How to keep your washing machine clean

What you’ll need for a clean washing machine

• Bicarbonate of soda
• White vinegar
• Dish cloths
• Sponge
• An old toothbrush

How to clean a washing machine

Step 1: Remove the washing machine drawer if possible and give it a scrub in hot, soapy water, using your old toothbrush to get into all the nooks and crannies. Then, turn your attention to the compartment in the washing machine that it came from - using your toothbrush and a cloth, remove as much grime as you can.

Step 2: Locate your washing machine's filter cap - this is normally found on the bottom at the front of the machine, usually underneath a cover of some sort. Get someone to help you with this bit, as you'll need to tilt the washing machine away from you so you can catch the excess water in a bowl or tray. Grab some spare towels too just in case!

Start by switching the machine off at the wall and unplugging it. Turn the filter cap anti-clockwise and remove it - sometimes these can be hard work to remove, especially if it hasn't been done in a long time, so try using some pliers to loosen and remove it.

Once the water has drained out, give the cap a good scrub in hot water and use your old toothbrush to clean the area in the washing machine where the water came out.

If you ever lose anything in your machine like hair clips, pennies, or small items, they usually end up here.

Screw the filter cap back in nice and tight, mop up any drips, and switch your machine back on.

Step 3: Add a splash of water to ¼ cup/60ml of bicarbonate of soda to make a slurry. Add to the drawer of your machine.

Step 4: Pour two cups/500ml of distilled vinegar directly into the drum.

Some machines begin every cycle by draining any water in the drum, which in turn will remove the vinegar you just poured in. If yours does this, simply wait until the machine starts filling when you've started your cycle, pause it, and add your vinegar then.

Step 5: Set your washing machine to the hottest wash you have, or a dedicated cleaning cycle if it has one, and let the machine do the hard work. The bicarbonate of soda and vinegar will naturally break up any mould growth while cleaning and refreshing your washing machine.

Step 6: When the cycle has finished simply wipe the drum with a clean sponge or cloth, removing any mould or residue which may be left behind. Remember to lift the seals where possible to remove any hidden residue and use your old toothbrush for those hard-to-reach areas.

Step 7: Use a multi-purpose spray to give the outside of your machine a good clean, paying particular attention to the glass window and the button panel.