Appliances2 min read
How to care for your washing machine
A machine that washes everything else needs a little care itself. Three small routines keep it fresh, efficient and free of that musty smell.
By HouseRoutines team · Published
Quick answer: Drum and seal every 1–2 months, detergent drawer every month or two, pump filter every 3–6 months.
Musty laundry, grey streaks or a machine that drains slowly usually have the same cause: residue and moisture building up inside. Three short routines — at three different rhythms — keep that from happening.
1. Drum and door seal — every one to two months
Pull back the rubber seal and wipe out the fold, where water, lint and detergent residue collect. Then run an empty hot cycle (or your machine’s drum-clean programme), with a washing machine cleaner if you like.
2. Detergent drawer — every month or two
Slide the drawer out completely, rinse it under warm water and brush away any soft residue. Wipe the housing it sits in, too — that is often where mould starts.
3. Pump filter — every three to six months
The filter behind the small flap at the front catches coins, hair ties and lint. Check your manual for the exact steps, and be ready for water:
- Put a towel and a shallow tray on the floor below the flap.
- Drain the water through the small emergency hose if your machine has one.
- Unscrew the filter slowly, clean it and the opening, and screw it back firmly.
Use less, not more
Too much detergent doesn’t clean better; it leaves residue in the machine and in your clothes. Follow the dosage for your water hardness and load size — and fresher towels will follow.
