How to Clean a Washing Machine Using a Dishwashing Tablet

If you’re a fan of Mrs. Hinch, you’ll know that she has a knack for cleaning. Not only is she a social media star, but she’s also an author who has two books on the Sunday Times bestseller list.

Before Mrs. Hinch met her husband, Jamie, she worked as a hairdresser and a waitress. They married in August 2018. She and Jamie have a son, Ronnie, who turned one in June 2020 (opens in new tab), and are expecting another baby.

1. Empty the drain hose

Mrs. Hinch, the cleaning guru, is well known for her unique social media account that shares her top cleaning hacks and tips. She has amassed over three million followers and her first book Hinch Yourself Happy became a Sunday Times bestseller.

In her spare time, Mrs. Hinch also enjoys cooking and baking and her recipes have even been featured on the BBC. She has also written a few books about home interior design and she has a golden spaniel called Henry, who appears on Mrs. Hinch’s Instagram account (opens in new tab).

Mrs Hinch also shares her cleaning tips with her fans on her blog, Mrs. Hinch Home, where she aims to turn the dreaded chore into something more fun and upbeat. One fan recently asked Mrs. Hinch how to clean a moldy washing machine seal,, and the cleaning guru had a cheap and effective answer.

2. Clean the dispensers

Cleaning guru Mrs. Hinch (real name Sophie Hinchliffe) shared a surprising hack on her cleaning tips Facebook group after one woman asked for help. It’s cheap and straightforward, and it uses a dishwashing tablet that you probably have in your kitchen cupboard already!

During the wash cycle, residue from detergent, fabric softener, and soap can build up in the dispensers of your washing machine. This buildup can clog the dispensers and make them ineffective, so it’s important to clean them regularly.

A common cleaning solution is to use vinegar and baking soda to get rid of this residue. The two ingredients can help to break up any soap and detergent buildup, and will also clean out the fabric softener and detergent dispensers.

If you have an automatic dispenser, it’s a good idea to clean it once a month. This will prevent it from clogging, which isn’t just bad for your clothes but can also damage the washer’s internals.

3. Clean the exterior

If you want to keep your washing machine smelling fresh and looking as good as new, mrs hinch recommends cleaning the exterior of it. This will help prevent dust and dirt from settling on it, which can spill into the machine during laundry day.

To give the exterior a good clean, Mrs. Hinch suggests using a sponge, damp cloth or all-purpose cleaner. Make sure you use a non-abrasive cleaner to avoid scratching the surface.

In addition to the exterior, she also advises cleaning the dispenser drawers. A spray like Flash bathroom cleaner can remove any build-up of soap and fabric conditioner in the drawers.

Another helpful tip is to clean the seal on the door of the machine every time you wash it. This will prevent mould from forming. It will also ensure that your clean washing doesn’t pick up any dirt as it exits the machine. This will help your machine last longer.

4. Clean the gaskets

A front-loading washing machine requires a rubber seal to prevent water and soap from leaking out. The gasket can get a buildup of gunk and mold that can smell or stain clothes.

Mrs Hinch, the famous cleaning guru who gained millions of followers on social media, has shared one of her most popular tips for removing mould from your washing machine gasket. One user posted a picture on a cleaning hacks Facebook group, asking for tips to remove ‘unsightly black mould’ that had covered her grey gasket.

Hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice create an effective cleaner that inhibits mold growth and cleanses the seal. You can also try using a vinegar solution. However, if the stains on your gasket are stubborn, you may need to add bleach to the mix.