The washing machine. A loyal household warrior who, day after day, devours the dirt from your clothes without question. But while you're delighted with the freshness of your shirt or the whiteness of your towels, your machine is quietly accumulating... well, let's call it household horror: hair, lint, small coins, mold, and that something we can't define, but we know it stinks.
And this is where the problem lies: if he does this washing machine If we don't clean in time, we can face stinky revenge - in the form of musty clothes, a slow wash cycle or, in the worst case scenario, a call to the repairman. A real plot twist for anyone who swears by fresh laundry without the smell of a musty basement.
What do most people never clean (but should at least every 3 months)?
There is a small but extremely important part hidden in most washing machines – filter. You'll find it at the bottom of the machine, often hidden behind a discreet door. Its job is simple but vital: it catches everything that doesn't belong down the drain. Hair. Tissues. Sand from running shoes. Missing earrings. And a whole lot more that you don't want to see again.
But when this filter can no longer breathe under the weight of all the household fossils, the machine starts to breathe difficultThe result? Poorly washed laundry, suspicious odors, and long wash cycles. Or as they would say in a movie trailer: “When the filter can no longer handle it, the real drama begins.”
Why is regular filter cleaning crucial (and why doesn't anyone do it)?
First of all – yes, we totally get it. No one wants to fold laundry, let alone clean parts of a machine that are supposed to work “automatically.” But unfortunately, no technology has yet invented a self-cleaning filter (although they should – hello, innovators!).
If you clean the filter regularly:
- the machine will use less energy and wash faster,
- you will extend its lifespan,
- and (most importantly!) you'll avoid a smell that could be described as a mix of a wet basement and stale gym socks.
Vivien Fodor, laundry care expert at Hotpoint, advises to clean the filter at least every three months, and even more often if we do laundry often, have pets, or come home muddy like kids from camp.
View this post on Instagram
How to Clean the Filter Properly? Here's a Guide Everyone with a Washing Machine Should Get
1. Find the secret compartment
Open the bottom front of the machine. There you will find a small door – usually you need to open it with a coin or your finger. If you have long since lost the manual (you are not alone), look up your machine model online and check the exact location of the filter.
2. Mini Mission Equipment
Prepare the following: a container for water, an old toothbrush, a cloth, detergent (or white vinegar), and some courage. Also, be prepared for water to flow out of the opening – so a container is a must.
3. Remove the filter (slowly, don't panic)
Twist the filter cap off – it can be tricky, as there’s probably a mini layer of history already in there. When you pull it out, be prepared for some water and (un)expected smells.
4. Thorough cleaning
Rinse the filter under hot water, use a toothbrush for stubborn dirt, and – for extra disinfection – a few drops of vinegar. You’ll be surprised what you’ll find. (Maybe even the missing button from that sweater from 2021.)
5. Don't forget the casing
Use a damp cloth or paper towel to clean the inside of the filter housing. This is where slimy deposits tend to accumulate. If you find it disgusting, consider that it's even more disgusting if you never clean it.
6. Reinstallation
Once everything is dry and clean, put the filter back in, screw it on tightly, and close the door. Congratulations – you’ve just extended the life of your machine by a few years!
Let's finish like laundry - fresh and fragrant
Your washing machine filter is the silent hero of your cleanliness. And now that you know what it's hiding, you'll probably never carelessly turn on your machine again without thinking about it. Give it what it deserves – cleaning every three months – and it will gratefully return the favor with fresh, soft laundry… without any unpleasant surprises.
