Is it bad for the washing machine if I clean it using home remedies?

If we want to prioritise the cleanliness and durability of our home appliances, it is crucial to look after our washing machine. But what is the correct way to clean a washing machine? There are numerous methods for cleaning the washing machine, from traditional home remedies such as vinegar essence and citric acid to modern solutions like the Siemens washing machine cleaner. However, not all are recommended, and some can even harm the machine.

Can I clean my washing machine with vinegar or vinegar essence?

You might have heard that vinegar is a miracle product that can be used for all kinds of cleaning tasks, including eliminating odours and bacteria. However, you need to take care when it comes to your washing machine as vinegar can attack the delicate rubber parts, such as seals, and cause long-term damage. Instead of using vinegar or vinegar essence, we recommend the use of special washing machine cleaners that protect the seals and effectively tackle odours and bacteria.

Is it a good idea to clean the washing machine with dishwasher tablets?

Dishwasher tablets in the washing machine? Whilst it might sound like a clever hack, it might actually damage your appliance rather than proving beneficial. These tablets are not designed for looking after washing machines and can impair the operation of your machine. For this reason, they should never be used in the detergent drawer or the drum. Instead of using dishwasher tablets, regularly maintain the washing machine using a suitable washing machine cleaner in order to remove deposits and odours.

Is it recommended to clean the washing machine with citric acid?

Citric acid might be a popular home remedy to tackle limescale, but you should think twice before using it in your washing machine. Like vinegar essence, citric acid can also be harmful to rubber components and seals. To safely remove built-up limescale and bacteria without any risks, we recommend that you use our washing machine cleaner.

Looking after the fluff filter and detergent dispenser

One of the simplest but most important things you can do for your washing machine is to clean the fluff filter and detergent dispenser at regular intervals. The fluff filter catches foreign bodies and fluff that come off the laundry during the wash cycle. Cleaning it at regular intervals helps to prevent odours, bacteria and problems with the water outlet. Here, you will find a guide on how to clean the fluff filter.

You should also regularly clean the detergent dispenser to remove dirt and detergent residue that could cause mould, bacteria and unpleasant odours. For this purpose, please see our guide on cleaning the detergent dispenser .

Our recommendation:

Although home remedies can be helpful in many areas of our lives, you need to take care when it comes to looking after your washing machine. To optimally care for your machine and extend its service life, we recommend the use of our washing machine cleaner. It not only protects the delicate parts of your machine, it also ensures your laundry is brilliantly clean and fresh with every wash. By using the correct care product, you can rest assured that your washing machine will serve you and your laundry faithfully for many years to come.

How should you use washing machine cleaner?

Note:

The washing machine should be cleaned roughly every 3 months.

  1. Add the entire contents of the pack to the empty drum.

  2. Select the main wash programme at 90ºC or 95ºC and allow the programme to run through completely without a prewash.

  • This will effectively remove dirt, deposits, detergent residue and odours and ensure that the rubber seals remain flexible and the inside remains hygienically clean.

  • As a result of these steps, you will not only thoroughly clean your washing machine, but also ensure fresh and clean laundry with every wash.

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