Put salt in your washing machine. Here's why. This is something appliance repairmen will never tell you.

Hard water, which contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, can leave deposits on your clothes and inside your washing machine. These mineral deposits can lead to dull, stiff fabrics and can cause damage to the machine over time. Salt acts as a natural water softener by binding with the minerals, preventing them from clinging to your clothes and machine parts.

Salt is a natural stain remover. It can help break down and lift stains from fabrics, making it easier for the detergent to do its job. This is particularly effective for sweat stains, blood stains, and grease marks.

Limescale can accumulate in the heating elements and pipes of your washing machine, reducing its efficiency and lifespan. The abrasive nature of salt helps prevent the formation of limescale by breaking down the minerals that cause it.

Adding salt to your wash can enhance the effectiveness of your detergent. Salt helps to release dirt and grime from fabrics more effectively, allowing the detergent to penetrate deeper into the fibers and clean more thoroughly.

Washing machines can develop unpleasant odors due to the build-up of detergent residue, fabric softener, and grime. Salt has natural deodorizing properties that can neutralize these odors, leaving your washing machine smelling fresh.