Ewww! Disgusting find inside a washing machine will make you never want to do laundry again
We don't know about you, but doing laundry is one of our least favourite household chores. It's just so time-consuming and tedious!
But even though we may not like it, we still have to do it – especially if we want our clothes to be clean and presentable.
Unfortunately, as much as we might try to keep our washing machines clean, there's always going to be some dirt and grime that accumulates over time, no matter how often we run a cycle.
And if you're someone who hates cleaning as much as we do, then you're definitely not going to like what we're about to tell you.
A recent TikTok video from user @OneMinMicro has gone viral, showing the disgusting contents of a washing machine filter that he inspected under a microscope.
In the clip, @OneMinMicro shows viewers an up-close look at the dust mites, worms, and other microscopic creatures living in his machine – and trust us, it's enough to make your skin crawl.
@OneMinMicro says that this could be the cause of unknown allergies, as dust mites mostly feed on skin cells.
Since the video was posted, it's been viewed millions of times and has left many people grossed out.
Some viewers were shocked that soap and the washing machine's temperature didn't kill the parasites, while others were frustrated by the clip, claiming there are dust mites everywhere.
If you're feeling extra icky after watching @OneMinMicro's video, then you'll be pleased to know that there are ways to prevent your washing machine from becoming a breeding ground for these critters.
Perth woman Carolina McCauley, who has more than 1.1 million followers on TikTok where she shares cleaning and home organisation advice, posted a video last year explaining how you should be cleaning your machine several times a year.
‘Did you know your washing machine needs to be drained and cleaned every three months?’ she captioned the video.
When cleaning your machine, Ms McCauley says it's important not to forget to empty and clean the filter as it could otherwise result in your washing appliance smelling unpleasant.
As the rather unpleasant pictures show, it’s good common sense to clean your washing machine regularly to prevent the build-up of mould, mildew, and other bacteria. Here are some tips from us here at the SDC on how to clean your washing machine:
1. Run a hot water cycle with bleach.
Add a cup of bleach to the empty washing machine and run a hot water cycle. This will help to kill any mould or mildew that may be growing in the machine.
2. Clean the door gasket.
The door gasket is the rubber seal that is located around the door of the washing machine. This is a common place for mould and mildew to grow. Use a rag and some bleach to clean the door gasket.
3. Clean the detergent dispenser.
The detergent dispenser is another common place for mould and mildew to grow. Use a rag and some bleach to clean the detergent dispenser.
4. Wipe down the inside of the washing machine.
Use a rag and some bleach to wipe down the inside of the washing machine. Be sure to reach all of the nooks and crannies.
5. Run another hot water cycle.
Run another hot water cycle to rinse away any bleach that may be left on the surfaces of the washing machine.
So there you have it, folks! If you're looking to keep your washing machine as clean as possible, be sure to give it a good once-over every few months.