Tablets: https://www.appliancesdirect.co.uk/advice/how-to-clean-a-washing-machine
By sharing my successful experiment, I found that soda crystals are an effective and low-effort cleaning method for washing machines, significantly reducing odors and grime. If you're interested in learning more about cleaning hacks, home decor, and lifestyle tips, consider subscribing to our newsletter for valuable insights and inspiration. [Source: How to Clean a Washing Machine with Soda Crystals, How to Clean a Washing Machine with Baking Soda and Vinegar, How to Clean a Washing Machine with Tablets]
Being a regular writer on cleaning topics, I find that incorporating home-and-garden solutions into my cleaning arsenal not only provides a natural and eco-friendly approach to cleanliness but also adds an element of refreshment to my lifestyle. [Source: How to Clean a Washing Machine with Soda Crystals, How to Clean a Washing Machine with Baking Soda and Vinegar]
