How often should I clean my washing machine?
A full clean — seal, drawer, filter and hot empty cycle — every couple of months suits most households, and monthly if you wash sports kit, nappies, pet bedding or run several loads a day. Between those, the small habits do the heavy lifting: wipe the seal dry after the last load, leave the door ajar, and slip in a hot wash for towels or bedding regularly rather than washing everything cool.
Can I use vinegar to clean my washing machine?
It is a popular suggestion and it does help with limescale and light odour, but acid used often can be hard on rubber seals and hoses over time, so treat it as an occasional measure rather than a monthly routine. If your machine is under warranty or you have a high-end model, check the manufacturer's guidance first — most name the cleaning products they consider safe, and following that advice costs nothing while ignoring it can cost a repair.
The small habits that keep it fresh
Use less detergent than instinct suggests, particularly in soft-water areas; excess is exactly what feeds the residue. Skip fabric softener, or use it rarely, since it coats both fabric and machine. Do not leave wet laundry sitting in the drum overnight — set an alarm if you must. And every so often, open the door and actually look inside, because this is a job that is far easier to keep on top of than to rescue.
