If you're finding your clothes come out of the washing machine as dirty as they went in or smelling slightly whiffy, the culprit might be the machine itself.
The sole purpose of your washing machine is to clean, so you'd be forgiven for thinking it's clean as a whistle! As it turns out, there could actually be a build-up of old detergent and bacteria lurking in there causing it - and the clothes it washes - to smell.
Need some help cleaning your washing machine? Our experts at the GHI explain how to do it in four easy steps.
4 steps to a clean washing machine
- Wipe the drawers with a damp cloth after each use to stop detergent build-up. Every couple of months, pull out the entire drawer and clean it thoroughly in hot, soapy water, then leave it to air dry before placing back in the machine. Give the fabric conditioner section some special attention as gunk is especially prone to building up in there.
- Run a service wash once a month or a hot wash (60C or higher) with no clothes or detergent in the machine. This will rid the machine of mould and bacteria. Every three to six months, we'd recommend using a proprietary washing machine cleaner — we're fans of Dr Beckmann Service-it Deep Clean. This will ensure that the dirt you can see, and can't see, is eliminated, leaving it fresh and hygienic.
- Check and clean drain filters regularly. Water also tends to collect in the base of your machine and can become quite smelly. Use the supplied, built-in drain hose and lower the end into a large bowl for the water to collect. If there's no hose, you will have to gradually unscrew the filter and catch the water in a shallow bowl. Ensure you place towels around and under the machine as it can get quite messy, so go slow!
- Wipe the drum's seal with a solution of diluted bleach. Do this after every few washes to prevent build-up of mould and bacteria. Make sure it's completely dry before you run the next load to avoid getting bleach on your laundry.
GHI Tip: Although it's more environmentally friendly to wash at colder temperatures, this can cause bacteria to build up in your machine. In such cases, make sure you're cleaning your washing machine often or running a hot wash once a week (when you wash your towels, for instance).
Top tips to keep your washing machine clean
- Do not overdose with detergent. This leads to a build-up of residual suds in the machine which contribute to mould and mildew growth. Stick to the dosage as recommended on the packaging.
- Empty your washing machine as soon as it’s finished. Leaving damp laundry sitting in the drum for a prolonged time will encourage bacterial growth and leads to smelly clothes.
- Leave the door and the detergent drawer open between uses. This lets the washing machine fully ventilate any residual moisture, deterring bacteria.
- Keep up with regular cleaning to make the task easier in the future.
- It’s an expensive addition, but a water softener can prevent limescale from forming in your washing machine and help your appliances last longer. It does this by removing the limescale-forming minerals from the water, including calcium and magnesium.
Washing machine cleaning kit
Dr. Beckmann Dr.Beckmann Service-it Deep Clean Washing Machine Cleaner
Marigold Marigold Squeaky Clean Flexi Microfibre Cloth
As the Household Advice Editor, Katie looks after all things cleaning and decluttering. She started out as a Junior Tester in the Good Housekeeping Institute 10 years ago, so she’s tested plenty of appliances in her time too, including dishwashers and washing machines. Nowadays, she focuses on keeping our cleaning content up to date and accurate, testing relevant products and learning about the latest methods and trends along the way.
