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Nancy Birtwhistle’s Expert Tips for Fresh, Clean Dishwashers and Washing Machines

1 October 2024  |  Admin

At The Refill Jar, we’re all about sustainability and eco-friendly solutions. That’s why we’re excited to share cleaning expert Nancy Birtwhistle’s ultimate guide to keeping your washing machine and dishwasher in top shape using natural, effective ingredients!

1) How to Clean Your Washing Machine Naturally

You’ll Need:

Steps: If your laundry is coming out of the washing machine with grey or brown marks, or if there’s a musty smell, it’s time for a deep clean. Soap scum, limescale, and mould often accumulate in the detergent drawer, rubber door seal, and filter.

  • Clean the detergent drawer: Remove it and spray it with a natural cleaner like Pure Magic (or your preferred eco-friendly cleaner). Use an old toothbrush to scrub away any soap scum or limescale in the housing.
  • Clear the filter: Located at the bottom of the machine, this filter can collect lint, buttons, coins, and limescale. Place a tray underneath to catch water before unscrewing it, then clean thoroughly.
  • Tackle the rubber seal: Mould and soap scum love to hide in the rubber door seal. Use Pure Magic to kill the mould, but you might need a special eco-friendly recipe to remove stubborn black stains. Nancy recommends making a thick foam that clings to the rubber to break down the residue effectively.

2) Eliminate Dishwasher Smells the Eco-Friendly Way

You’ll Need:

Steps: If your dishwasher isn’t smelling as fresh as it should, it’s probably time for a deep clean:

  • Clean the filter: Remove the filter and basket, typically located at the bottom of the dishwasher. Rinse off any food debris, and if the filter is greasy, soak it in a sink with washing soda and hot water for 10 minutes.
  • Citric acid treatment: After cleaning the filter, sprinkle 4 tablespoons of citric acid in the bottom of the machine. Run a 60°C cycle to leave your dishwasher sparkling clean and smelling fresh.

3) Keeping Your Dishwasher Fresh Between Deep Cleans

You’ll Need:

Steps: You don’t have to deep clean your dishwasher every week. Here’s how you can keep it fresh between deep cleans:

  • Spot clean: Use a hot water solution with eco-friendly washing-up liquid and an old toothbrush to scrub away any grime from the filter and door edges.
  • Lemon refresh: Pop spent lemon halves on the top rack of your dishwasher (make sure to remove the pips) and run a hot cycle. The lemon will naturally freshen up your machine and help cut through any remaining grease.

Bonus Tip: If you don’t have lemons on hand, 4 tablespoons of Pure Magic will work just as well!

These simple yet effective methods will help you maintain a fresh, clean washing machine and dishwasher using eco-friendly products. Happy cleaning from The Refill Jar!