Clean Living with Maggie May

If your washing machine smells a trifle mouldy it’s time to give it a little spring clean. Let’s face it who wants to wander around smelling mouldy.  I’d much rather smell like lavender like my dear old granny. With a little regular attention, say every month or so, you can keep your machine in tip top shape.

The Front Loader:

Let’s begin at the top with the detergent drawer. Remove it entirely and give it a proper wash in hot, soapy water, coaxing away any lingering residue with an old toothbrush. Sometimes I’m often astonished by what lurks there. Next, attend to the rubber door seal, should your machine have one. Pull it back gently and wipe the folds with a cloth dipped in white vinegar, paying particular attention to any mouldy bits that might loiter. A little spray of bleach can help budge the tougher mould. Make sure you wear gloves to protect your hands, ageing and the sun cause enough damage without us subjecting our hands to chemical annihilation.

Now for the machine itself. Set it to the hottest wash and run it empty with either a couple of cups of white vinegar or a suitable washing machine cleaner. This rather satisfying exercise clears away unseen grime and banishes odours most effectively.

Then, if you are able, get down on your knees and check the filter at the bottom of the machine (or bribe your children or grandchildren to do it). You will see a little door, a bit like the door on your petrol tank. You will need to put a towel down or a plastic dish to catch any water before unscrewing the cap. Clean and wipe down, not forgetting to replace the cap.

The Top Loader:

Begin by setting your empty machine to the hottest, longest wash cycle on offer. Fill the drum with hot water and add two cups of white vinegar. Allow the machine to agitate for a few minutes, then pause the cycle and let the vinegar water sit for an hour. This is when all the magic happens – ridding your machine of mould, soap residue, and hidden grime. Resume the cycle and allow it to finish fully.

Once complete, sprinkle half a cup of bicarbonate of soda into the drum and run another hot cycle. This will nip any sour odours in the bud leaving the machine fresh.

For both types of machines, wipe the drum, the lid/door, and all seals thoroughly with a clean cloth, paying special attention to corners and the underside of the lid where moisture collects.

Always allow your machine to air by leaving the lid or door open. Another important tip is to make sure you use the correct amount of detergent – so many people use far too much detergent and of course this enthusiastically encourages residue and mould. Run a hot cleaning cycle once a month and remove wet laundry promptly. With these habits, your machine will remain clean, fresh, and entirely free of that dreadful smell.

Happy cleaning dear ones! X