Washing machines are not as clean as they appear, but they can sparkle once again if scrubbed with two items that cost just £1.50.
After putting it off for so long, I finally decided to put the ingredients to the test and tackle my washing machine - and it was not pleasant.
I'm not the biggest fan of cleaning jobs, so I never put the large appliance at the top of my to-do list. It was only after a woman cleaned her entire washing machine for £1.50 with baking soda and vinegar that I was inspired to do the same. I already had both items in my press, as I use them to unclog drains, scrub the shower and de-crust pots and pans.
When paired, vinegar breaks down baking soda - also known as bicarbonate of soda - to release carbon dioxide gas and this gas removes dirt and grime. It may come as no surprise to learn that the power combo also worked wonders on this household chore, as it removed the mould rather seamlessly.
One of the main reasons that I've put off this task is the thought of adding another single-use product to my tiny cleaning press, which is already overflowing with various sprays and creams for different chores. So I was happy to learn that it could be done with these products.
I have never cleaned a washing machine before, so I was not prepared for how disgusting it can be. With washing in the name, it is easy to assume that the machine is always sparkling - but I was very wrong.
Of course, due to the high water usage, washing machines can gather mould, but this usually occurs in hidden parts of the appliance. With that said, I have truly learned the value of giving your washing machine a good scrub every four months.
I decided to start small and begin with the drawer. Using an old toothbrush, I scrubbed it with baking soda, then coated the drawer in vinegar, which I transferred to a spray bottle for less mess and waste. I let it rest to work their magic for ten minutes, then rinsed it in hot water, which instantly wiped away the mould.
The drawer's slot in the machine was not much better, caked in a layer of old detergent and limescale. A couple of scrubs and sprays later, it looked like new.
Next, I moved onto the daunting task of the machine drum. I thought this would be straightforward, until I pulled back the rubber door seal. This part was brimming with smelly, brown, sludge made from water and years worth of clothes fibres.
This was the toughest part and required a lot of elbow grease. Using copious amounts of baking soda and vinegar, I scrubbed the entire rim of the machine, then left it to soak for 10 minutes.
To my delight, the grime easily slid away and was looking pristine after two more coats of cleaner. I finally moved on the door, which had become sticky with hairs, fabric fibres and crusty detergent. I gave this two wipe overs with the soda and vinegar, which easily banished the scummy layer.
Finally, I placed a cup of baking soda in the drum and a very small amount of vinegar in the drawer and put on an empty, 60C wash to kill remaining bacteria.
The last - and possibly most important step, was leaving the door open for a full 24 hours to let it dry. This should be done after every wash to stop mould and damp odours forming inside.
Overall I was really happy with the results. Each part looked and felt clean, the damp smell was gone and I wasn't forced to endure nasty chemical fumes in my small kitchen. This has once again shown the power of vinegar and baking soda as an effective, cheap, natural and universal cleaner.
While cleaning the washing machine is not the easiest chore, I've accepted that it is necessary. It is one of the most used appliances, so it makes sense that it needs a wash every so often.
I will, however, give it a few months before I take on the tiring task again.
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