The one and only Mrs Hinch uses baking soda (or bicarbonate of soda) and white vinegar to clean her own washing machine. Advice to owners – Pour into the detergent drawer of your washing machine and set it to wash at 60°C without a pre-wash and while making sure that there’s no laundry in the drum. Now, inspect the drain hose. Typically attached to the waste trap under the sink, the drain hose will be connected via a spigot. Hair can easily ruin your washing machine, clumping up and clogging the mechanisms. Vamoosh claims to dissolve hair – and says it’s the only cleaner to do so – so this product is a no-brainer for pet owners or those with long (human) hair. Vamoosh uses active oxygen to break down the keratin in hair, making it dissolve before washing away: just add the sachet’s powdered contents to the dispenser drawer, then run the empty machine on its longest, hottest cycle, which is usually between 85° and 95°C.

You might not think of your washing machine as a breeding ground for bacteria, but as US microbiologist Dr. Charles Gerba discovered in numerous studies, germs like staphylococcus, E. coli, hepatitis A, norovirus, rotavirus, and salmonella can all be found living in there. Choose a product that can clean your model and brand of washing machine without damaging it Front-load washers and top-load washers may require different types of cleaners. However, most cleaning products can produce heavy-duty cleans on all types of washing machines. Quantity A maintenance or service wash is how to deep clean your washing machine. It shouldn’t be complicated – load the machine with a specialist washing machine cleaner and then run it at its highest temperature or the temperature advised by the manufacturer. According to Nicola Rodriguez AKA Essex House Dolly, there are four steps you need to follow if you want to clean your washing machine properly. There are also health risks to consider if you don’t clean your washing machine regularly, especially if most of your washes are done on relatively low temperature – say, 40 degrees or less. For example, you could become susceptible to bacteria such as E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus.Finally, people who live in hard water areas risk a build-up of limescale, reducing the efficiency and working life of the machine. To make your clothes smell even fresher, James suggests you 'mix your favourite essential oil with some water and add to your clothes before a warm cycle,' too. How do I deep clean my washing machine? If it is gunky, using Calgon (or the cheaper own-brand equivalent) really does make a difference, especially if you're in a hard water area. I never really bought into the hype, but our machine is a lot cleaner using it regularly.” (Recommended by Mumsnetter RaptorInaPorkPieHat) Our verdict Door damage – If the door, handle or latch has any damage this could cause the machine to cease opening. Inspect your door before calling out the repair man. To double up, add 2 cups of white vinegar to the drum and run a hot cycle for extra fresh clothes.'

If you use more soap than is recommended, the suds might not get fully washed out of your clothes during the rinse cycle. This can be a big problem, as odour-causing bacteria are likely to thrive if any of the soap remains on your clothing after it’s been washed. Unfortunately, the results aren’t going to be very hygienic or fragrant. 4. You don’t need to clean your washing machine Advice on how regularly you should run a maintenance or service wash varies between manufacturers of washing machines, detergents and washing machine cleaning products. And when you run a maintenance wash will also depend on how often you use your machine. But as a rule of thumb, keep two to three months or every 30 washes in mind as the kind of frequency you should be aiming for. Some washing machines will also remind you when they need to be cleaned. What manufacturers' recommend: Washing machine cleaners are designed to clean away any gunk that builds up inside your washing machine. You can use around 20% of your washing machine clear to clean the detergent drawer. Just remove the drawer and soak it in a solution of cleaner and water for around 30 minutes. Read the instructions to see how much cleaning liquid, powder and water to use.The second Ecozone product on our list, the Ecozone Magnoball, is designed to be added to every wash and claims that you’ll see results within five days of use. It is a cost-effective, reusable washing machine cleaner that is kind to the environment, cruelty-free and can be used for the dishwasher, making it great value for money. Lemi Shine may be an eco-friendly choice, but it’s just as hardworking as any other. That’s because the two-in-one option—powder and wipes—is made of natural citric extracts, citrus oil, and sodium bicarbonate. These ingredients work hard to banish both residue and smells, and it is exceptionally good for those with hard water, because it can even dissolve stubborn calcium buildup. The product is versatile, too. You can use this on all washing machines! Much like a dishwasher, you might tend to think of a washing machine as a self-cleaning appliance that does not require additional cleaning. However, a washing machine should be cleaned monthly to get rid of bacteria and residue so it can continue to leave clothes feeling and smelling fresh. Regular maintenance and cleaning can extend the life of your washing machine, and there is no more convenient way than to use a washing machine cleaner. If you think your washer is creating a commotion, follow these easy steps on How to fix a loud washing machine.

Follow our five easy steps and watch the video on How to clean a smelly washing machine. Washing machine has a burning smell Just add two capfuls of Dettol Laundry Sanitiser to your fabric softener drawer and it will kill 99.9% of bacteria even at temperatures as low as 20°C. 2. Water below 60°C doesn’t kill germs For more ways to keep your household running smoothly, sign up for our Home newsletter – it's free monthly. Faulty connection – If there is a faulty connection your machine could turn itself on and off randomly. This can be hard to determine so it's wise to call out a technician. We can't remember if it's the Boy Scouts or The Lion King's Scar that said it first, but it's always best to be prepared before diving into any big cleaning job.Clear out the filter by removing the emergency drain tube and catch any trapped water with a bowl,' says Lucy. 'Carefully release the filter cover, and anything that is trapped should drain out with the water.' Some washing machine cleaners will contain natural, eco-friendly ingredients such as sodium percarbonate, sodium carbonate, and citric acid, while others contain more harsh ingredients such as dyes, synthetic fragrance, and sulfates. Stark recommends taking your allergies and sensitivities into account when choosing a washing machine cleaner to avoid irritation and other effects.

To find the best washing machine cleaners, we spent hours researching various options and top-rated products while considering factors such as type, ingredients, and machine compatibility. We also asked Sara San Angelo, professional house cleaner and founder of Confessions of a Cleaning Lady, and Jen Stark, home improvement expert and founder of Happy DIY Home, for insight and tips on how washing machine cleaners work and what to look for when buying one. The timer will signal to the machine when to move to the next phase of the cycle, while the control board will signify what program to use. If either of these is damaged or worn, the machine may continue to run until it's manually stopped. Both parts can be replaced, but the latter should be done by a professional. Some washing machine cleaners use a strong fragrance to mask the odor of dirty laundry or musty mold. If you would prefer a minimal fragrance, be sure to choose a cleaner that’s labeled as unscented. These cleaners eliminate odor instead of mask it. WasherThe only downside to this is that washing on hot temperatures costs more. In our tests, we measure how much water and energy each machine uses, so we can give you an average running cost. Washing machine won't turn on or off My washing machine won't turn on As anyone can tell you, the closer you creep towards middle age, the more your fantasies revolve around getting the right appliances – and looking after them.