In our homes, we can be so consumed by the ever-growing list of household chores that we forget to clean the items that do the for us. When you think about it, when was the last time you gave your a proper scrub?

We expect our washing machines to keep our clothes dirt-free and smelling nice, but it is hard for it to do so without being clean itself. An expert has revealed a quick and easy way to look after your washing machine by giving it a deep-clean. Jack Callaghan, known to his 1.4 million followers as @jack.designs, explained that you should start by removing the filter and detergent tray and giving these a proper clean with some dish soap and water.

Next, spray some white vinegar in the filter and detergent tray compartments. Let it sit, then give it a good scrub with a sonic scrubber or an old toothbrush.

For your machine's rubber seal, generously spray before placing some microfibre clothes in there and leaving for up to an hour, Jack .

White vinegar can be used on the door and hinges, he explained, and you should then run a hot cycle with either white vinegar, soda crystals, or a washing machine service cleaner. This will help your machine to smell "fresh and good as new". Jack also recommended leaving the detergent drawer and load door open slightly after a wash to let the moisture out.

You should try to deep-clean your washing machine using this method every one-to-three months, Jack said, adding: "Your clothes will thank you."

"I love white vinegar and use it pretty much without fail every-time I do a reset. It's such an effective natural cleaner, plus very affordable," the cleaning expert said. It can be used as a 10-minute soak for metal plugs to remove water marks and scum, and can be sprayed on stainless steel, glass, or mirrors for a streak-free finish.

White vinegar can also work as a natural fabric softener without leaving your laundry smelling strongly. For a shiny dishwasher, you could place a good amount in a dish then put your machine on a hot wash - this will also neutralise odours. You should try to clean your dishwasher every 30 days to make sure it's in "tip-top shape", Jack explained.

An incredibly popular home-cleaning tool, white vinegar can dissolve limescale and grease. It is a great alternative to harsher chemical products, but while it has antibacterial properties, it shouldn't be used as a disinfectant against diseases like Covid-19, cleaning brand Purdy and Figg .

When using white vinegar to clean you should make sure not to mix it with a base like bicarbonate of soda as the two will react together and the result will be a useless mixture that won't be good for cleaning. "You should also avoid mixing vinegar with hydrogen peroxide and bleach; these combinations will create highly toxic and corrosive solutions," the brand stated.