Stop using vinegar to clean washing machine and do 1 thing instead
Experts have urged people to never use vinegar when cleaning your washing machine (stock image) (Image: Getty)
For many, white vinegar has become a staple in many people’s cleaning cupboards. Not only is it cheap, it also works great as a multi-purpose cleaning product, and can often be used alongside baking soda.
However, there are some instances when using store-bought cleaning solutions might be a better idea. One of these moments is when you need to clean your washing machine.
According to washing machine manufacturer Beko, you’re supposed to clean your washing machine once every one to three month, depending on how often you use your appliance.
This includes cleaning the filter, the detergent drawer, the drum, door seals, and outside, while also using a self-cleaning cycle if your washing machine has that.
While it can be easy to just reach for the white vinegar to clean your washing machine, experts at Which? has now explained that this might not be a good idea.
Taking to the brand’s social media pages, they have now explained the reason why you should leave the white vinegar in the cleaning cupboard when the time comes to clean your washing machine.
“Stop using vinegar to clean your washing machine,” the woman said at the start of the video, saying it could be damaging to the machine.
She went on to explain that vinegar is acidic, which can damage the rubber and plastic parts that are fitted inside, including the silicone seal around the door. If these break or get damage, it can lead to an expensive fix to get it replaced.
Instead, she went on to recommend to just run a hot cycle once a month at 60 degrees or higher, and making sure to add a washing machine cleaner during these cycles, which can be bought in most supermarkets, or other stores that sell cleaning products.
How to clean a washing machine
According to Beko, you should wash each part of the washing machine separately, in order to get them as clean as possible. For example, you can remove the detergent drawer to wash it in the sink, in order to help prevent build-up from laundry detergent.
They went on to say that the filter of the washing machine should be cleaned every three months, or whenever it becomes clogged, whereas the drum should be cleaned with suitable cleaners on a hot cycle every three to six months.
The door seals and outside should also be wiped cleaned with a cloth when needed. The outside can also be wiped along with washing up liquid to remove any stains,.
Every washing machine might have different instructions on how to best clean them, so look in the user manual to find the guidelines for your specific appliance.
