Ever noticed a musty smell emanating from your washing machine but can’t pinpoint the cause?

Fear not, as one TikTok user has shared a simple solution that doesn’t require any scrubbing. While supermarkets offer cleaning products specifically designed to tackle this issue, they may not always be convenient or affordable.

Anna Louisa (@anna_louisa_at_home) has come up with an alternative using just two common household items to freshen up your appliance. Her video, which has amassed over four million views, reveals her top five home hacks of 2024 so far.

“Deodorise and clean your washing machine drum by cutting a lemon in half, removing the seeds and squeezing a swirl of toothpaste on both before throwing them in the washing machine on a quick cycle,” she advises in her clip.

Her tips have been well-received, with one TikTok user commenting: “Wow super helpful,” Another added: “The video that I needed but didn’t know that i needed,” while a third said: “Thank you so much, love these tips! Keep up the good work.”

However, one person cautioned against the hack, warning: “Be careful with the lemon and toothpaste thing. My neighbour did it and it’s been an absolute mess in her washer for WEEKS. Like bits of pulp and rind all over everything. She can’t get it out.”

In her video, Anna Louisa also shared four additional household tips. She suggested: “Spray furniture pads with perfume or essential oil and stick them in your drawers,” to keep them smelling fresh, advising to “It will keep them smelling fresh. Just add an extra spray when you notice the smell wearing off.”

She then disclosed a tip for keeping taps looking pristine, saying that by rubbing candle wax on them and “buffing” it with a cloth, water marks can be prevented for longer. “The water runs straight off!” she exclaimed.

For those looking to deter spiders and other insects, Anna Louisa recommends: “Fill a spray bottle half way with water and add 20 drops of peppermint oil. Spiders and insects dislike the smell of peppermint so spray this around windows and doors to keep them out.”

Finally, she explained how to deep clean cloths, instructing to “Adding them to an old saucepan of water (make sure it’s not too full or it will bubble over,” and to “Sprinkle in 1/2 cup – 1 cup of bicarbonate of soda (depending on the size of the saucepan. Boil for 15 minutes before letting cool and rinsing with cold water. Wash with your usual detergent on a quick wash cycle and allow to air dry.”