Does your washing machine smell bad or wash less well than before? Look no further for the cause. It is not a breakdown, but a lack of maintenance. Too often, people think that water and detergent are enough to clean everything. In reality, your washing machine becomes clogged little by little. Mould, residues, bad odours… everything accumulates silently.
White vinegar is often recommended, but it is not the only solution. A forgotten tip is back in the spotlight. Simple, chemical-free, and with ingredients you already have at home. And the result will surprise you.
Why white vinegar is not always the best solution
White vinegar is often recommended for cleaning the washing machine. It is known to remove limescale and disinfect. But it is not always the ideal solution.
Many people are afraid that their laundry will smell bad after using it. Even if this smell does not remain on the clothes, it can be annoying. Some people also don’t like handling a product that smells so strong.
Above all, there are other more gentle and more pleasant tips, with equally good results. So if you’re looking for a simple method that smells good and works, there are better ones to try.
The natural tip with lemon and toothpaste: instructions for use
Here is a tip that combines two products that you probably have at home: lemon and toothpaste. Lemon is very effective against limescale and bad odors. Toothpaste helps to scrub and clean thoroughly.
To start, you need to cut a lemon in half. Put a little toothpaste on one half. With this half, scrub the edges of the machine and especially the seal, where dirt hides. For difficult corners, cut half the lemon into small pieces.
This will enable you to reach all the nooks and crannies. Then rinse with a wet cloth. Take the second half of the lemon and put it in the drum of the machine. Run a 60-degree program. The machine will be clean and will smell fresh.
An express alternative with dishwasher tablets
If you want an even faster solution, there is another method. It requires no rubbing. Take two dishwasher tablets. Put them directly into the empty drum of your washing machine.
Then run a 60-degree cycle. The heat will melt the tablets, which will clean the inside of the machine, removing limescale and detergent residues. It’s a simple, quick and very effective method, especially when you’re short of time.
The importance of regular maintenance for your washing machine
Cleaning your washing machine is not a one-off task. You should remember to do it at least twice a year. If you forget, the dirt will build up. This can make your clothes less clean, cause unpleasant odors and even break the machine more quickly.
A well-maintained machine lasts longer. And your laundry stays soft and fresh. So don’t wait until it breaks down. Take care of it now, with simple and natural actions.
