Sophie Harris, Senior Lifestyle Reporter, tested three popular washing machine cleaners to determine which one works best. The products tested were Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner, Dr. Beckmann Service-It Deep Clean Washing Machine Cleaner Powder, and standard white vinegar. Each cleaner was used on an empty washing machine once a week to maintain fairness.
Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner
Sophie began with the Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner, following the instructions and running a hot maintenance cycle. The product released a fresh fragrance, and the drum appeared clean and gleaming. However, after opening the door slightly later, a faint musty odour remained inside the rubber door seal. While it was an improvement compared to before cleaning, the smell was not entirely removed. The Dettol cleaner was the most expensive at £2.99.
Dr. Beckmann Service-It Deep Clean Washing Machine Cleaner Powder
Next, Sophie tried the Dr. Beckmann washing machine cleaner powder, again running an empty hot cycle. The cleaner made a real impression: the drum was spotless, the detergent drawer refreshed, and the rubber seal noticeably less mouldy. The most significant improvement was the freshness, with no lingering musty odour. Even after keeping the door shut for a while, the machine still smelled fresh, though the fragrance was not overpowering. The powder cost just £1.89, which Sophie considered exceptionally good value.
White Vinegar
Finally, Sophie tested white vinegar, a budget-conscious cleaning method often recommended online. She added vinegar into the drum and initiated a hot cleaning cycle. Unfortunately, this approach did not perform well. While the drum appeared clean, the musty odour remained. The vinegar smell also persisted for a period, which Sophie did not like. Although white vinegar might assist with routine maintenance or removing minor limescale, Sophie found it insufficient for thoroughly cleaning the washing machine.
In conclusion, Dr. Beckmann's Service-It Deep Clean Washing Machine Cleaner Powder proved the most effective at removing odours and mould, and at £1.89 it offered the best value. Dettol was effective but left a faint musty smell and was more expensive. White vinegar failed to eliminate odours and left a vinegar smell behind.
