Keeping a washing machine in top condition: a single glass will save you money and effort

The washing machine is a great "savior" at home. And, of course, we use it often to meet our laundering needs. Over time, however, limescale and other dirt can build up in the appliance and can inhibit its performance. As a result, we sometimes end up washing things a second time because there are still residual stains, dirt or bad smells. All this leads to greater energy consumption and forcing the machine to work harder than it needs to.

The solution to this problem fits in a single glass!

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• Coarse salt to combat stains: on non-delicate fabrics, you can use coarse salt. A glass three quarters full, poured into the drum, will help remove sweat stains, for example.
• Coarse salt and bicarbonate of soda for routine maintenance: add a tablespoon of coarse salt and a teaspoon of bicarbonate to a glass of water, mix and pour into the detergent dispenser. Run an empty washing cycle like this once a month.
• Citric acid: pour a glass of citric acid into the drum, and start an empty washing cycle at medium-high temperature (40-60°). This is also a natural way to clean the machine when you detect a musty smell when you open the machine.
• White vinegar: put a glass of vinegar in the drum or in the dispenser and set an empty wash cycle. However, remember that vinegar can ruin the rubber seals inside the appliance in the long run, so it's best not to overdo it.

Note, however, that all these remedies must be accompanied with the standard precautions for using a washing machine: never overload it, manually clean the gaskets, seals and detergent tray frequently, and do not forget to disassemble and wash the filter frequently (and which is often the cause of most malfunctions or excessive consumption).