Many people overlook cleaning their washing machines, but they can quickly become mouldy and riddled with germs unless they are maintained properly. Marilee Nelson, a cleaning expert from Branch Basics, has shared a very simple way to keep a washing machine clean that requires hardly any effort.  

She said: “Mould and mildew cannot grow in your front loader (or anywhere for that matter) without a food and water source. So, your first step is to remove the moisture from your washer by leaving the door open between washes.”

After doing laundry, moisture and soapy residue left over from the wash can build up around the rubber lining on a washing machine door, which can encourage mould. 

This can leave freshly washed clothes smelling musty, but more importantly, it can wear down the rubber seal and increase the risk of leaks over time.

Simply leaving a washing machine door open to dry out is one of the most effective ways to stop mould accumulating around the rubber seal.

However, it is usually a good idea to clean the edges of your washing machine door at least once a month to remove any soap or limescale clinging to the area. 

Marilee said, “Detergent and scale residue are a prime food source for mould, and also put wear and tear on your washer.

“To prevent mould and extend the life of your front-loading or top-loading washer, I recommend descaling your washer periodically.”

How to prevent mould from building up inside a washing machine

It is incredibly easy to clean a washing machine door in just a few minutes, as all you need is white vinegar, a simple kitchen cupboard ingredient that is naturally antibacterial. 

Add white vinegar to the detergent drawer of a washing machine and place it on a hot wash cycle. 

Put the cycle on a quick wash or let it run for 10 minutes. Then, turn the washing machine off and let the solution sit overnight. 

Then, in the morning, simply run the washing machine through a full wash cycle to remove any mould that might be embedded in the drum. 

You can also use white vinegar to simply give the rubber lining a wipe, and this will also greatly help stop mould from festering in the machine. 

Maintaining a washing machine does not need to be difficult, and if you do these simple steps, your clothes will be fresher and more hygienic whenever you do laundry.