Sophie Harris, Senior Audience Writer for Spare Time, tested three popular washing machine cleaning methods to find the most effective: Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner, Dr. Beckmann Service-It Deep Clean Washing Machine Cleaner Powder, and ordinary white vinegar. She performed one cleaning solution each week on an empty washing machine to keep the test fair.
Why Clean Your Washing Machine?
Washing machines need regular cleaning to remove detergent residue, fabric softener, limescale, and moisture that build up inside the drum, seals, and pipes. This buildup can create mould and bacteria, leading to unpleasant smells and affecting laundry freshness. A monthly deep clean helps the machine run efficiently, extends its lifespan, and keeps clothes fresh.
Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner
Sophie started with Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner, following the instructions and running a hot maintenance cycle. The solution gave a fresh scent and left the drum looking clean and shiny. However, after opening the door later, she detected a slight musty smell from inside the rubber door seal. While it was an improvement, it hadn't completely eliminated the odour. At £2.99, it was the most expensive cleaner tested.
Dr. Beckmann Service-It Deep Clean Washing Machine Cleaner Powder
Next, Sophie used Dr. Beckmann's powder cleaner, again following the instructions and running an empty hot wash. This cleaner impressed her: the drum was spotless, the detergent drawer fresh, and the rubber seal less mouldy than before. The biggest difference was the freshness—there was no lingering musty smell, even after leaving the door closed for a while. At £1.89 per packet, she considered it incredibly good value.
White Vinegar
Finally, Sophie tried white vinegar, a popular budget-friendly method. She poured vinegar into the drum and ran a hot cleaning cycle. Unfortunately, this method didn't work well for her. While the drum looked clean, the musty smell remained noticeable. The vinegar scent also lingered, which she disliked. She concluded that while white vinegar may help with light maintenance or minor limescale, it is not effective for deep cleaning a washing machine.
Conclusion
Dr. Beckmann's Service-It Deep Clean Washing Machine Cleaner Powder was the clear winner, offering the best results at the lowest price. Dettol performed adequately but cost more and left a slight odour. White vinegar was the least effective, failing to eliminate musty smells and leaving its own lingering scent. For a fresh, clean washing machine, Sophie recommends Dr. Beckmann's powder.
