The washing machine is indispensable in every household. It protects our clothes from all forms of bacteria and regularly takes care of all the laundry in the house. Admittedly, we would have liked it to be self-cleaning, but it isn’t. Its frequent maintenance is essential, especially if you want to extend its life, ensure its proper functioning and protect your wardrobe. However, there is no need to spend too much on chemicals to take care of it effectively. For lovers of natural and ecological solutions, your pantry is full of effective ingredients to disinfect and deodorize your laundry. Not to mention some little-known tricks that work wonders!
When shopping in the supermarket, most people regularly spend a hefty budget on household products. However, there are some interesting alternatives to save some money and clean the house properly without using harsh substances for the environment. From time to time it is common to use natural and multifunctional products that we already have on hand. Two flagship products stand out among them: baking soda and white vinegar. You can count on them to hunt down dirt in every corner of the house, and even that stuck in your home appliances like the washing machine. You also have very functional cleaning accessories at home, the versatility of which you did not even suspect.<!–nextpage–>
A wire sponge for cleaning the washing machine
Wire brush
In the past, you scrubbed the washing machine drum vigorously with a brush. Try this much less tedious trick: you can actually clean it in a slightly different way using a wire sponge. The same one you use every day to wash dishes and remove stubborn stains. This versatile object is known for its powerful cleaning potential: it can be used to clean utensils, walls, stovetops, etc. What you didn’t know is that this sponge is very useful for cleaning the washing machine drum. Combined with baking soda, this unexpected duo perfectly eliminates all dirt residues and unpleasant odors that perfume the interior.
Instructions for use: Pour about 2 to 3 tablespoons of baking soda directly into the (empty) drum of the machine and immerse the metal sponge in it. Run any washing program. After 15 minutes, stop the washing machine, remove the sponge, close the door and allow the washing program to end normally.
This metal sponge, combined with baking soda, traps unpleasant odors from the washing machine and cleans the drum effectively. After using this trick, you will quickly notice that your laundry is clean and fresh!
Harness the power of vinegar
After some time, due to wear and tear and the sometimes excessive use of detergent, the washing machine starts to smell bad, hence that annoying musty smell that you sometimes smell in your freshly washed clothes. No wonder: detergent and fabric softener residues accumulate not only in the drum, but also in the drain hose and in some places not at all. To give your washing machine a good cleaning shot, you also need to rely on the disinfecting, degreasing and deodorizing properties of white vinegar and baking soda.
Instructions for use: Pour a glass of vinegar into the fabric softener compartment and a cup of baking soda into the other compartment. To further optimize the cleaning effect, add an additional two cups of vinegar to the drum. Finally, set the washing machine to the highest temperature, select the longest wash cycle and let the washing machine run empty.<!–nextpage–>
As soon as the machine starts rinsing, stop it. It’s best to let the water soak overnight or at least a few hours so that the vinegar and baking soda can work effectively. After this time, restart the device and let it expire. Then you’ll be happy to see that your washing machine has suddenly gotten a facelift!
Don’t forget to clean the detergent drawer!
A washing machine in the bathroom
Since it regularly houses all kinds of powders and liquids, it is important to give the detergent drawer special care. To be able to remove this drawer without damaging it, you will find all the necessary instructions in the washing machine user manual. Typically, most washing machines have a plastic hook around the drawer that you need to press to make it easier and cleaner to remove.
To wash it carefully, use boiling water and pass a sponge soaked in white vinegar. If it is really dirty or you even notice mold, insist more on cleaning and scrub more thoroughly in all corners until it is perfectly clean.
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