Revitalize Your Washing Machine with the Amazing Lemon & Toothpaste Hack
Have you noticed your washing machine doesn’t smell as fresh as it used to? Or perhaps you’ve left a load of wet laundry sitting overnight, only to find a musty odor has taken hold? Many homeowners struggle with maintaining a clean, odor-free washing machine, often resorting to expensive cleaning products. However, there’s a surprisingly simple, cost-effective solution that’s taking social media by storm: the lemon and toothpaste hack.
This unconventional cleaning method uses two common household items to transform your washing machine, eliminating odors and leaving it smelling fresh and clean. Let’s dive into this innovative hack and see how it works.
What You’ll Need
1 lemon
Regular white toothpaste (not gel)
Hot water cycle on your washing machine
That’s it! No expensive cleaning products or complicated ingredients required.
How It Works
The science behind this hack is actually quite sound. Lemons are natural disinfectants thanks to their high citric acid content, which effectively kills bacteria and removes unpleasant odors. Meanwhile, toothpaste contains mild abrasives and detergents that help scrub away buildup without damaging the machine’s components.
When combined, these two ingredients create a powerful cleaning duo that can tackle the grime and bacteria that cause washing machine odors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Lemon
Cut a medium-sized lemon in half
Remove any visible seeds (to prevent them from potentially clogging your machine)
2. Apply the Toothpaste
Squeeze a generous swirl of regular white toothpaste onto the cut surface of each lemon half
You’ll need approximately 1-2 tablespoons of toothpaste per lemon half
Make sure the toothpaste covers most of the exposed lemon flesh
3. Place in Washing Machine
Put both toothpaste-covered lemon halves directly into the empty drum of your washing machine
Make sure there are no clothes or other items in the machine
4. Run a Hot Cycle
Set your washing machine to a short, hot water cycle (most machines have a “quick wash” or “speed wash” option)
The hotter the water, the more effective the cleaning will be
Do not add any detergent, fabric softener, or other cleaning products
5. Let the Machine Work
As the machine runs, the lemon and toothpaste combination will work together to:
Break down buildup in the drum
Eliminate bacteria causing odors
Clean hard-to-reach areas as the water splashes around
Leave a fresh, clean scent
6. Finish Up
Once the cycle completes, open the door or lid to let the machine air dry
You may want to wipe down the door seal or rubber gasket with a clean cloth
No need to run another cycle—your machine is now clean and fresh!
Why This Works Better Than Commercial Cleaners
While there are many dedicated washing machine cleaning products on the market, this homemade solution offers several advantages:
Cost-effective: A lemon costs around 20-30 cents, and you’ll use just a small amount of toothpaste—far cheaper than specialized cleaning products.
Natural cleaning power: Lemons provide natural antibacterial properties without harsh chemicals.
Gentle yet effective: The mild abrasives in toothpaste help scrub away buildup without damaging your machine’s components.
Pleasant scent: Unlike the chemical smell of many cleaners, this leaves a naturally fresh citrus fragrance.
Readily available: Most people already have these ingredients at home, eliminating the need for a special trip to the store.
Expert Tips for Maximum Effectiveness
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