The washing machine. That everyday still life hero that we trust with our most elaborate socks and even more elaborate Monday outfits without a second thought. But how many of us have ever really wondered what this household machine can do? And no, we're not talking about it being able to spin laundry in both directions - we're talking about a mysterious button that can take your laundry to a whole new level. Or at least prevent your laundry from starting to smell like a wet basement from 1994. Let's see! The mysterious button of the washing machine!
The washing machine – that silent household marathon runner – devours tons of laundry, dirty socks and why-is-it-always-so-stained T-shirts every week. Does it reliably spin, wash, rinse, drain and… keep secrets? Yes, you read that right. There is the mysterious button of the washing machine, which most owners never press. Not because it's hidden in a parallel reality, but because (let's be honest) most of us never read the instructions.
TikTok discovery that smells clean – the mysterious washing machine button
On TikTok—that digital mine of surprisingly useful tricks—a user recently revealed a feature that every self-respecting washing machine owner (and a desire for fresh-smelling laundry) should know. The trick is as easy as counting to five: turn on the machine, hold down the rinse button for five seconds… and boom—self-cleaning cycle!
No brushes. No vinegar. No Saturday existential crisis in the middle of cleaning the drum.
The author of the video enthusiastically concludes with: “Then let the magic happen!” And honestly, if a machine cleans its own guts for us, that's pretty close to magic.
@lynsey_queenofclean 🧺✨ Did You Know? ✨🧺 If you have a Hotpoint washing machine, you might be sitting on a game-changing cleaning hack! 🫧 🔥 It has a self-clean mode! 🔥 Simply hold the rinse button for 5 seconds, switch it on, and let the magic happen! ✨ This helps keep your machine fresh, clean, and working at its best—because let's be honest, even washing machines need a good wash sometimes! 😉 Give it a go and let me know if you try it! #cleaninghacks 1TP10Laundrytips #hotpointmagic #queenofclean #homehacks #fyp ♬ Join Me for a Drink? – Sunrise Party
Why would we even do that? Is the mysterious button on the washing machine unnecessary?
If you thought washing machines cleaned themselves on the fly because there's water and detergent inside... then we have bad news. The inside of the machine - especially the rubber seals and drum - is a haven for bacteria, mold, and that mysterious "something's not right, but I don't know what" smell. Over time, detergent residue, limescale, and microbes that no one invited to the party settle there.
Regular cleaning means better washing efficiency, less smelly laundry and – most importantly – a feeling of having things (at least partially) under control.
What if your machine isn't a magic model?
If your machine isn't exactly from the "smarter than you" generation, don't worry. Most machines have at least some drum cleaning program. If that doesn't work either, it's time for the good old combination: vinegar, baking soda and a little good will. Monthly cleaning is recommended – yes, even if the machine hasn't officially asked you to do it. And yes, sometimes you'll have to go under the seal by hand. Be brave. There are more stories hidden there than in your "Promotions" email folder.
Technology that works for village
Little household tricks like this “secret” button remind us that technology can sometimes surprise us – if we give it a chance. Or if we regularly scroll TikTok. In any case: the next time you start the machine, try the trick. If it starts cleaning itself, congratulations – you’ve just won a new level in the game of “adult life”.
And even though the machine won't thank you (because it doesn't have emotions), you - and your wardrobe - will be much happier.
📌 Bonus tip: Have you ever checked your washing machine filter? No? Then you're in for a surprise. Maybe even more than one.
