My washing machine stank but a three-ingredient combo got rid of the nasty smell immediately
A mum has revealed her three-step solution to banishing bad smells from washing machines for good – and all the products can be found on your local high street.
A smelly washing machine is a daily frustration, affecting the freshness of freshly washed clothes and leaving homeowners scratching their heads for effective solutions.
But one resourceful mum swears by a simple solution to banish bad odors once and for all.
She went to Mrs Hinch’s cleaning group and explained: ‘My son is a landscaper and got petrol from a lawn mower all over his coat and put it in my washing machine.
A mum has revealed her three-step solution to banishing bad smells from washing machines for good – and all the products can be found on your local high street (stock image)
On Facebook, the homeowner admitted that the unpleasant odor emitted by her washing machine was caused by her adult son, whose work clothes regularly absorb gasoline
She added: ‘I haven’t been able to use it for two days because of the strong petrol smell.’
The Facebook user tried using various products and methods to get rid of the unappealing smell, including multiple warm washes, white vinegar and dishwasher tablets, but nothing seemed to work.
She said: ‘I’ve tried it with old towels and the smell transfers.
‘I ran about 10 empty loads, most hot, some cold, using baking soda, soda crystals, dishwasher tablets and white vinegar.
“It may have dulled things a bit, but it hasn’t moved anything.”
She begged for advice from another keen cleaner on the Facebook group and was flooded with responses, leading to the mum combining a trio of effective products that stopped the odor for good.
First on her shopping list was Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner, praised for its powerful formula designed to eliminate bacteria, remove limescale and dirt and add a refreshing scent to the machine.
With its powerful cleaning properties, the solution can even be poured directly into the detergent drawer while the machine is running a hot wash (about 60 degrees) to give your washing machine a freshen up.
Moving on to the next stage of her cleaning regime, the determined mum opted to scrub the entire drum of the washing machine with a mixture of cheap washing up liquid – such as Fairy or Fabulosa – and diluted Zoflora disinfectant.
Her approach ensured that every nook and cranny of the machine was thoroughly cleaned, leaving behind a heavenly aroma.
First on her shopping list was Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner, praised for its powerful formula designed to eliminate bacteria
Moving on to the next stage of her cleaning regime, the determined mum opted to scrub the entire drum of the washing machine with diluted Zoflora disinfectant.
The homeowner also added a mixture of inexpensive dish soap – such as Fairy or Fabulosa – to the diluted Zoflora disinfectant
Realizing the need for an extra boost of cleaning power, she gave fellow homeowners a smart tip: place a lemon and onion in the drum of the washing machine.
Using the root vegetable and citrus fruits can effectively absorb any lingering odors, leaving clothes smelling fresh and revitalized after every cycle.
If you’re tempted to try this combination for yourself, most of these items are available on the high street for less than £5 each.
Dettol cleaner can be ordered direct to you from Amazon for £3, while Zoflora’s concentrated disinfectant can be found at most B&M’s for £4.49, as can Fabulosa’s washing up liquid for £1.29.
It comes after experts issued a warning to homeowners in October 2023 to ensure they properly clean their washing machines after a woman discovered mold growth.