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Households are being urged to pour mouthwash in their washing machines for a really important reason this May.

A cleaning expert from an appliance repair firm has shared the unusual tip in a bid to help remove germs and reduce odours in your laundry cycle.

Washing machines, despite being regularly filled with hot water and cleaning products, do build up dirt, grime and bacteria over time and can even be prone to mould.

Ian Palmer-Smith, appliance appliance repair expert at Domestic & General, says that a sloshing of mouthwash straight in the detergent drawer is a cheap and easy way to keep your washing machine clean, and that this 'maintenance wash' should be performed every three months.

He said: "Your washing machine should be deeply cleaned every one to three months to prevent bacteria, mould, and detergent build-up. However, you should perform a maintenance wash once a month; this involves running a hot, empty cycle with a dedicated washing machine cleaner. If you don't have a dedicated cleaner, white vinegar or baking soda are good alternatives.

"Mouthwash can also be used to clean your washing machine. Pour half a cup of alcohol-based mouthwash directly into the drum or the detergent drawer, and run an empty cycle. This allows the antiseptic properties to kill bacteria, sanitise the drum, and leave it smelling fresh. For best results, pair this with cleaning the detergent drawer and filter as these are often the quickest places to get dirty.

"You can also try disinfecting your laundry load with mouthwash. Using mouthwash on clothes with stubborn odours, like activewear and socks, can help to remove lingering smells and bacteria. Make sure you use a colourless option to prevent staining your clothes or the washing machine's interior.

"Using mouthwash in moderation should not damage your washing machine, but it's important not to use too much at a time as this can lead to excessive suds and even overflow if it reacts with your detergent.

"An overflowing machine can cause internal damage and costly faults, so remember to keep an eye on your laundry cycle when you use this cleaning hack. Having washing machine insurance in place can provide peace of mind and help cover any unexpected costs should something go wrong.

"Additionally, high alcohol content in some mouthwashes can degrade certain fabrics, so it's best not to use this tip on delicate clothing."