Washing machines ‘sparkle’ and ‘smell fresh’ if you add 2 cheap items

A homeowner has impressed thousands with her straightforward washing-machine-cleaning trick that requires only two items. Lifestyle blogger Kerry, known on TikTok as Kerriemariehome, shared her “quick and easy” technique, which costs ‘very little’.

The video commences with Kerry holding two halves of a lemon, onto which she squeezes a dollop of toothpaste. She then tosses them into the washing machine and initiates a rinse cycle.

“I know what you’re thinking, but hear me out,” she states in the clip. “For a quick and easy washing machine clean, just cut a lemon in half, add toothpaste, and throw it into your washing machine to eliminate odours and leave your washing machine absolutely sparkling.”

In the caption, Kerry added: “Does your washing machine smell? Use this quick hack – toss lemon halves into your empty washer and run the washer on speed wash with very hot water. After the cycle is finished, you have a fresh-smelling washer – and for very little cost.”

The trick won’t dent your wallet, especially if you already have a lemon and some spare toothpaste at home. If not, you could pick both items up at a supermarket for around £1 or less, for instance.

One viewer, Cheri, queried if anyone had tried the suggested method. Monika responded with enthusiasm, writing: “Yesss, I was shocked how clean and sparkly my washing machine is after that! And also beautiful smell, 1000% recommend this.” Sarah said: “It’s very true, I always use this method.”

Curious about the details, Alice asked: “What cycle do you put it on? A quick wash?” To which Kerry advised: “40c or higher.”

Ellie, on the other hand, argued that there is a simpler option, saying: “Just use washing machine cleaner! No need for sticky lemons.” Lilz shared her own approach: “Just use 2-3 dishwasher tablets once a month.”

Someone else championed the benefits of adding a dishwasher tablet, suggesting: “Better tip, add a dishwasher tablet or equivalent. Set washer to whites select 90C let it run (will take a while) – kills bacteria the source of the smells.”

While some advocate for unconventional combinations like toothpaste and lemon, former professional appliance repair technician, Renduh, cautions against such techniques. She said the method won’t likely clean your machine as thoroughly as you’d want it to.

She said: “Citric acid is a great cleaner, but not in the concentration of a lemon. When diluted in a few gallons of water, washing machines can spin at around 1500 RPMs, so you’ll almost definitely get fruit pulp inside of your washer drum.

“Toothpaste works specifically by the abrasion against your teeth, but that cleaning action doesn’t work when it’s floating around in water. Fluoride in toothpaste is great for preventing cavities, but it does nothing for cleaning.”

Alternative cleaning methods

• Baking soda: Add baking soda to the drum and run a hot cycle to tackle odours and residue.
• Vinegar: Mix white vinegar with essential oils and add it to the detergent compartment, then run a hot cycle to break down minerals and mould.
• Commercial washing machine cleaners: Consider using a commercial washing machine cleaner regularly.

Run a hot cycle with vinegar:

• Empty your washing machine and set it to the hottest water setting.
• Pour two cups of distilled white vinegar into the detergent dispenser.
• Start the wash cycle and let it run to completion.

Run a second hot cycle with baking soda:

• After the vinegar cycle is complete, add half a cup of baking soda directly into the drum.
• Run another hot cycle without detergent to help loosen any remaining buildup.