A cleaner washing machine

White vinegar and bicarbonate of soda as remedies for a clean washing machine

By Federica Galli

The washing machine is the appliance that keeps your laundry clean, hygienic and fragrant, but to keep it that way, you also need to keep it shiny! How? Through simple natural remedies, you can: remove limescale and detergent residues, eliminate unpleasant odours and clean the washing machine filter.

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Natural remedies to remove limescale and detergent residues.

Limescale and detergent residues are two factors that should be kept under control, as they can damage the whole appliance if not checked and removed. They can also stain laundry if the appliance is not maintained. To remove limescale and detergent residues, all you need to do is use simple products that are within everyone’s reach: white apple or wine vinegar or baking soda. These remedies are also very useful for eliminating germs and bacteria present in the washing machine. 

Natural remedies to combat unpleasant odours in the washing machine.

If you use your washing machine almost every day, it may have unpleasant odours, perhaps due to dirty clothes or dampness from inside. To eliminate these unpleasant odours, it is simple, you need the bare minimum: white vinegar and a few drops of lavender essential oils. The first step is to pour white vinegar, diluted with water, and a few drops of lavender essential oils into the detergent tray. Finally, programme the washing machine for a long wash at 60°. At the end of the wash, remember to always leave the door open because if you keep it closed, mould is very likely to form. With these simple steps, the washing machine has been sanitised and rid of unpleasant odours. This is a simple, effective, economical and organic procedure that should be carried out at least once a month.

Natural remedies for cleaning the washing machine filter.

After a series of washes, it is necessary to clean the washing machine filter, as it can become clogged by the accumulation of dirt. Two natural and inexpensive products can be used to clean the filter: 

• White vinegar: take a basin, fill it with vinegar and soak the filter for a couple of hours, then rinse it, dry it and put it back in place. This remedy is used when the filter is full of limescale.
• Baking soda: To clean the filter, use a toothbrush and baking soda. Scrub until the limescale is removed. This remedy is used when the presence of limescale is slight.

For clean, scented and sanitised laundry, this step should be done every four months, so as not to risk ruining your clothes. 

These remedies are simple, inexpensive and within everyone’s reach, all that’s missing is the desire for these strange and atypical tasks.