The washing machine is one of the must-have appliances as it is indispensable for showing off clean and fragrant clothes every day without too much effort! Too bad, however, that it itself is prone to the build-up of dirt and limescale, such that its good functionality is compromised. But, we’ll let you in on a secret: all you need is a cup of salt in the washing machine to have it as good as new! So, what are we waiting for? Let’s see together how to do it!
To clean it thoroughly
First of all, a cup of salt in the washing machine is a godsend to clean it thoroughly, and to remove any residue, stains or mold. Thanks to its mildly abrasive power and absorbent function, in fact, salt is able to descale the washing machine! All you need to do, then, is to pour a cup of salt into the drum of the washing machine and start, then, a vacuum wash cycle at high temperatures so that the salt can dissolve well. At the end of the vacuum wash, you will notice that the washing machine will immediately be cleaner! We recommend that you do a vacuum wash once a month so that you can keep this appliance clean at all times!
For the drawer, porthole and gasket, however, you can mix 2 tablespoons of fine salt in 3 fluid ounces of water and spray the resulting mixture on a sponge. After that, rub it on the components and goodbye dirt!
To remove limescale
Salt is also known for being a natural limescale remover, capable of acting directly on the amount of limescale in water. Not surprisingly, in fact, it is also used to clear sink drains! All you have to do, then, is to pour a cup of salt into the basket and start the vacuum washing cycle as described in the previous paragraph. In case there are visible lime scale stains, you can also mix the salt with plain water until you get a kind of thick paste. Then apply it to a sponge, after which rub it on the stains. N.B Unplug the washing machine when cleaning your appliance.
To perfume it
Salt, as we have already mentioned, is able to neutralize bad odors and has a high absorptive capacity that can easily absorb scents. Therefore, why not use it to scent the washing machine? In this case, then, we recommend that you add just enough water to a cup containing about 17 ounces of coarse salt, so as to cover it, and then pour in about 10 drops of essential oil from the fragrance you prefer most. We recommend that you prefer lavender or lemon essential oil. At this point, let it sit for about 1 week so that the water can absorb all the salt. Once the water has been absorbed, store these salts in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
For use, on the other hand, simply add 1 tablespoon of this mixture to the empty washing machine drum or even along with the laundry, start the wash cycle, and that’s it: your washing machine will be flooded with an intoxicating scent!
Other uses of salt in the washing machine
Salt in the washing machine, however, comes to our rescue not only to “save” this household appliance, but also our laundry! So, let’s see how to use it!
For bleaching
It may sound too good to be true, yet salt is an ingredient known starting with our grandmothers for its ability to whiten laundry without resorting to bleach! All you will need to do, then, is to dilute some salt with water (so as not to clog the washing machine’s pipes) and pour the resulting mixture into the appliance’s tub. After that, proceed with the washing methods indicated for the fabrics you are washing and you’re done!
To soften
In addition, salt, also performs a softening function, as it acts on the hardness of the water! So, pour 1 tablespoon of coarse salt into the basin from the washing machine along with the other natural fabric softeners (such as vinegar and citric acid) and start the wash. Please remember to combine it with the other ingredients, as the salt acts on the hardness of the water, which can be responsible for lime scale halos or hard clothes that are not as soft as we expect, and not on the fibers of the clothes! That’s how your laundry will immediately feel softer!
