You’re using your washing machine wrong – viral cleaning hack is a must-know

A CLEANING expert has highlighted a nifty way to ensure your washing machine remains in top condition.

Irish TikTok star Laura de Barra shared the tip in a video posted to her 27,000 followers earlier this year.

TikTokFabric softener sometimes gets left behind in the dispenser drawer of your washing machine[/caption]

It relates to the small drawer where you put laundry detergent before setting the appliance off.

“You might be wondering why your dispenser drawer is hanging on to fabric softener and not using the full amount you put in every wash,” Laura, 35, said.

She then removes the drawer from her washing machine to reveal the source of the problem.

As it turns out, the inside of the appliance contains “spray holes”, as Laura puts it, that pump water into the drawer to flush their contents into the drum.

These holes are frequently blocked with leftover power, limescale or mould, meaning your detergent or fabric softener isn’t effectively washed away.

“If you’re finding one section isn’t getting picked up fully during a cycle, it probably means that the spray holes are clogged,” Laura said.

“It’s nearly always the fabric softener section.”

To remedy the situation, the London-based former property manager recommends you clean the inside of your washing machine.

To do that, remove the dispenser drawer from your machine as per the instructions provided with the appliance.

Within the gap that the drawer has left behind, there are holes on the roof of your machine.

Give those holes a scrub with either an old toothbrush or dental brushes. Be careful to clean gently so as not to damage your machine.

“Dental brushes are fab because they’re small enough to fit into spray holes like this,” Laura said.

“The bristles are soft enough for your gums so are not going to damage the machine.”

If there is a particularly stubborn outbreak of mould in your machine, Laura recommends getting out the big guns.

Grab an old toothbrush and dip it in a mixture of 50 per cent vinegar and 50 per cent water before scrubbing.

Once your spray holes are cleaned, your fabric softener should drain away from the dispenser drawer without any issues.

TikTokYou’ll need to clean the inside of the appliance to fix the common issue[/caption]

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