Households are being urged to add mouthwash to their washing machines for a vital reason this June. A cleaning expert from an appliance repair firm has shared the unconventional technique to help banish germs and reduce unpleasant smells in your laundry routine.
Why Use Mouthwash in Your Washing Machine?
Washing machines, despite being regularly filled with hot water and detergent, can build up dirt, grime, and bacteria over time and may even become prone to mold growth. Ian Palmer-Smith, appliance repair expert at Domestic and General, suggests that a dash of mouthwash poured directly into the detergent drawer is a cost-effective and simple way to maintain a clean washing machine. He recommends performing this 'maintenance wash' every three months.
Palmer-Smith said: "Your washing machine should be deeply cleaned every one to three months to prevent bacteria, mold, and detergent build-up. However, you should perform a maintenance wash once a month; this involves running a hot, empty cycle with a dedicated washing machine cleaner. If you don't have a dedicated cleaner, white vinegar or baking soda are good alternatives."
How to Use Mouthwash for Cleaning
"Mouthwash can also be used to clean your washing machine. Pour half a cup of alcohol-based mouthwash directly into the drum or the detergent drawer, and run an empty cycle. This allows the antiseptic properties to kill bacteria, sanitise the drum, and leave it smelling fresh. For best results, pair this with cleaning the detergent drawer and filter as these are often the quickest places to get dirty," Palmer-Smith added.
You can also try disinfecting your laundry load with mouthwash. Using mouthwash on clothes with stubborn odors, like activewear and socks, can help remove lingering smells and bacteria. Make sure you use a colorless option to prevent staining your clothes or the washing machine's interior.
Precautions and Tips
"Using mouthwash in moderation should not damage your washing machine, but it's important not to use too much at a time as this can lead to excessive suds and even overflow if it reacts with your detergent. An overflowing machine can cause internal damage and costly faults, so remember to keep an eye on your laundry cycle when you use this cleaning hack. Having washing machine insurance in place can provide peace of mind and help cover any unexpected costs should something go wrong," Palmer-Smith warned.
Additionally, high alcohol content in some mouthwashes can degrade certain fabrics, so it's best not to use this tip on delicate clothing.
