Washing machines will ‘smell fresh’ if you pour 89p item in drawer

Home Bargains is stocking an affordable product that could prove invaluable to anyone seeking to enhance the smell, hygiene, and performance of their washing machine. According to specialists, washing machines should be cleaned every three to six months.

In guidance about maintaining washing machines clean and “odour free”, Currys states that regularly cleaning the household appliance will “help to stop the build-up of mould, bacteria and mildew – and keep it working effectively”. For those searching for an inexpensive, reliable cleaner, Home Bargains may have precisely what’s needed, reports the Liverpool Echo.

The budget retailer is offering a box of Power Action Washing Machine Cleaner for 89p, available both in stores and online. The box includes two pouches of solution that can be poured straight into the main detergent drawer.

Depending on how often you clean your washing machine, one box of the 89p cleaner could last several months without exceeding £1. The “dual action” cleaner is formulated to “reduce odours” and help sustain a “fresh, clean, and efficient washing machine”.

In the product description, Home Bargains says: “Every time you use your washing machine, it can leave dirt, grime and old detergent are left behind. Over time these deposits build up and can reduce the operating efficiency of your appliance and affect the quality of the laundry process.”

“Regular use of Power Action Washing Machine Cleaner not only helps remove unwanted deposits but can also help reduce the build-up of further contamination. To assist efficient and hygienic laundering, it is recommended Power Action Washing Machine Cleaner is used to clean your appliance a minimum of every four weeks.”

The 89p box isn’t the only washing machine cleaner on offer at Home Bargains, with further options available both in store and online at reduced prices. A pack of Dr Beckmann Original’s Service-It Deep Clean Washing Machine Cleaner in ‘lemon fresh’ has been slashed by nearly half, dropping from £3.30 to £1.89.

The cleaning product promises to eliminate 99.99% of bacteria, fungi and viruses, while also helping to “keep your washing machine clean and smelling fresh with its strong deep-cleaning formula”.

Another bargain at Home Bargains is the Elbow Grease Washing Machine Cleaner, normally priced at £1.79 but now reduced to £1.29. The 250ml bottle is designed to tackle detergent build-up, grime, and limescale to “keep your machine fresh and running efficiently”.

The product description reads: “Elbow Grease Washing Machine Cleaner in a zesty Lemon Fresh scent tackles detergent build-up, grime, and limescale to keep your machine spotless and smelling great. Perfect for a fresh, efficient wash every time!”

Why is it important to clean your washing machine often?

Regularly cleaning your washing machine stops detergent residue, fabric softener buildup, and hard water minerals from accumulating. This accumulation creates a warm, moist space for mould and bacteria, leading to bad smells and unclean laundry.

To effectively clean your washing machine, you can opt for either specialised commercial cleaners or everyday household items. Commercial cleaners are designed to dissolve limescale, break down grease, and remove 99.9% of bacteria that may be lurking deep inside the machine’s internal pipes.