Have you ever done your laundry and after taking it out, the clothes still smelled bad? Maybe it’s not your washing powder, but the condition of your washing machine – very often the problem is not the clothes or the detergent, but the machine itself.

Dirt and lagging water can cause mould and germs to build up in your washing machine.
This causes the machine to start failing and not perform its function as it should. Fortunately, there are several ways to make your washing machine shine again!

#1 Check Your Washing Machine Door

Always leave the washing machine door ajar and preferably open after removing the laundry from inside the drum. The flow of fresh air will make the washing machine cool down faster and germs will have less chance to multiply. You can also open the rinse aid drawer.

#2 Drum Gasket

The rubbery gasket seal acts a bit like a pocket for all the little items you didn’t pull out of your pants. You can find coins, buttons, but also fuzz and lint. Before washing, it is worth checking the pockets of pants and sweatshirts, and after washing, bend the elastic and see if there is nothing left in it. Also, it is recommended to clean the elastic every 6 to 8 weeks. This is quite easy, take a mild detergent and wipe the whole area of the door and sealing rings with it. Then simply dry the area with a dry cloth.

#3 Detergent Drawer

Here it is also worth checking carefully whether there is any liquid or powder accumulated in the drawer. It is worth moving the drawer regularly, airing it out and cleaning it. You can disinfect it with vinegar, just soak a cloth in the liquid and wipe the surface. In the nooks and crannies, use a brush or an old toothbrush. If the drawer dividers are removable, you can put them in the dishwasher and set them to a low temperature.

#4 Clean the Inside of the Washing Machine

Cleaning your washing machine regularly extends its life and improves its performance. Laundry detergent residue can build up in your washing machine and cause it to scale quickly – this can also lead to your washing machine using more electricity when running. An effective way to do this is to use citric acid. Place 7-8 tablespoons of citric acid in the drum and run the washing machine (don’t put the laundry in yet!). If you don’t have acid, vinegar will suffice, which should be poured into the laundry drawer or by soaking a kitchen cloth in vinegar and place it in the drum. Use a cycle with a temperature of about 194° F.

#5 Filter

One of the reasons for which the washing machine does not work properly, is clogged filter. It is important to clean it regularly and remove dirt and lint from it – it is recommended to do this every 2 months. If you do not know exactly where the washing machine filter is located, the instruction manual will help. Take a bowl, rag or towel, paper towels, knife or screwdriver.

Place a cloth or towel on the floor under the washing machine to absorb lingering water. Open the filter lining, if necessary use a knife or screwdriver to do so. Now open the filter flap, remove the strainer and set it aside. Now it is better to remove the dirt with your fingers – use a paper towel or wear rubber gloves. Now clean the removed strainer under running water and remove lint and dirt. Then reinstall all the parts.

Of course, this process will vary from washing machine to washing machine. If you have a pet with long hair or a lot of wool clothes in your home, you should do this process more often.

Do you know any ways to deal with a malfunctioning washing machine? Be sure to share them with us!

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