A POORLY maintained washing machine has to work harder and may cost more to run.
These easy tips will perk up your appliance and may prevent pricey repairs.
FIDDLE WITH THE FILTER: Check the washing machine filter to make sure trapped fluff, loose coins or odd socks aren’t stopping it working correctly.
Make sure the machine is off. Then, put a shallow tray just under the filter opening.
Twist the handle or unclip to take the filter out. Let the water flow into the tray. Pull out anything causing a block.
GERM BUSTER: Vinegar has hundreds of uses around the home and one of them is cleaning your washing machine drum and seal, where bacteria love to hide.
Put some white vinegar on a cloth and wipe along the seal. Then pour 500ml of the vinegar into the empty drum. Run a hot wash at 90°C or higher.
Find more washing machine tips in the advice section at AO.com.
HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW: Pet and human hair can spell trouble for washing machines. Get a helping hand to keep it clean with Vamoosh pet hair dissolver, £4, or Vamoosh washing machine cleaner, £3.50, from Wilko.
DIRTY DRAWERS: A quick wash of your detergent drawer will banish germs and nasty smells. Pull out the drawer and soak it in a bowl of hot water with washing-up liquid.
Then, wipe out the drawer slot with a wet cloth. You can use an old toothbrush for hard-to-reach corners.
Go back to the drawer itself and wipe off any mould or soap scum on the inside and outside. Rinse and return to machine.
THE WHITE STUFF: Using the correct amount of your normal detergent for the size of your wash and the hardness of your water should help prevent limescale. For extra help, an anti-limescale product, such as Tesco limescale prevention gel, 1l, £4.40, should work.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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