Unpleasant washing machine smells vanish when you add 1 fruit to drum

Washing machines are vital appliances in the home that help us get our clothes clean without having to wash them by hand. Although their primary function is cleaning and they get flushed with water regularly, they still need to be maintained and cleaned themselves - or else you could end up with musty clothes.

It's not uncommon for mould and other grime to build up in a washing machine over time. This is especially prevalent in areas where water can sit after the cycle has finished, such as in your detergent drawer and in the folds of the rubber seal.

Cleaning your washing machine regularly is important, and on top of a thorough clean once a month, you should also employ tactics like wiping down the rubber seal and leaving the door open after every use.

But if your appliance has started to smell and your clothes aren't coming out as clean as they should be, there are some things you can do to restore your washing machine's fresh feel.

In fact, all you need is one fruit you might already have in your kitchen - especially if you've started buying fruit to garnish your drinks with this Christmas.

In a post on a Facebook group for fans of cleaning guru Mrs Hinch, one person asked for help getting rid of the foul smell coming from their washing machine, as they said they had never dealt with the problem before and didn't know what to do.

Among the top tips was something very simple - add a lemon to your washing machine cycle.

One commenter explained that if you cut a lemon in half and add salt to both sides, then throw it in an empty washing machine and run a short wash cycle, you should be able to flush out any nasty smells.

However, another commenter insisted that it's vital you give other areas of your washing machine a clean too and not just the drum, as it may not be the drum itself that's causing the issues.

They said: "You need to clean it every month. Take out the drawer and clean it, and undo the filter at the bottom, that's usually where some bad-smelling water will come out. Clean inside the drum by scrubbing and add a washing machine cleanser to the machine on 60."

Others recommended running an empty 60-degree wash with a dishwasher tablet inside the drum, while another stated that once the smells have gone, you must keep the door open when the machine isn't in use so that air can circulate.

How to clean a washing machine

Cleaning your washing machine should always be done according to the manufacturer's instructions. However, here are some generic cleaning tips that should help no matter what appliance you have:

1. Empty the machine to make sure there are no clothes left inside.

2. Clean the detergent drawer: Remove the detergent drawer (if possible) and soak it in warm, soapy water. Scrub away any residue with an old toothbrush, then rinse and dry.

3. Wipe the exterior with mild detergent and a damp cloth.

4. Clean the rubber gasket: Pull back the rubber seal around the door. Wipe inside the folds with a cloth soaked in a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar, or use a mild bleach solution if there's mould. Dry thoroughly.

5. Run a cleaning cycle: Add 2 cups of white vinegar directly to the drum. Run the machine on the hottest and longest cycle. After the cycle, sprinkle 1/3 cup of baking soda inside the drum and run another hot cycle.

6. Clean the filter according to your appliance's manual.

Once your washing machine is clean, make sure to leave the door open after each use to help prevent mould and odours. You should clean your appliance once a month and should never use harsh chemicals that can damage machine parts.