Over time, even the most reliable washing machine begins to smell damp, and a black coating appears on the rubber of the hatch. Water after washing leaves streaks, the laundry does not smell fresh, and the drum becomes covered with a white coating from hard water. The reason is the accumulation of detergent residues, scale and the development of fungus in a humid environment.
But don’t rush to call a specialist or buy special powders for 500 rubles. There is a proven remedy that costs a penny and is found in almost every home.
How to do it:
- Pour 1/2 pack of baking soda into the drum.
- Add 100ml white vinegar directly to the drum.
- Run a hot wash cycle without any laundry, preferably at 60°C or 90°C if your machine allows it.
- After the cycle is completed, wipe the rubber of the hatch and the powder tray with a soft cloth.
Baking soda dissolves fatty deposits and neutralizes acidity, while vinegar destroys scale and kills mold spores. Together they work as a powerful yet safe cleaner without chlorine, fragrances or toxic fumes.
After just one cycle, you will notice: the smell has disappeared, the elastic band has become light, and the drum is shiny. The laundry smells clean again, even without conditioner.
For prevention, repeat this “hygiene” once every 1–2 months and your machine will last longer, and your laundry will always be fresh.
Question and answer:
How to clean a washing machine from odors and mold at home?
Pour 100 g of baking soda into the drum and pour in 100 ml of vinegar. Run a hot wash without any laundry. This will remove odors, mold and scale in one cycle.
Can vinegar and baking soda be used together in the washing machine?
Yes, if you add them to the drum at the same time before washing. They partially neutralize each other, but still effectively cleanse due to alkaline and acidic reactions.
