Quick, easy habit means washing machines will ‘never’ have ‘mould’

A quick and easy habit will banish mould and “grunge” from your washing machine and it doesn’t cost a penny – though it does require consistency.

Washing machines are an integral, useful household appliance that typically gets a lot of use. Though they’re responsible for cleaning our clothes, it doesn’t take long for washing powders and detergents to build-up, causing unwanted and unsightly residue which can impact the machine’s effectiveness.

Keeping the washing machine clean can prolong its lifespan while also enhancing the longevity of clothing by ensuring items remain in decent condition. But how can you keep mould and grime away without resorting to costly cleaning products?

Many people turn to social media looking for tips and hacks to improve the cleanliness of their homes.

On Reddit’s popular Cleaning Tips sub, one social media user asked: “What is one cleaning habit that saves you the most time every week?

“I am always looking for practical habits that make cleaning easier instead of waiting until everything becomes a big job.

“What is one routine or small habit that consistently saves you time? It could be something you do daily, weekly or whenever you notice it needs attention.”

They added: “I am interested in simple ideas that make it easier to keep a home clean without spending hours on it every weekend.”

Their post prompted a flurry of responses and tips, with one person sharing their solution for banishing grime build-up and mould from their washing machine.

She explained every time she uses her washing machine, she completes one simple task and it’s prevented any unwanted dirt issues.

She said: “Drying the rubber seal and detergent drawer of my washing machine every time I use it. I never have to remove mould or gunge from it as it is never allowed to build up.”

Another Reddit user agreed: “I started doing this last month after an incredibly disgusting deep clean, and it’s already helped SOOO much.

“Especially as someone with 3 dogs, it keeps dog hair from building up. I just hang the microfiber on the washer door and wash it every couple loads.”

But someone else countered: “Just leave the door and detergent drawer open. Same thing, no work”.

To which, the woman replied: “I have always left the drawer and door open on my washing machine and it still got mouldy/mildewy.

“I think the trapped water doesn’t dry out very easily. Just saying what I do though, great if just leaving the door/drawer open works for you.”

Other tips people were keen to share included: “Someone taught me, if you have to wash your hands, do the dishes. This way I’m cleaning one or two quick items as they accumulate.”

Another said: “The number one way to cut down clutter is to have less stuff. It’s a lot easier to put things back where they belong if everything has an orderly, organised place that it DOES belong, which is much simpler to stay on top of if you keep the amount of stuff you own pretty minimal.”

And someone else added: “Every week, the night before the garbage truck runs, I go through the fridge and do a toss. Any leftovers, funky produce, anything that’s not getting eaten is getting tossed.

“… Doing it consistently over time makes this a less than five minute task, makes room for the new restock, and saves the icebox from becoming a big nasty clean out every few weeks.”