Washing machines have truly revolutionised everyday life, eliminating the need to scrub clothes endlessly by hand.
While it's the ultimate clean machine, it's easy to forget that the appliance also needs regular scrubbing. Without this, the drum can transform into a haven for black mould that hides within its crevices.
Not only is this unsightly, it can also stain laundry and one woman took to the internet for advice after learning this the hard way. Writing on the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook, she was devastated to see her sheets come out dirtier than before, but learned how one dishwasher tablet could solve the problem.
Sharing a picture of a white bed sheet covered in dark steaks, she wrote: "No judgement please. I’ve just put my white bedding in for a wash and it’s come out like this. I have wiped all the rubber seal and thick black sludge is just coming off."
Also sharing a snap of some used kitchen roll covered in black gunk, she added: "How do I get rid of this, I won’t want to buy a new machine really any help would be hugely appreciated - thank you."
Fans of the cleaning influencer came to the rescue with many suggestions, but the majority incorporated using a dishwasher tablet. One comment suggested: "Dishwasher tablet wash in drum on hottest setting."
According to scrubbing enthusiasts, the tip is even backed by experts. "I was told by a washing machine engineer to put a dishwasher tablet in on a 90 wash," said another.
"I’ve done it twice now and it seems to work. This often happens to mine. Also clean the draw out with some soapy water with bleach in."
A third penned: "A couple of dishwasher tablets in the drum, mould and mildew Spray for where the drawer sits and I just wash the drawer with fairy washing liquid I also put a couple of caps of Zoflora in the drawer and then a long 90 wash."
Those with dishwashers will likely have the tabs already stored in the cupboard, but shoppers can get a box of 30 Just Essentials Dishwasher tablets at Asda for just £1.34, making them cost about 4p a go.
Dishwasher tablets can blast tough grease and grime from cookware so it makes sense that its cleaning abilities scrub more than just dinner plates. In March, Mrs Hinch fans explained how just one tablet can get air fryers sparkling again.
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