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Add Salt to Your Washing Machine — Here’s Why (A Secret Appliance Repairmen Won’t Tell You)
When you think of salt, you probably picture your kitchen — not your laundry room. But what if we told you that adding salt to your washing machine could extend its life, protect your clothes, and even save you money on repairs?
Here’s the scoop on why salt belongs in your washing machine, how to use it properly, and what benefits you can expect.
🧂 Why Add Salt to Your Washing Machine?
1. Prevents Limescale Buildup
If you live in an area with hard water, your washing machine is constantly under attack from limescale — the chalky white residue caused by mineral deposits. Over time, this builds up on your machine’s internal parts, especially the heating element, leading to:
- Reduced washing efficiency
- Higher energy bills
- Costly breakdowns
Salt helps soften water and break down mineral deposits, keeping your machine cleaner from the inside out.
2. Brightens and Revives Clothes
Salt acts as a natural fabric softener and color booster. It helps:
- Prevent color bleeding in new clothes
- Restore brightness to faded fabrics
- Soften rough textiles without chemical softeners
Many traditional fabric softeners can actually coat your machine’s inner workings, contributing to buildup. Salt does the job naturally and safely.
3. Neutralizes Odors and Kills Bacteria
Salt has antibacterial properties, helping eliminate musty smells and bacteria from your drum — especially useful for front-loading washers, which are prone to mold.
4. Cleans the Drum and Pipes
Combined with baking soda or vinegar, salt becomes part of a powerful DIY cleaning solution that keeps your machine’s drum, filters, and hoses clear of grime, soap scum, and detergent buildup.
🧼 How to Use Salt in Your Washing Machine
Here’s how to safely use salt in your laundry routine:
🧺 For Cleaning and Maintenance (Once a Month):
- Add 1/2 cup of coarse sea salt (or table salt in a pinch) directly into the drum of your machine.
- Run an empty hot wash cycle (no clothes) — ideally at 60°C/140°F or higher.
- For extra cleaning power, add 1/4 cup of baking soda or white vinegar.
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