A washing machine is a lifesaver for anyone with a busy schedule—just toss in your laundry, press a button, and let technology handle the rest. But sometimes, in our reliance on these machines, we forget that washing machines themselves also need care. And here’s the surprising part: a simple handful of table salt—something you already have in your kitchen—can “rescue” both your machine and your clothes!

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What Happens When You Add Salt to Your Washing Machine?

It may sound unusual, but this is a surprisingly common household tip, often referred to as a “secret for keeping your washing machine clean and fresh like new.” Essentially, adding a handful of salt offers three major benefits:

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1. Keeps the Drum Clean and Eliminates Odors

Over time, washing machines can accumulate soap scum, mold, and bacteria. This buildup is often why clothes still smell unpleasant even after washing. Salt acts as a mild disinfectant, naturally absorbs moisture, and neutralizes odors. It helps clean the drum without harsh chemicals, keeping your machine hygienic and your laundry smelling fresh.

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2. Helps Clothes Stay Brighter and Preserve Colors

Adding salt during laundry can lock in the color of new clothes, especially cotton fabrics, preventing dye from running. For white clothing, salt helps maintain brightness and reduces slight yellowing, keeping your whites looking fresh for longer.

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3. Prevents Limescale Build-Up and Extends Machine Life

In areas with hard water, mineral deposits can quickly accumulate inside the washing machine. Salt helps soften the water slightly, reducing mineral buildup in the drum and pipes, which in turn prolongs the machine’s lifespan.

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How to Use Salt in Your Washing Machine

1. Cleaning the Machine with Salt

Step 1: Make sure the drum is empty.
Step 2: Add 3–4 tablespoons of table salt directly into the drum.
Step 3: Run a hot wash cycle (60–90°C) without detergent.
Step 4: Leave the door open after the cycle to air dry naturally.

2. Washing Clothes with Salt

When doing laundry, add 1–2 tablespoons of salt to the detergent compartment. The salt will dissolve with the detergent, helping to enhance cleaning, maintain fabric colors, and naturally reduce unpleasant odors.

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Important Notes

• Use pure table salt only (without additives or flavoring).

• Do not overuse salt—1–2 times per month is sufficient to avoid potential damage to metal or rubber components inside the machine.

• Avoid using salt on machines with corrosion warnings or existing leaks.

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A Small Trick, Big Results

Who would have thought that something as simple as a handful of salt could have such a powerful effect? From keeping your washing machine clean, maintaining your clothes’ colors, reducing odors, to prolonging the lifespan of your appliance—this little kitchen staple truly works wonders.