An expert has sounded the alarm over a common cleaning product that could be damaging your washing machine. Many people opt for bleach to clean their washers, but despite its germ-killing prowess, it might cause more harm than good.
Julie Edelman, a cleaning expert and author known as The Accidental Housewife, warned Homes and Gardens about why she doesn’t endorse using bleach as the go-to cleaner.
“Yes, it kills bacteria and mould, but it’s pretty harsh,” she explained. “It can damage your machine’s seals over time, and if any residue stays behind, it could harm your clothes or cause skin irritation. Plus, those fumes aren’t doing anyone any favours!”
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In the same vein, laundry experts recommend skipping bleach in laundry cycles, suggesting white vinegar or oxygen bleach for a softer clean with more predictable outcomes. Tim Conn, co-founder and president at Image One USA, advised: “Run a hot cycle with one to two cups of white vinegar in the drum, followed by a second cycle where you sprinkle half a cup of baking soda directly into the machine’s drum.”
He also recommended regular maintenance to prevent mould and grime: “Wipe down seals, dispensers, and other high-moisture areas that often harbour mould and grime using a damp cloth and mild detergent. This combination helps eliminate odors, dissolve detergent residue, and combat mineral buildup.”, reports the Express.
“You can also use specifically designed store-bought washing machine cleaners to clean and deodorise without damaging the inside components. While they may cost more, these are an excellent alternative to bleach for regular maintenance.”
If you’re worried that your washing machine will still be dirty after cleaning with a non-bleach alternative, Taylor Southerland, cleaning expert and president at Charlie’s Soap, suggests changing what you use to do laundry. He said: “The most likely reason you’re in this predicament, however, is your detergent is caking up in the drum, the agitator, and the dispenser. The truth is that gunk isn’t just in your washing machine, it’s in your clothes, too! ” “Not to be gross, but you’re walking around all day in a funk of flower-flavoured BO. Clean has no smell. If you just have to have scented laundry detergent, you may need to increase how often you clean a washing machine.”