A cleaning guru has shared just how easy it is to give washing machines a deep clean - and keep any mould at bay while you’re at it. Chantel Mila, who goes by Mama Mila on TikTok, revealed that you need two natural ingredients to tackle unwanted mould in the appliance.

All you need to do is come armed with some white vinegar and essential oils. Chantel captioned her video: “When was the last time you deep cleaned your washing machine? 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.”

Mould can build up in washing machines due to a combination of factors, including moisture, warmth, as well as organic material left from detergent. The inside of the washing machine makes a prime environment for mould to grow, especially in places like door seals, detergent drawers, and the inner drum.

To give your washing machine a deep clean, Chantel advised mixing one cup of white vinegar with 20 drops of tea tree or clove oil. Soak clothes or flannels in the solution until they’re nicely saturated.

Place the clothes on the washing machine’s seal. While the solution is working its magic, Chantel recommended draining the pump for “stagnant water” and clearing the machine’s filter, as well as rinsing the detergent drawer in hot water to prevent any residue build-up.

Vinegar can be an effective cleaning agent as it can help remove hard water deposits as well as dirt and grime. The acetic acid in the vinegar helps dissolve mineral deposits and hard water stains, as well as removing odours.

Once you’ve finished cleaning the rest of the washing machine, remove the clothes from the seals and give them a wipe to remove any mould and its spores. To give the appliance an extra clean, run it with one cup of white vinegar or washing machine cleaner.

White vinegar can also be used in conjunction with baking soda in the seal. When the two mix together, they react and produce carbon dioxide.

This in turn creates a fizzing action that helps to lift dirt from the washing machine. Experts from Hometalk noted: “Address the rubber seal by pouring bicarbonate of soda and adding vinegar, creating a powerful fizzing reaction that tackles hidden dirt.”