A mum has revealed her three-step solution to rid washing machine smells for good – and all the products can be found on your local high street.
A smelly washing machine is a daily frustration, tarnishing the freshness of freshly washed clothes and leaving homeowners searching for effective solutions.
But one ingenious mother opts for a simple solution to eliminate bad odors once and for all.
Addressing Mrs Hinch’s cleaning group, she explained: “My son is a landscape gardener and he got petrol from a lawn mower on his jacket and he put it in my washing machine.
A mum has revealed her three-step solution to eliminating bad smells from washing machines for good – and all the products can be found on her local high street (file image)
On Facebook, the owner admitted that the unpleasant smell emitted by her washing machine was caused by her adult son, whose work clothes regularly absorb gasoline.
And he added: “For two days I have not been able to use it due to the strong smell of gasoline.”
The Facebook user tried using various products and methods to get rid of the unpleasant smell, including multiple washes with hot water, white vinegar, and dishwasher tablets, but nothing seemed to work.
She said: “I tried it with old towels and the smell transfers.”
‘I have done about 10 empty washes, mostly hot, some cold and used baking soda, sodium crystals, dishwasher tablets and white vinegar.
“I may have dulled it a little bit, but it hasn’t budged.”
Asking other cleaning enthusiasts on the Facebook group for advice, she was inundated with responses, prompting the mum to combine a trio of effective products that stopped the odor for good.
First on her shopping list was Dettol washing machine cleaner, acclaimed for its powerful formula designed to kill bacteria, remove limescale and grime, and adds a refreshing fragrance to the machine.
With its powerful cleaning properties, the solution can even be poured directly into the detergent drawer while the machine performs a hot wash (around 60 degrees) to refresh the washing machine.
The determined mother moved on to the next phase of her cleaning regime, opting to scrub the entire washing machine drum with a mixture of cheap dish soap, such as Fairy or Fabulosa, and diluted Zoflora disinfectant.
Their approach ensured that every corner of the machine received a deep clean and left behind a heavenly scent.
First on her shopping list was Dettol washing machine cleaner, acclaimed for its powerful formula designed to kill bacteria.
The determined mother moved on to the next phase of her cleaning regime, opting to scrub the entire washing machine drum with diluted Zoflora disinfectant.
The owner also added a cheap dish soap mix, such as Fairy or Fabulosa, to the diluted Zoflora disinfectant.
Recognizing the need for an extra boost of cleaning power, he offered some smart advice to other homeowners: place a lemon and an onion in the washing machine drum.
Using root vegetables and citrus fruits can effectively absorb any lingering odors, leaving clothes smelling fresh and revitalized after each cycle.
If you’re tempted to try this combination yourself, most of these items are available on the high street for under £5 each.
Dettol cleaner can be ordered direct to your door on Amazon for £3, while Zoflora concentrated disinfectant can be found in most B&M’s for £4.49, as well as Fabulosa liquid detergent for £1.29 .
It comes after experts issued a warning to homeowners in October 2023 to make sure they clean their washing machines properly after a woman discovered mold growing.