Coated pans are a must in every kitchen. Thanks to their non-stick coating, nothing sticks when frying and cleaning is child’s play. You also need less fat, which is particularly beneficial for health-conscious amateur cooks. In most cases, the non-stick coating is so robust that it can withstand occasional handling with sharp knives and pointed forks. But what happens if the coating peels off over time? Find out here when you should dispose of your coated pan.

You should dispose of a coated pan if you notice these signs

In principle, there is no exact time limit for how long you can use coated pans. According to experts, it is much more important to look after them properly. Despite good care, many pans show more and deeper scratches with increasing age. The scratches are harmless to health, but reduce the non-stick properties of the pan.

If there are too many scratches, the food could stick to the base of the pan – definitely a reason to dispose of the pan. However, Daniela Krehl from the Bavarian consumer advice center recommends disposing of the pan at the latest when the coating in the pan comes off. But where is the sustainability if you have to buy a new frying pan every few years?

Have the pan recoated

When you dispose of a pan, do not put it in the residual waste, but always at a recycling center. However, there is another alternative: some manufacturers offer to recoat pans. It is best to ask a specialist retailer or research suitable offers on the internet. Prices are usually between 15 and 50 euros.

Health problems caused by coated pans?

If small pieces do come off the coating and you accidentally swallow them while eating, you can rest assured. The particles of the inert substance “polytetrafluoroethylene” are not digested and are ultimately excreted unchanged. The so-called polymer only decomposes at a temperature of 360 °C. This leads to toxic vapors that can trigger flu-like symptoms.

So make sure that you do not heat coated pans too much – especially if they are already slightly damaged. Consumer advocates advise not to leave pans on the hot hob for longer than three minutes without any food in them – and no longer than one minute on induction hobs. The coating of the pan discolors above 230 °C and could even peel off. However, as long as the frying pan is filled with food, overheating is extremely unlikely. Water or food containing water usually does not cause the temperature to rise significantly above 100 °C, i.e. the boiling point of water.

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Extending the life of the pan

To prolong the life of your coated pan, you should avoid extreme temperature changes. When you remove the hot pan from the heat after frying, you should therefore allow it to cool down before rinsing it with cold water or soaking it. Also, only use wooden or plastic cooking spoons and always clean the pan with a soft cloth or sponge. It is often sufficient to wipe out the coated pan with a kitchen towel after use.

If you follow these tips and take good care of your frying pans, you are sure to enjoy them for a long time to come. Unfortunately, signs of use, such as small scratches, cannot be avoided over time. In the event of major damage, it is therefore advisable to buy a new pan or at least replace the coating.

Source: t-online

First come, first served: The online store of discount giant Aldi is currently offering a robot vacuum cleaner at an absolute bargain price: The AEG AR71HW1DG robot vacuum is available for under 300 euros – that’s a whopping saving of 180 euros compared to the RRP! Find out what buyers can look forward to with the robot vacuum from Aldi here.

Robot vacuum cleaner: Small powerhouse from the discounter

Aldi is no longer just a discount store where you can buy cheap food. In recent years, Aldi has also made a name for itself in the non-food sector and every week, customers storm the stores to get a great bargain on garden furniture, solar lights or decorative items.

The discounter even goes one step further in its online store: not only does it offer its successful own brands, but you can also find products from well-known companies online. This is also the case with the current robot vacuum cleaner from AEG, which is available in the Aldi online store. It is advertised as offering savings of almost 200 euros. But what can this little powerhouse really do and is it worth the investment?

AEG Robot Vacuum Cleaner AR71HW1DG

The robot vacuum cleaner from AEG, which Aldi is currently offering at the lowest price, impresses with a powerful suction force of 4,000 Pascal. The smart helper cleans areas of up to 140 square meters with a maximum battery life of 175 minutes. The best thing is that the AEG robot vacuum not only picks up dirt and dust, but also has an integrated mopping function. This means your floors are hygienically clean at the touch of a button.

By the way: This little powerhouse can overcome heights of up to 2 cm – so it can easily negotiate even higher door thresholds.

You can easily control the AEG robot vacuum from the Aldi online store via an app on your smartphone. The scope of delivery includes the AEG AR71HW1DG robot vacuum, a charging station, three brushes and operating instructions.

It pays to be quick: Aldi vacuum robots only available for a limited time

As with many other beautiful and inexpensive things, the same applies to the AEG robot vacuum from the Aldi online store: only while stocks last! If the model is sold out at a bargain price, it will probably no longer be available in this form. So if you’re looking for a robot vacuum and mop for your home for under 300 euros, you should strike quickly!

Source: aldi-onlineshop.de

Do you want a real jungle feeling in your living room or would you like to bring the vacation feeling of the Palmerian banana plantations into your home? Then the banana plant (Musa) is just the thing for you! Not only does it look exotic, it also brings life to your home. To keep your banana plant happy for a long time, it’s important to look after it properly.

The perfect location for your banana plant

The banana plant loves light – the more, the better. A spot right by the window – preferably facing south – is ideal, and it will also love a spot with morning sun. Do you have a conservatory with lots of light and high humidity? Great! It will reward you with lush growth.

However, avoid blazing midday sun in summer, otherwise the leaves may burn or gradually get them used to more light, then you can put them outside in summer. Attention: The banana plant doesn’t like draughts – it’s a real warm shower! That’s why the temperature should not drop below ten degrees Celsius in winter!

How to water correctly – avoid waterlogging

Your banana plant needs water regularly, but it hates wet feet. So water it as soon as the top layer of soil is dry, but make sure that excess water can drain away easily. A pot with a drainage hole and a drainage layer of expanded clay will help.

Fertilize for strong growth

Between spring and autumn, your banana plant will be happy to receive liquid fertilizer every two weeks. This promotes its rapid growth and ensures strong, lush green leaves. In winter, once a month is enough – or you can give it a little break.

Repotting and pruning – this is also part of care

If your banana plant grows vigorously, it will need a larger pot every two years at the latest. Cut off damaged or brown leaves regularly – this allows the plant to put its energy into new growth.

Suitable species for the home

• Dwarf banana ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ (Musa acuminata)
• Pink dwarf banana (Musa velutina)
• Darjeeling banana (Musa sikkimensis)
• Ornamental bananas (Musa tropicana)
• Ornamental or magnificent banana (Musa ornata)

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Caring for banana plants as houseplants is easier than you think

With the right location, regular care and a little attention, your banana plant will become the tropical queen of your home. Banana plant care is child’s play if you know its needs – and water it with love!

Source: Plantura

The monocot – also known as Spathiphyllum is one of the most popular houseplants of all. It looks elegant, purifies the air and is super easy to care for. Nevertheless, it needs some attention if you want to enjoy it for a long time. With these Tricks for monocot care you can do this very easily.

The perfect location for healthy growth

First of all, you should give your Spathiphyllum the right spot. Your Spathiphyllum likes light, but does not tolerate direct sunlight. That’s why it’s best to place it in a spot with indirect light. A north-facing window or a few meters away from an east or west-facing window is ideal. Your monocot also loves high humidity, which is why the bathroom is often a perfect location.

Water tips for successful monocot care

Watering plays a crucial role in caring for monocots! Your Spathiphyllum likes moist, but never wet soil. Therefore, use your finger to check whether the top layer of soil is already dry before watering again. In winter, reduce the amount of water significantly. An important trick: Always use lukewarm, limescale-free water. Tap water is therefore best left to stand overnight so that the limescale settles or you can use rainwater straight away.

Regular cleaning for healthy leaves

The shiny leaves of your monocot easily collect dust, which hinders photosynthesis. Therefore, regularly wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or give your plant a shower with lukewarm water from time to time. This not only promotes leaf health, but also keeps pests away.

Nutrients – the secret bloom booster

You need the right fertilizer for your monocots to bloom beautifully. Add a special green plant fertilizer to the water every two weeks from April to September. Pay attention to the correct dosage, because too much fertilizer does more harm than good. A special trick: add a little coffee grounds to the soil in spring – this provides important minerals and promotes flower formation!

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Single leaf care summarized

With these simple tricks, caring for monocots is child’s play! Place your Spathiphyllum in a bright spot out of direct sunlight, water regularly but not too much, fertilize during the growth phase and keep the leaves clean. You will soon be rewarded with beautiful white flowers that will brighten up your home and keep the air fresh in your bedroom. Good luck with your flowering monocot!

Source: Crazy Plant Boy

Alocasia (engl. alocasia), also known as Elephant ear or Arrowleaf look like little jungle wonders in your home. Their large, shiny leaves attract everyone’s attention – if you look after them properly. To make sure your elephant ear doesn’t hang its head, you should take care of the Alocasia care a few things to consider.

The right location makes all the difference

Your Alocasia loves light, but not direct sunlight. So it’s best to place it in a bright window facing east or west. Too much sun will burn the leaves, too little light will slow down growth. Also make sure that the plant is protected from draughts – it doesn’t like them at all.

Watering with sensitivity

Alocasia needs regular watering, but it does not tolerate waterlogging. Only water it when the top layer of soil is dry. In summer, it is happy with more frequent watering, in winter once a week is usually enough. It is best to use low-lime water, for example rainwater or stale tap water.

Leaf cleaning for XXL growth

You should regularly remove dust from the leaves of your Alocasia to facilitate leaf respiration and photosynthesis. This helps healthy plant growth, ensures beautiful, shiny leaves and thus improves the air quality in the room.

High humidity keeps them happy

Because the Alocasia originally comes from tropical regions, it loves humid air. Spray the leaves regularly with water or place a bowl of water next to the pot. Alternatively, a humidifier will help to keep the climate pleasant for your plant.

Fertilizing for lush greenery

In spring and summer, your Alocasia needs more nutrients. Fertilize it every two weeks with a liquid green plant fertilizer. In winter, you can significantly reduce the amount of fertilizer or skip it altogether.

Caution: The cultivated alocasia available in this country are poisonous and should not be cooked and eaten as in their native country.

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Alocasia care is easy – if you pay attention to a few things

With the right location, the right watering regime and sufficient humidity, your plant will stay healthy and grow vigorously. If you regularly attend to the needs of your Alocasia, it will give you pleasure for a long time – and become a real eye-catcher in your home!

Source: Palmenmann

Do you have an open carton of milk in the fridge that is about to expire? Instead of throwing it away, you can freeze milk for later use. This is a practical solution to avoid food waste, especially if you have a large supply or use milk infrequently. It’s just important to follow a few simple rules to preserve the taste and quality as much as possible.

Common mistakes when freezing milk

When storing milk in the freezer, there is one serious mistake that you should avoid at all costs: Never freeze milk in its original packaging or in a completely full container! As milk expands when it freezes, it needs about 10% more space. If you fill the container to the brim, you run the risk of it bursting or overflowing. Instead, you should transfer the milk to a freezer-safe container and leave at least 2-3 cm of space at the top.

For best results, freeze milk in small portions. Use airtight freezer containers or freezer bags and leave about a third of the container empty, as the liquid expands during freezing. Important: Label the containers with the freezing date. Milk can be kept in the freezer for up to three months.

Tips for better consistency and taste

Milk can be can be frozen without any problemsbut the consistency may change after defrosting. Fat and water often separate – this makes the milk appear somewhat flaky. This is not a sign of spoilage, but a natural physical process. This may be unusual for coffee or muesli, but the change is hardly noticeable in baking and cooking.

Whole milk is more suitable for freezing than low-fat varieties, as it remains more homogeneous after defrosting. Plant milks such as oat, soy or almond milk can also be frozen to some extent – it is worth taking a look at the Information from the manufactureras not all varieties remain stable.

Ideally, the milk should be defrosted in the fridge. Due to the slow defrosting the structure remains more stable and there are fewer texture changes. After defrosting, shake or stir the milk thoroughly to distribute the fat and liquid evenly. Once defrosted, you should consume the milk within a few days.

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What about nutrients when freezing milk?

When freezing milk, the most important nutrients are largely preserved. Protein, calcium and other minerals are insensitive to the cold. The taste can change slightly, especially during prolonged storage – it is therefore advisable to freeze the milk as fresh as possible and consume it within the recommended time.

Also other dairy products such as butter, cream, cheese or yogurt can be frozen easily. If you regularly buy too much, you can use this method to build up a practical stock and save money in the process.

Checklist: Freezing milk made easy

• Use fresh milk: Make sure that the milk has not spoiled and that the carton was well sealed.
• Portioning: Divide the milk into smaller quantities – for example into ice cube molds or small containers.
• Leave space: Only fill containers about two-thirds full, as liquid expands when frozen.
• Pack airtight: Use sturdy freezer bags or tightly sealed freezer tins.
• Date: Make a note of the freezing date – frozen milk can be kept for up to 3 months.
• Defrost slowly: Defrost in the fridge, not at room temperature.
• Shake or stir well: After thawing, mix thoroughly to improve the consistency.

_{This article was created partly with machine support and carefully checked by the editorial team before publication.}

Bananas often ripen faster than you can eat them – and suddenly they turn brown. But don’t worry: you don’t have to throw away brown bananas. They are particularly sweet, aromatic and versatile. If you don’t want to use them straight away in smoothies, cakes or banana bread, you can simply Freeze bananas. This extends the shelf life and ensures that you always have a fruity ingredient to hand – without wasting any food.

Can you freeze ripe bananas?

If your bananas get brown spots and you can’t use them right away, the freezer is your best friend. You have two options: Either peel the bananas, cut them into pieces and pre-freeze them on a tray lined with baking paper before transferring them to a freezer bag. Or you can freeze them with the peel on – then they will turn black but remain perfectly edible inside. Frozen bananas keep for up to 6 months and are ideal for smoothies, nice cream or banana bread. A special tip: blend frozen banana pieces for a healthy, creamy dessert that tastes like ice cream but without the added sugar.

Freeze bananas: How to do it step by step

Freezing bananas is uncomplicated and can be done in just a few minutes. You can freeze the fruit with or without the peel – however, the peel becomes very soft when defrosting and is then difficult to remove. We therefore recommend freezing the bananas peel them beforehand and either cut into slices or freeze whole.

Place the prepared pieces on a baking tray or plate and pre-freeze them for about one to two hours. This will prevent them from sticking together later. You can then transfer the bananas in portions into freezer bags or airtight tins – ideal for space-saving storage and easy reuse.

Tips on storage and use

Use Sturdy freezer bags or reusable containersthat can be sealed airtight to prevent freezer burn. It is also important to note the freezing date clearly visible – this way you always know how long the fruit has been stored. Frozen bananas remain in good condition for up to three months.

For smoothies or banana milk, you can put the frozen pieces straight into the blender. If you want to bake or puree the banana, it is best to thaw it. overnight in the fridge. After defrosting, the banana is particularly soft and sweet – ideal for pancakes, cakes, desserts or banana ice cream.

What about the nutrients?

The most important nutrients in bananas are largely preserved during freezing. Potassium, vitamin B6 and fiber are not sensitive to cold. A small amount of vitamin C can be lost during freezing, but this loss is minimal and no cause for concern.

Like bananas, many other foods can also be can be frozen without any problems – from berries and spinach to ready-made doughs. With the right handling, you can preserve seasonal ingredients and avoid food waste at the same time.

Checklist: Freezing bananas made easy

• Prepare the fruit: Peel bananas and cut into slices or leave in one piece as required
• Pre-freeze individually: Freeze the pieces next to each other on a tray so that they do not stick together later
• Pack airtight: Transfer to freezer bags or airtight tins and seal well
• Label: Note the freezing date – bananas can be kept for up to 3 months
• Defrost correctly: Use overnight in the fridge or directly frozen for smoothies

_{This article was created in part with machine support and carefully checked by the editorial team before publication.}

Washing dishes in the dishwasher is very simple: put the dirty dishes in, press the button and you’re done. But wait a minute! It’s not quite that simple, after all, not every piece of crockery and cutlery can withstand machine washing. If you’ve ever wondered whether a particular item is dishwasher-safe or dishwasher-safe, you should read on quickly.

Manufacturer symbols are supposed to help here – and at the same time cause confusion, as consumer advocates criticize. Not only are the symbols inconsistent, but only very few people are familiar with their meaning, which leads to extremely annoying surprises.

What does the crockery symbol mean?

The glass and fork symbol, which is often found on crockery and storage containers, is probably the most confusing. Here you can find out why it is sometimes printed, but sometimes not, and why the symbol basically says nothing about whether the dishes can go in the dishwasher.

Everything that is intended for the preparation or storage of food needs to be labeled accordingly. This makes it possible, for example, to distinguish a salad bowl from a decorative bowl. There is an exception for crockery and cutlery that is clearly intended for food contact – such as a bread knife.

The glass-fork symbol guarantees that no harmful substances are released into food when used correctly. However, it does not matter whether the label is on the product or on the packaging. The NRW Consumer Protection Agency criticizes this. It is calling for uniform and permanent labeling on tableware.

Important: The glass and fork symbol does not mean that the dishes can automatically be put in the dishwasher! Plastic kitchen utensils in particular can be damaged in the dishwasher, causing them to deform or release harmful substances.

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Dishwasher-safe or dishwasher-safe? What’s the difference?

There is no mandatory labeling as to whether dishes can be put in the dishwasher or not. The information provided by manufacturers is therefore neither standardized nor binding. The only difference is the “dishwasher-safe” label.

• Dishwasher-safe: If a manufacturer describes its crockery as “dishwasher-safe” or “dishwasher-suitable”, then it can go in the dishwasher. However, how often and at what temperature remains uncertain. So you need to be aware that these dishes may well deform or lose their color in the dishwasher. The symbol also looks different depending on the manufacturer.
• Dishwasher safe: However, there are clear standards for the “dishwasher-safe” label. And the water jet symbol is also standardized. However, as certification as “dishwasher-safe” is quite complex and expensive, it is generally only found in the catering sector or on high-priced products. The number above the water jet symbol indicates how many dishwasher cycles the dishes are guaranteed to withstand without damage.

Conclusion

Before you put dishes in the dishwasher, you should find out whether they are suitable for it. The glass and fork symbol has nothing to do with this! On the other hand, most dishwasher symbols are inconsistent. They do not guarantee that the dishes will survive several wash cycles or wash cycles at high temperatures. Here you have to rely on your eye – and replace brittle, discolored or deformed dishes if necessary.

Source: verbraucherzentrale.nrw

Did you buy a generous amount when cooking and now you have a good bit left over? No problem: freezing ginger is an easy way to preserve the aromatic rhizome. Even without a freezer, fresh ginger can be kept for several weeks in a dry, cool place.

Freeze ginger: How to keep the tuber fresh

You have various options when freezing ginger. After the thorough cleaning you can freeze the tuber with or without the skin – it is edible and provides additional protection.

Cut the ginger into slices, cubes or grate it finely, depending on what you need later. Packed airtight in freezer bags or tins, it will keep in the freezer for up to six months shelf life. Particularly practical: frozen ginger can be grated directly without defrosting first.

Alternatives and storage tips

If you don’t have space in the freezer, you can store ginger on a dry, dark place for several weeks. Pickling in honey or vinegar is also a creative method that not only preserves the food, but also opens up new taste experiences.

A clever idea: freeze portions of grated ginger in ice cube molds. This way you have small quantities to hand when needed – ideal for teas, curries or smoothies.

What happens to nutrients when you freeze them?

The valuable ingredients such as Gingerol and essential oils are largely preserved during freezing. Slight loss of aroma can occur during very long storage, but is usually hardly noticeable.

Many other foods also benefit from freezing: Herbs such as parsley, diced pumpkin or grated cheese remain aromatic and handy for spontaneous kitchen ideas. With the right preparation, you can ensure you have a healthy and versatile supply.

Checklist: Freezing ginger made easy

• Prepare: Clean ginger thoroughly, optionally peel and cut or grate
• Portioning: Form slices, cubes or puree, alternatively use whole pieces
• Pack airtight: Freeze airtight in freezer bags or tins
• Label: Note the freezing date – shelf life up to 6 months
• Use: Grate directly frozen or use in portions for teas, curries and smoothies

_{This article was partly created with the help of a machine and carefully checked by the editorial team before publication.}

A washing machine is an indispensable appliance in the household, that much is clear. However, it also requires regular maintenance to keep it hygienically clean and in good working order. Residue from detergent, limescale and dirt can build up and put a strain on the machine. In a few simple steps, you can clean your washing machine and ensure a longer service life – and hygienically clean laundry.

Why it’s important to clean your washing machine

Let’s start with a common misconception: even though your washing machine uses water, that doesn’t mean it cleans itself. (The same goes for your electric toothbrush, by the way.) Residues of detergent, fabric softener and dirt build up on the drum, hoses and seal. These can impair the performance of the machine and cause unpleasant odors. Germs and mold accumulate, especially in the door seal and detergent compartment, if they are not cleaned regularly.

Removing odors: Why regular washing machine care is essential

You may be familiar with this: freshly washed clothes smell musty, even though you’ve actually done everything right. The problem often lies in the machine itself. With every wash cycle, detergent residue, dander, hair or even grease collects in narrow areas. Added to this are heat and moisture, which encourage the growth of bacteria and fungi. The result: a musty, sometimes even foul odor.

Cleaning your washing machine regularly is therefore a must if you want to remove unpleasant odors. Pay attention to the following points to keep your machine clean and odor-free:

• Choose high temperatures from time to time: A 60 or 90 degree idle program kills bacteria and mould spores.
• Leave the door and detergent compartment open: If the machine does not dry out properly, germs collect particularly quickly.
• Make sure you use the right amount of detergent: Less is often more. Overdosing leads to deposits and odors.

By integrating these routines into your daily routine, you not only prevent bad odors, but also get better washing performance and protect your appliance. The drum stays intact for longer and you avoid costly repairs to the heating element or valves, which can become clogged with limescale and dirt.

Environmentally friendly cleaning: Natural home remedies for a fresh drum

Many commercially available cleaners promise quick results, but can damage seals and components. In addition, aggressive chemicals pollute waste water and the environment. Fortunately, there are some home remedies that are effective and gentle on your machine:

1. Vinegar or citric acid:
   Both dissolve limescale deposits and fight bacteria and fungi. If the water hardness is medium, it is sufficient to carry out a wash cycle with vinegar or citric acid (without washing) every two to three months. However, pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommendation – some machines react sensitively to vinegar as it can attack seals.
2. Baking soda or baking powder:
   Baking soda is a true all-rounder in the household. It neutralizes odours, dissolves light grease deposits and has a gentle scrubbing effect without damaging the drum. For example, put two to three spoonfuls of baking soda in the drum and select a long program at a minimum of 60 degrees. Alternatively, you can use baking soda in the empty detergent compartment to soften deposits.
3. Prepare a cleaning solution:
   Combine vinegar with baking soda or citric acid with baking soda (be careful, foam!) and apply the paste directly to seals, rubber edges or the detergent compartment. Leave everything to work for a short time and then wipe thoroughly. This way, you can remove even stubborn residues that have built up over time.

However, to avoid overloading the materials, you should not use these household products every time you wash. Regular use – depending on the water hardness and frequency of use – is completely sufficient. If you have very hard water, an additional descaler may be useful. It is best to follow the water quality in your region and the instructions of your washing machine manufacturer.

Removing the lint filter and mold: step by step to a well-maintained appliance

It is not enough to just clean the drum. Various components can also become dirty and lead to odors. Thorough cleaning therefore includes the following steps:

Step 1: Clean the fluff filter

In most cases, the lint filter is located at the bottom front of the machine. Open the small flap or cover. Make sure you have an old towel or a flat dish ready beforehand, as residual water often leaks out. Carefully unscrew the sieve and remove all lint, hair and foreign objects. Then rinse under running water and remove any debris from the opening itself. Replace the strainer correctly so that there are no leaks.

Step 2: Clean the detergent compartment

The detergent and fabric softener compartments tend to accumulate residues and slime, which provide the ideal breeding ground for mold. Pull out the compartment, soak it in warm soapy water and remove any residue with an old toothbrush. Be sure to check the nozzles and holes through which the water flows into the compartment. Limescale or small foreign bodies can also get stuck there. Rinse everything thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before putting it back in.

Step 3: Remove mold

Mold often forms on rubber seals in particular. This can be seen on dark spots or discolored areas. Spray on a mild mold remover or use a household remedy made from vinegar water and baking soda. Leave the solution to work briefly and then wipe it off with a microfiber cloth. Remaining stains may indicate deeper discoloration. It is worth being patient here and making several attempts. However, if the mold is very severe or the entire seal is cracked and porous, it is advisable to replace the affected parts.

Step 4: Heating up against bacteria

Finally, run your machine through again at 60 or 90 degrees without washing. Add an environmentally friendly detergent if desired. This will remove any remaining residue and germs that would survive at cooler temperatures. Many modern detergents work well at 30 or 40 degrees – but an occasional hot wash cycle is still useful for disinfection.

If these steps are followed regularly, you will enjoy an odor-free, efficient washing machine for a long time. And your laundry will also benefit: it will come out of the drum cleaner and fresher, as soap residue and dirt particles can no longer collect.

FAQ

How often should I clean my washing machine?
A thorough clean every two to three months is usually sufficient. You can also check the lint filter, detergent compartment and seals more often if necessary – especially if you have a lot of wash cycles or notice persistent bad odors.

Is vinegar safe to use?
Vinegar is an effective descaler, but some manufacturers advise against it because acetic acid can attack the rubber seals. Therefore, read the care instructions for your appliance beforehand. Alternatively, citric acid or special machine cleaners are gentler.

What can I do about stubborn mold?
Spray the affected areas – usually rubber seals or the detergent compartment – with a mold remover or a mixture of vinegar water and baking soda. Leave everything to work in and wipe thoroughly. In the case of deep-seated mold, repeated cleaning or replacing the seal is often the only remedy.

Can I keep the machine clean with home remedies alone?
Yes, as long as there are no serious deposits or defects. Home remedies such as vinegar, baking soda or citric acid are good alternatives to aggressive chemicals. They dissolve limescale and remove bacteria and odors. However, ensure the correct dosage and sufficient exposure time to avoid damaging the material.

Source: cleanipedia
Thumbnail image: ©SKfoto – stock.adobe.com, ©Sergey – stock.adobe.com