The 30p hack to banish mould and limescale growing in the washing machine – and it leaves the drum smelling super fresh

WITH so many household chores to keep on top of it’s understandable that cleaning the washing machine can take a backseat.

But leaving your washing machine without some TLC for too long can cause lots of problems – such as mould and limescale growing inside.

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The NHS states if you have damp and mould in your home you’re more likely to have respiratory problems, respiratory infections, allergies or asthma.

Damp and mould can also affect the immune system, that being said, it’s also not something we want to be washing our clothes in either and over time a mouldy washing machine can make your clothes smell.

How do washing machine’s get mouldy?

Often washing machine’s can get mould because of the natural wet conditions inside.

Keeping the door and detergent drawer closed when not in use traps the excess moisture and condensation from washing your clothes inside the machine – which can cause mould over time.

To decrease the likelihood of mould, keep the drawer and door of the machine open after a load of laundry until it’s been fully aired out.

Not only can they be riddled with mould, but limescale can build up to which over time can effect the efficiency of your appliance.

Michael Forbes, product specialist at AEG recommends: “A quick maintenance wash should be done at least once a month to keep the machine in the best possible condition and ensure clothes come out looking their best.

“However, every six months it is important to descale a washing machine to clean the tub, the area you can’t see surrounding the metal drum, to remove any bacteria and limescale build-up.

“For areas that have hard water, more attention should be paid to frequently cleaning a machine to avoid any limescale build-up.”

To help remove limescale as well as mould, the washing machine pro shared a 30p cleaning hack with the Express.

He explained that lemon juice is a fantastic product for the appliance and it “smells much better” than using vinegar which can also kill mould and remove limescale.

The high concentration of acid in lemons can help kill mould spores and tackle built-on limescale.

For an easy washing machine clean, Michael recommends using one cup of lemon and putting in a the drum of the machine on a high-temperature wash.

You can also put it in the detergent drawer if it is also effected.

The easy hack will keep your washing machine smelling fresh and running it’s best.

You can purchase lemons from Sainsbury’s for as little as 30p.

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