Households urged to use 1 ingredient to get rid of washing machine 'odours' and 'scum'

Cleaning washing machines is a chore that many people probably skip over. However, while they remove the stains and odours from laundry, grime and bad smells can accumulate in the appliance, which isn't great for its performance.

Well, cleaning blogger, Becky Rapinchuk, also known as Clean Mama, has made lives easier by revealing that everything you need to keep your washing machine scum and odour free, and the very thing is most likely already in your kitchen.

Becky said to clean a washing machine "effeciently" the only thing you need is white vinegar, and give three reasons why. She wrote: "Unlike many commercial cleaners, white vinegar is natural and doesn't contain harmful chemicals.

"Its acidic nature helps to dissolve mineral deposits and soap scum. It naturally neutralises odours, leaving your washing machine smelling fresh."

The first thing to do when cleaning your washing machine with white vinegar is to make sure it is empty. Then you want to add two to three cups of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser, and select both the hottest water setting and longest cycle.

Let the machine fill with water and then run the cycle as usual. "If your machine has a noticeable build-up or hasn't been cleaned in a while, consider pausing the cycle once the machine is filled with the hot vinegar water. Let it sit for an hour to allow the vinegar to work its magic then resume the cycle," she adds.

Once the first cycle is complete, run another cycle with just water to rinse out any vinegar left behind. After that, open the washing machine, and wipe down the drum, seals and doors using a clean cloth. This step is crucial as mould and mildew tend to build up in the seals.

The final thing to do is remove the detergent dispenser drawer and soak it in a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar for an hour. After soaking, use a soft brush to scrub away any residue, give it a rinse, and then place it back.

The simple steps using one natural ingredient is the best way to not only keep your machine clean, but also help it last longer.