How to clean your washing machine and prevent odours
Find out how to clean your washing machine to keep it — and your laundry — smelling fresh.
Why you should clean your washing machine
After some use, soap residue and dirt can build up on the surfaces of your washing machine drum. This gunk feeds odour-causing bacteria and mould, which thrive in damp environments.
Your machine may not dry out completely between washes, especially if you live somewhere humid or if your laundry area is not well-ventilated. Worse, the folds within the rubber seal, or gasket, of your washing machine lid can trap water, providing even more moisture.
Read on for simple tips on how to keep your washing machine clean and odour-free.
How to clean your washing machine: the home remedy way
For front-load washing machines, add three-quarters of a cup of bleach to the bleach dispenser, and run a hot wash cycle.
Then, run a second rinse cycle to wash out any residue.
Next, remove and gently scrub, rinse and dry the detergent drawer before replacing it. Don’t forget to carefully wipe the outside of the washer as well as the inside (plus any crevices), using a soft microfibre cloth.
