Washing machines will be free of mould with 2-ingredient trick that makes clothes smell fresh

Washing machines will be free of mould with 2-ingredient trick that makes clothes smell fresh If your freshly washed clothes still smell musty, the culprit could be lurking inside your washing machine - but there is a very simple way to keep it clean. There are few things more frustrating than pulling clothes out of the washing machine only to find they smell worse than when they went in. If this sounds familiar, the problem almost certainly isn't your detergent — it's mould hiding inside your machine. Washing machines are among the hardest-working appliances in any household, running load after load in conditions that are persistently dark and damp. That combination makes them the perfect breeding ground for mould, and if left unchecked, that mould will transfer its musty odour straight to your clothes. The good news is that you don't need expensive specialist products to fix it. Cleaning expert Chantel Mila, who has built up millions of followers online with her practical household tips, says just two everyday cupboard staples are all it takes to restore your machine — and your laundry — to their best. Why your washing machine smells Mould thrives in moisture, and a washing machine is never truly dry. Every cycle leaves behind residual water in the drum, the seal, the detergent drawer and the drain filter. Over time, mould spores settle and multiply in these areas, producing the distinctive musty smell that clings to fabrics even after a full wash. The rubber seal around the door — known as the gasket — is the worst offender. Its folds and crevices trap water, detergent residue and lint, creating an environment where mould can quietly build up for months without being noticed. Many people clean the drum and the drawer but never think to check the seal, which is precisely why the problem keeps coming back. The two ingredients you need Taking to TikTok, Chantel shared a step-by-step tutorial on how to deep-clean a washing machine using nothing more than white vinegar and tea tree oil, reports the Express. In the video's caption, she said: "If your clothes are smelling musty, your washing machine may be the culprit. This method is so easy to do and leaves your clothes smelling so fresh." White vinegar is a natural acid that breaks down mould, mildew and limescale without damaging rubber or metal components. Tea tree oil, meanwhile, is a well-known antifungal and antibacterial agent — meaning it doesn't just remove visible mould but actively kills the spores that cause it to return. Clove oil can be used as an alternative and is considered by many cleaning experts to be even more potent against mould. How to deep-clean your washing machine Start by mixing your cleaning solution: combine one cup of white vinegar with 20 drops of either tea tree oil or clove oil in a bowl and stir well. Now address the biggest problem area — the rubber door seal. Soak several cloths thoroughly in the cleaning solution and push them firmly into the folds and crevices of the seal, making sure the mixture makes full contact with any visible mould or discolouration. Leave the cloths in place while you move on to the rest of the machine. While the cloths are doing their work on the seal, turn your attention to the drain filter. Place a large bowl or basin on the floor beneath the washing machine's drain cover, which is typically located behind a small panel in the bottom right-hand corner of the appliance. Loosen the cap slowly to allow the stagnant water inside to drain out, then remove the filter entirely and clear away any debris. Then, remove the detergent drawer completely and give it a thorough scrub with warm, soapy water. Pay particular attention to the compartments where fabric conditioner sits, as the thick consistency of conditioner means it often leaves behind a sticky residue that quickly develops mould. Use an old toothbrush to get into any corners or narrow channels that a cloth can't reach. Leave the drawer to soak if the build-up is particularly stubborn, then rinse and dry before replacing it. By now, the cloths packed into the rubber seal should have been in place long enough to loosen any mould. Remove them and use a fresh cloth — dampened with a little of the remaining cleaning solution if needed — to wipe down the entire seal, getting into every fold. You should find that the mould lifts away easily at this stage. To finish the job, run a hot wash cycle with one cup of white vinegar poured directly into the detergent drawer. How often should you clean your washing machine? Cleaning experts generally recommend giving your washing machine a full deep-clean at least once a month, with a quick wipe of the seal and drawer after every few washes. Leaving the door ajar between cycles also helps significantly, as it allows air to circulate inside the drum and prevents the damp conditions that mould needs to grow. If you live in a hard-water area, a monthly maintenance wash with white vinegar is particularly worthwhile, as limescale build-up can provide additional surfaces for mould to cling to.