A washing machine can be kept free of mouldy odours by adding 500g of soda crystals to the drum and running the hottest wash cycle once a month. The natural product neutralises smells and cuts through grease, leaving the appliance fresh.
In a two-person household, a washing machine rarely gets a day off. Clothing, nightwear, bedding and towels pile up quickly, and running multiple cycles a week is the easiest way to stay on top of the laundry. Because the machine is used so often, keeping it clean is essential - once it starts to smell musty, the washing soon follows.
Why washing machines develop bad odours
The inside of a washing machine is dark, moist and poorly ventilated unless the door is left open after each cycle, making it an ideal place for dampness and mould. Hair and other debris can get trapped in the filter, and detergent residue or fabric conditioner can create unpleasant smells, particularly in the dispenser drawer.
Nothing is worse than finishing a full load only to find the clothes smell awful. Keeping the machine itself spotless is the best way to avoid this, and one natural product is all that is needed.
How to clean the drum with soda crystals
Soda crystals are considered the most effective way to maintain a fresh-smelling machine. They have a high pH level, which makes them excellent at cutting through grease and neutralising odours. The packaging recommends using them once a month, though every couple of months also works.
Simply add 500g - half a one-kilogram bag - straight into the drum and run the hottest wash cycle. After each use, the machine smells fresh and clean with no lingering dampness, and the drum looks spotless. The effect appears to last for a long time afterwards.
Extra benefits and cost
Soda crystals also break down hard water and soften clothes, meaning less detergent is needed and money can be saved. Placing them in the drawer instead of the drum helps eliminate musty odours too.
A one-kilogram bag costs £2 from Savers, making each deep clean as little as £1. Affordable, natural and highly effective, it is well worth trying.
