Cleaning washing machines

Half a cup of washing soda or white vinegar are my favourites - either will clean the washing machine and dishwasher. The machine will be completely grease and odour free, without poisoning anything along the way.

I use Dr beckman washing machine cleaner every couple of months. I also use a dishwasher cleaner every month. I won't show you the pictures of the dishwasher filter...

Careful !

I've clogged the filter on my washing machine and broken it .
I used to vacuum the blankets thoroughly, shake and vacuum again prior to washing them .
My dogs also had a major groom once a week and a gentle shampoo - and that helped .

These washing bags, apologies for a stupid question, but if the bags keep the 'crud etc' in them, how do the items come out clean but not covered in the crud, too?

I have read online about using a dish washer tablet on a hot wash. Intend to try it.

Most people here wash dog and horse blankets in a large outdoor machine at the garage.