Woman shares washing machine cleaning hack that gets rid of musty smells

If you've spotted a musty whiff emanating from your garments when you retrieve them from the washing machine, it could be down to neglecting one lesser-known component of the appliance. Washing machines are brilliant gadgets that assist us in maintaining our clothing clean and fragrant.

You might assume that since washing machines cleanse garments, they don't require cleaningthemselves, but this assumption is incorrect, and overlooking your washing machine maintenance can land you in a problematic predicament. Even if you wipe down the rubber seal to prevent mould from developing in this typical location, there's still one component you're overlooking, and this could trigger drainage problems, foul smells, and even harm the appliance.

An account called Clean with Georgia highlighted the crucial washing machine element in a TikTokclip, and the content creator demonstrated a five-step method for thoroughly cleaning your device. She started with the component most people overlook - the filter.

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Georgia explained: "Step one is to remove the filter. Make sure you have some sort of contraption to catch all the water [that comes out], because there is a lot. You can use a nappy, but trust me, there is no amount of nappies to catch the amount of water that comes out of my filter."

The filter is typically located at the base of the washing machine and can be unscrewed and extracted. Georgia cautioned that it does "smell", but it requires removal and cleaning to help your washing machine operate correctly.

The woman tackled her washing machine filter with a "sonic scrubber" from Pink Stuff, reaching into every crevice for a thorough clean. The gadget is similar to an electric toothbrush, but if it's not available, an old toothbrush could serve as a substitute.

After giving the filter a good rinse, she slotted it back into her appliance and proceeded with her cleaning regimen. Georgia then spritzed the washing machine door with a cleaning solution and gave it a once-over with a microfibre cloth. She employed the same sonic scrubber for the rubber seal, followed by a wipe down with another microfibre cloth.

Moving on, she grabbed a sponge and some washing up liquid to tackle the inside of the drum. She pointed out that while some might opt for bleach at this stage, she advises against it due to its potential to degrade rubber seals and cause leaks.

The next task was to extract the drawer where laundry detergent is added and give it a thorough scrub to remove any mould build-up.

With the drawer reinserted, Georgia poured some washing machine cleaner into the detergent section and set the machine off on a standard cycle to let the cleaner do its work.

How to clean a washing machine

Always check the product manual for best advice on keeping your appliance clean – as it can vary depending which model you have.

However, as a general rule, you can try the following steps...

1. Clean the Gasket (Rubber Seal):

• Mix equal parts water and vinegar.
• Wipe around the rubber gasket with a cloth soaked in the solution.
• Use an old toothbrush to scrub away mold or residue.
• Dry thoroughly with a clean towel.

2. Clean the Detergent Drawer:

• Remove the drawer (if possible) and soak it in hot, soapy water.
• Scrub away any buildup, then rinse and dry.

3. Drum Cleaning:

• Pour 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum.
• Run a hot water cycle (no laundry inside).
• After the cycle, sprinkle 1/3 cup baking soda inside the drum and run another hot cycle.

4. Wipe Down Exterior:

• Use a damp cloth to clean the outside of the machine.

Extra tips

• Leave the door open after each use to let the inside dry and prevent mould.
• Repeat cleaning once a month or as needed.
• Check and clean the filter (refer to your manual for location and instructions).