How do you clean your washing machine?

You can clean your washing machine in 3 steps:

• Step 1: turn a hot cycle and clean the rubber ring.
• Step 2: unclog the drain of your washing machine.
• Step 3: remove limescale
• Step 4: clean the detergent drawer

Your washing machine smells bad and doesn't clean your clothes properly anymore. The smell soaks into your laundry during the wash cycle and bacteria aren't washed out completely anymore. The good news is that you can make your washing machine smell fresh again in a couple of steps. For example, start a hot cycle at 90°C. Do this with an empty drum. To get rid of bad smells, make sure to clean the rubber ring around the drum as well. Read how to do that here.

If the washing cycle suddenly takes a suspiciously long time, or if your drum is still full of water, your washing machine could not be draining the water anymore. Your washing machine can't pump the water away anymore because the filter or the drain are blocked, or because the pump is broken. If your washing machine drain is blocked, your laundry pile will keep growing. By taking matters into your own hands, you can make your drain flow again in a few steps.

Limescale is bad for your washing machine and shortens its lifespan. Limescale also prolongs the time it takes before water is heated up. As a result, you use more energy and risk a broken heating element. The good news is that you can do something about it.

If detergent builds up in the drawer, you get grease buildup and musty odors. That's why you should clean the detergent drawer often. Gently pull the soap container out of your washing machine and rinse it with warm water. Remove caked soap residue, if there's any. Dry all parts with a clean and dry cloth and place the detergent drawer back.