Not baking soda or vinegar – washing machines ‘sparkle’ with 2 items

Homeowner’s washing machine hack goes viral for ‘sparkling’ appliance that ‘smells fresh’

• A TikTok homeowner has impressed thousands with her simple washing machine cleaning hack that doesn’t involve white vinegar or baking soda. Instead, she uses just lemon and toothpaste.
• Lifestyle blogger Kerry, known as Kerriemariehome, demonstrated a budget-friendly technique costing around £1 or less. She cuts a lemon in half, adds toothpaste to each piece, and tosses them into the washing machine for a rinse cycle.
• “For a quick and easy washing machine clean, just cut a lemon in half, add toothpaste, and throw it into your washing machine,” Kerry explained in her viral video. She said it can help eliminate odours and leave your washing machine “absolutely sparkling”.
• The hack has viewers praising its effectiveness. Monika wrote: “Yesss, I was shocked how clean and sparkly my washing machine is after that! And also beautiful smell, 1000% recommend this.”
• Others suggested alternatives like dishwasher tablets or proper washing machine cleaners. Some viewers recommended using dishwasher tablets at 90°C to kill bacteria that cause odours.
• However, former appliance repair technician Renduh warned against the method. She explained that the citric acid concentration in lemons is too low when diluted, and that fruit pulp could get stuck in the drum. The debate continues as homeowners seek cost-effective ways to maintain their washing machines.

READ THE FULL STORY: Washing machines ‘sparkle’ and ‘smell fresh’ if you add 2 cheap items to your routine