Mrs Hinch fans rave over 35p buy that ‘effectively kills’ mould in your washing machine & is ‘better than bleach’
FANS of the cleaning sensation Mrs Hinch have discovered a purse-friendly way to tackle grim mould in your washing machine.
Mould can grow in the washing machine due to a plethora of reasons – moisture, warmth, and organic material, such as soap residue – and even leaving your wet garments inside for a long time can create ideal conditions for the common fungi.
But not only does it cause for an unsightly mess, discovering the black spores in your washing machine can also be dangerous.
As well as damaging the appliances over time, mould can easily spread to other surfaces if the infected clothing is stored in your wardrobe.
Although there a number of products on the high street to tackle the issue, thrifty Mrs Hinch fans are raving over an affordable kitchen staple that will get rid of mould in no time.
One fan of the cleanfluencer took to Mrs Hinch Made Me Do It page on Facebook, describing her washing machine hack as a chemical-free way of banishing bacteria, as an alternative to bleach.
The woman: “While it’s possible to use bleach to kill mould as well, experts agree that vinegar is a much better option.
“Unlike bleach, vinegar can effectively kill the mould at the root, which means it’s even less likely to return.
”Vinegar is also less toxic than bleach, making it a better choice for household use. White [vinegar] is better.”
Retailing for as little as a mere 35p at Sainsbury’s and other supermarkets, vinegar can be used for sprucing up many household items.
To clean the washing machine, you should add it to the drum of the machine to banish any build-up of mould – or alternatively, to the detergent drawer to tackle limescale.
Once it’s in, turn on your machine whilst it is empty, ensuring to set it to the hottest cycle possible.
You can also use the popular cupboard essential to remove any mould from the rubber seal, the experts at Samyx Cleaning said.
For this, you need to swing the washing machine door wide open, fully exposing the rubber seal.
Next, grab a cotton pad or ball, dampen it with the 35p liquid, wipe or scrub away any visible mould from the rubber area.
If there are any hard-to-reach spots, use a cotton swab soaked in white vinegar – remember, mould and debris can hide in various nooks and crannies, so be thorough.
How to dry wet washing inside, in winter
Drying rack or airer
Load up your airer with wet washing and place near a heat source – like a radiator or direct sunlight – to help distribute air around your clothes.
Dehumidifier
Plug in a dehumidifier in a room with clothes hanging to dry quickly and prevent dampness and mould. Many now have a laundry setting.
Tumble dryer
A tumble dryer can heat moisture out of wet washing, saving time and can be used in any weather.
Heated airer
Many brands and shops now sell heated airers for as little as £30. The racks heat through electricity and can speed up drying time.
Open a window
Choose a spare room or unused room for keeping your washing and crack open a window, but close the door behind you.
Using curtain poles
Hang wet washing on radiators then hook them onto curtain poles with radiators below. The heat will rise and dry the items. Alternatively, if you have a shower curtain pole, hang your clothes in the bathroom with a window open.
But although vinegar is all natural and you don’t have to worry about toxic fumes, the gurus warned to not overuse this method.
”If you overuse it, vinegar may end up damaging your rubber seal in time.”
To keep mould at bay on your washing machine’s rubber seal, there are also some golden rules to follow, such as leaving the washing machine door open after every wash.
Cleaning fans should also make it a habit to remove the freshly laundered clothes as soon as the cycle has wrapped up.
It’s also advised to grab a clean cloth or towel and give the door, seal, and glass a good drying after every wash.