Put 2 Lemons in the Washing Machine Tub: You’ve Never Had So Much Fresh Laundry

Place two lemons in the drum of your washing machine, and you’ll be amazed at the results. This simple, time-tested trick will give new life to your clothes, leaving them fresh and clean with minimal effort.

Why Try This Trick?

On a daily basis, our washing machines work hard to keep up with our laundry—whether we’re a single person, a couple, or a large family. The laundry pile can seem endless, and while modern washing machines boast impressive technology, sometimes our clothes don’t come out as fresh as we’d like.

Have you noticed an unpleasant odor in your laundry or found that your clothes aren’t as fresh as they used to be? If so, it might be time to try a new approach. The issue could stem from detergent buildup or the accumulation of germs and mold in your machine. Fortunately, there’s a simple, eco-friendly solution that works wonders: lemons.

What Happens When You Put Two Lemons in the Washing Machine?

You might assume that only high-end detergents will give you the clean clothes you’re after, but that’s not the case. In fact, expensive detergents can often leave residues that clog your machine’s pipes, resulting in laundry that smells bad or feels less than fresh. Over time, detergent buildup can even promote mold, mildew, and bacteria growth in your washing machine, particularly in the detergent compartment.

This is where the humble lemon comes in. Lemons are natural cleaners, known for their antibacterial, whitening, and deodorizing properties. By placing two lemons in your washing machine, you can effectively tackle these issues. The acid in the lemon juice helps break down detergent residues, eliminate bad odors, and even disinfect your machine.

How to Clean Your Washing Machine with Lemons

Freshen the Detergent Drawer
Detergent and softener residues often accumulate in the drawer, promoting bacterial and mold growth. To clean this area, pour the juice of two lemons and a glass of white vinegar into the detergent compartment. Let it sit for a few hours to dissolve any buildup. Afterward, scrub the compartment clean. The vinegar and lemon work together to disinfect and freshen the area.
Disinfect the Drum
Place the two whole lemons directly into the drum of your washing machine. Run an empty cycle at 90°C (194°F). The heat combined with the natural cleaning power of lemons will clean and disinfect the drum, removing any mold, bacteria, or lingering odors.
Deep Clean with Baking Soda and Vinegar
For an even deeper clean, try mixing 20 grams of baking soda with 1 liter (4 cups) of hot water. Pour this mixture into the detergent drawer, then run a wash cycle with cold water after 30 minutes. This will help neutralize odors and eliminate residues that have built up inside the machine.
Extra Freshness Tip
Another effective option: Mix 5 tablespoons of salt with the juice of one lemon and 1 liter of boiling water. Let it sit for about two hours, then clean your washing machine with this solution to tackle stubborn buildup.
Wipe Down the Machine
After running these cleaning cycles, don’t forget to clean the inside of your machine. Use a cloth dampened with a mixture of vinegar and lemon juice to wipe down the drum seal, door, and metal parts.

Why This Works

The citric acid in lemons acts as a natural disinfectant, breaking down grime and mold while leaving behind a fresh, clean scent. Vinegar further enhances this effect, helping to neutralize odors and dissolve detergent residues. This simple routine can save you from dealing with unpleasant odors, mold, or detergent buildup in your washing machine. Plus, it’s eco-friendly and chemical-free, which is great for both your health and the environment!

Final Tip:
After each wash, be sure to promptly hang or dry your laundry to prevent the growth of mold or mildew. Keeping your washing machine fresh is an ongoing task, but these simple steps will help keep everything smelling great and running smoothly.

Try this lemon hack, and you’ll be surprised by how much cleaner and fresher your laundry can be!