You should follow this advice if you are washing any clothes this week
Your washing machine can become mouldy when washing during the hot weather(Image: Getty Images)
Households across the UK are being told to avoid making a common washing machine mistake during the heatwave. Temperatures are expected to soar well above 33C as the UK enters its third heatwave of the year this week.
Amid the hot weather, you may be tempted to put your washing on in the hopes that it will dry quicker. But cleaning experts are warning that using your washing machine during a heatwave could lead to mould.
During periods of high temperatures, Heather Nixon at Bio-D is urging Brits to leave washing machine doors and detergent drawers open for a few hours after use, as these hidden hotspots provide the ideal conditions for harmful mould and bacteria to thrive.
Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter
“Heatwaves create the perfect environment for mould growth inside washing machines, particularly if moisture gets trapped in the drum or detergent drawer after use,” says Heather.
“A washing machine might look clean after it’s been used, but residual water, detergent build-up and humid air can encourage mould spores and bacteria to multiply surprisingly quickly.
“Simple habits such as ventilating the drum and drawer between washes makes a noticeable difference in preventing foul smells and mould from developing all year round, but particularly during the intense hot spells that the UK often experiences during the summer when fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels can create damp conditions where mould and mildew thrive.”
Heather advises: “Leaving the washing machine door and detergent drawers open for several hours after each cycle allows the trapped moisture to fully escape without having to use harsh chemicals.
“Combined with regular wiping and occasionally running a hotter maintenance wash, these small preventative steps can help keep washing machines fresher and cleaner for longer.”
