Cleaning expert shares ultimate 'trick' to stop washing machine mould and smells

Washing machines are amongst the most hard-working household appliances, so it's crucial to maintain them properly.

These dark, moist environments create ideal conditions for mould growth, especially around the rubber door seal.

Without regular maintenance, this mould accumulates quickly, leaving freshly laundered clothes with an unpleasant musty smell.

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Fortunately, there's a simple solution to tackle this problem swiftly, needing just two common household ingredients.

Cleaning guru Chantel Mila, who routinely shares domestic tips with her millions of followers, calls this the ultimate "trick" for stopping mould formation.

In a TikTok video, the expert showed an efficient deep-cleaning technique for washing machines, stressing the significance of regular upkeep to prevent mould buildup.

For machines needing a clean, the transformation process requires only white vinegar and tea tree oil to return them to spotless condition.

Chantel noted in her video description: "If your clothes are smelling musty, your washing machine may be the culprit. This method is so easy to do and leaves your clothes smelling so fresh."

How to eliminate washing machine mould

Start by creating your cleaning mixture, blending one cup of white vinegar with 20 drops of tea tree oil. Next, it's time to address the main trouble spot - the washing machine seal.

Drench several cloths in the cleaning mixture and tuck them into the gaps around the seal, letting the solution do its job while you clean other parts of the appliance.

Next, place a large bowl or basin under the washing machine's drain, usually found on the bottom right corner.

Unscrew the gap to release the stagnant water and clear any debris that might have accumulated there.

At this point, you can also take out the detergent drawer and give it a quick scrub with warm, soapy water to remove any product build-up.

By now, the cloths in the sealant should have soaked long enough to get rid of any stubborn mould spores. Take them out and use another clean cloth to swiftly wipe down the rubber.

This should eliminate any remaining mould spots, making it look as good as new.

Lastly, run a standard wash cycle with one cup of white vinegar in the detergent drawer to blast away any mould from inside the drum, and your appliance will be sparkling once more.