How to clean a washing machine and remove ‘mould, bacteria and odours’

Express.co.uk spoke exclusively to the experts at home appliance brand Beko, about the best way to clean a washing machine - inside and out.

The experts said: “It’s important to clean your washing machine regularly. Whilst we suggest you deep clean your machine once every one to three months - the frequency of your cleaning should depend on how often your appliance is used.

“By regularly cleaning your machine, you can prevent the build of mould, bacteria, and odours, ensuring perfectly hygienic, fresh laundry every time.”

Beko said: “To clean the inside of the drum, add a suitable limescale-remover powder or tablet into the detergent drawer and run an empty cycle at a high temperature (70°C or above).

“When the cycle has finished, wipe the inside of the machine with a cloth to remove excess water.”

The experts advised: “To keep your machine’s rubber seals free from mould and mildew, use a damp cloth and soapy water.

“Carefully wipe around the rubber seals, making sure you do not lift the seals away from the metal. If any dirt remains, use a toothbrush to scrub the surface.”

Beko continued: “Clean the detergent drawer after every four to five uses of the washing machine.

“Detergent drawers can quickly build up with detergent deposits, making it harder for the detergent and fabric softener to travel into the drum.

“To clean, make sure the appliance is turned off, remove the drawer, and wash in warm water.

“Use a toothbrush to reach the corners of the drawer and the fittings. A toothbrush can also be used to clean the underside of the drawer housing.”

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They added: “Make sure to clean the filter on your washing machine on a regular basis. We suggest once every three months, or whenever it becomes clogged.

“The filter, located on the bottom right-hand side of your machine, protects the drain pump from potential damage from foreign objects during the discharging of water, like coins or buttons.”

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