The habits that keep it fresh
Once the machine is clean, keeping it that way costs almost nothing. Leave the door and the drawer ajar between washes so the drum can dry, unless you have a toddler or a cat with opinions, in which case open it after the last wash of the day. Take laundry out promptly; a damp load left overnight re-seeds everything you just cleaned. Cut your detergent dose if you have soft water, because excess detergent is food, not cleanliness. And slot one hot wash into the rhythm of the month — towels, tea towels and bedding at a high temperature do the job while cleaning themselves.
If you use fabric softener heavily, try a month without it and see whether the smell improves. Towels in particular become more absorbent and less prone to that sour note when they are not coated in a waxy layer.
How often should I actually clean my washing machine?
A full reset — drawer, seal, filter, hot empty cycle — about once a season is plenty for an average household, and monthly if you wash heavily soiled sports kit, pet bedding or nappies. Between resets, a quick wipe of the seal when you unload takes five seconds and prevents most problems before they start.
Can I use vinegar in my washing machine?
Plenty of people do, and a cup of white vinegar in an empty hot cycle will help with limescale and freshen a drum that is only slightly musty. Be aware that vinegar is acidic and some manufacturers advise against regular use because of the rubber and metal components inside, so check your manual, keep it occasional, and never combine it with bleach-based products.
