MoneyHousehold & BillsWashing machinesIf you're dealing with an musty mildew smell in your washing machine, there's two household items you might want to consider using11:23, 15 Jun 2026Our washing machines get put through a lot on a regular basis, making sure that all of our clothes and linen are cleaned thoroughly. However, as the appliance gets put through its paces, there may be some unexpected consequences people are overlooking, such as mildew and mould build-up.‌Mildew odour builds up in washing machines primarily because of trapped moisture, detergent residue, and dirt creating a breeding ground for mould and bacteria. Using low-temperature washes frequently, combined with closing the door immediately after use, speeds up mildew’s development in the appliance.‌However, one cleaning fan has shared a simple hack to get rid of those unpleasant smells. Georgia, more commonly known as Clean with Georgia on TikTok, recommended using two common household items for the job.‌All you’ll need is a lemon and some toothpaste. Georgia wrote in her video: “Remove mildew smells from your washing machine with this lemon and toothpaste hack.”All you’ll need to do is take a lemon and slice it into two halves. Follow by squirting a liberal amount of toothpaste onto the lemon’s flesh.‌Pop the lemon directly into the washing machine drum and run on a hot cycle. Afterwards, you should notice that any lingering mildew aroma has been soaked up by the lemon and toothpaste.The unusual combination works due to the lemon’s citric acid, which breaks down mineral deposits, while the mild abrasiveness of the toothpaste works for scrubbing away any affected areas inside the washing machine. The lemon works as a natural antibacterial agent.Content cannot be displayed without consent‌Toothpaste acts as a mild abrasive to scrub away mildew and grime from washing machine rubber seals and drums, especially when used in conjunction with lemon. The minty, cleansing properties of the toothpaste help remove mould stains and leave the machine smelling fresh when paired with a hot wash cycle.While the hack works to remove dirt, mould and grime, it can also give the appliance a burst of freshness. You can also add extra toothpaste to the inside door seal to help get rid of any mould build-up in hidden spots.Bret Jackson, a professional cleaning expert at Letti & Co, also said there are other benefits to the addition of lemon for our clothes. He told Homes & Gardens: “Lemon juice is a natural disinfectant and will help to kill any bacteria that may be present on your clothing. It is a natural fabric softener and will help to keep your clothes looking and feeling their best.Article continues below“The fresh scent of lemon juice will leave your laundry smelling clean and fresh. It is also a natural bleaching agent, so it can help to brighten your laundry.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Washing machinesCleaningLife hacksTikTokMould