Washing machine disinfectant ratings

If you don't regularly clean your washing machine's system, it will soon become a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms. Bacteria will settle on the parts, causing mold and mildew to form. This "wealth" will then contaminate your laundry. To prevent this, it's essential to clean your washing machine from the inside out. We'll present a list of the best washing machine disinfectants to help you maintain your appliance. We'll also discuss which formulas are effective in killing germs and mold.

The best chemicals for cleaning a washing machine

How and with what to disinfect a washing machine? This is a question many housewives ask. If we talk about folk remedies, then citric acid, table vinegar, and baking soda are good at fighting bacteria. You can also find household cleaning products designed for cleaning the inside of vending machines on store shelves. Which products should you look for?

The top 7 will include the most effective yet affordable products. The ranking is based on real reviews from SMA users.

• Tiret cleaner rightfully takes first place. It neutralizes unpleasant odors from your washing machine and removes limescale and scale. It provides a comprehensive cleaning solution. It contains citric acid, non-ionic surfactants, and fragrance. A 250 ml bottle costs about $2. Users say it's the most effective solution of its kind.
• Lysol washing machine cleaner ranks second. It helps fight viruses and bacteria, killing up to 99.9% of harmful microorganisms. Its formula is dermatologically tested. It's chlorine- and phosphate-free, and its main ingredients are citric acid and benzalkonium chloride. The fragrance leaves your washing machine smelling fresh after cleaning. A 250 ml bottle costs about $3.50.
• Next on the list is Dr. Beckmann liquid cleaner for automatic machines. It effectively removes dirt, scale, limescale, and soap scum. It also protects the machine's metal components from corrosion and rubber components from drying out. Regular use of this equipment disinfectant will help extend the life of the appliance. It contains citric acid, glycerin, surfactants, and activated carbon. A 250 ml bottle costs $2.80–$3.00.
• Celesta hygienic cleaner will help you maintain your washing machine. This powder kills bacteria and germs that have taken up residence in the machine, and also combats mold and mildew. It also eliminates unpleasant odors from the appliance and helps remove limescale and soap deposits. According to user reviews, this product is very effective, capable of removing even the most stubborn stains. A 250-gram package costs $2.
• Fifth place in the ranking goes to Antinakipin. While the powder's primary purpose is to combat limescale, it also serves other functions: it eliminates unpleasant odors and removes soap scum. The product doesn't have a negative impact on the machine's internal components, but rather extends the life of the equipment. Its main ingredients are essential citric acid and sodium sulfate. A packet, costing $0.60–$0.70, is enough for three uses.
• Next on the list is a concentrated cleaning solution from the Israeli manufacturer Shumanit. This liquid easily eliminates unpleasant odors from the washing machine, kills germs, and effectively removes limescale. It also has protective properties, protecting the internal components of the washing machine (heating element, drum, and others). It contains seven organic acids and preservatives. A 550 ml bottle costs $3.80–$4.
• Many housewives successfully use Domestos, a versatile product, to disinfect their washing machines. It removes mold, mildew, limescale, and dirt. It's one of the most powerful cleaners for household appliances. It can also be diluted with more water and used to clean floors, plumbing fixtures, and other surfaces around the home. A 500 ml bottle of Domestos costs just $0.75–$0.85.

Before using any washing machine disinfectant, carefully read the instructions for use provided on the packaging.

You can also clean your washing machine with bleach. It costs next to nothing, but it's effective against most stains. After disinfecting the machine with household chemicals, it is important to thoroughly rinse it from the inside, running several rinse cycles in a row.

Criteria for choosing a cleaning agent

Before purchasing a cleaning product, you need to decide what your primary purpose is. If it's a preventative cleaning, it's best to avoid harsh cleaning agents. Regular baking soda mixed with vinegar or a packet of citric acid will do. For limescale protection, select the appropriate household chemicals.

Be sure to check what is included in the disinfectant.

It's best to choose cleaners with natural ingredients and avoid chemicals containing large amounts of harsh chemicals. It's also a good idea to read reviews from people who have already used the product.

Therefore, when choosing a disinfectant for your washing machine, look at:

• functionality (what purposes it is intended for);
• price;
• composition (it’s better to disassemble each component, because if you don’t rinse the machine well, particles of the substance may end up on the laundry during washing);
• cost-effectiveness of consumption.

By thoroughly evaluating store-bought and homemade products, you'll have no questions about how to disinfect your washing machine. Choose the most versatile, effective, and, if possible, inexpensive solution.

How to prevent the development of bacteria and mold?

Even disinfecting the machine once a month isn't enough. It's essential to care for your "home helper" daily. The following steps are essential:

• leave the machine door and powder compartment slightly open after washing for ventilation;
• do not store wet laundry in the drum, hang items up immediately after the end of the cycle;
• After using the washing machine, wipe the cuff and the surface of the drum, the inner glass of the hatch and the powder drawer with a dry cloth to prevent the formation of mold;
• install a filter in front of the machine or use a water softener for hard water;
• Clean the debris filter periodically (once a month, and immediately after washing woolen items).

By following these simple rules and regularly disinfecting the inside of your washing machine, it will last much longer. The internal components will be free of dirt, soap scum, and limescale. This ensures your laundry will always be clean and fresh after washing.

   

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