A washing machine quietly handles one of the most repetitive jobs at home. From everyday clothes and school uniforms to towels, bedsheets and workwear, it deals with loads of laundry week after week. Because it does its job so regularly, it is easy to forget that the machine itself needs a little care too.
You don't need to spend hours cleaning your washing machine or become an expert in appliance maintenance. A simple weekly routine can help keep the machine fresh, reduce unpleasant odours, prevent detergent residue from building up and keep your laundry area cleaner.
The good news is that most of these tasks take only a few minutes.
Whether you use a front-load or top-load washing machine, here is a practical weekly routine you can follow.
1. Start With the Door and Drum
After your final wash of the week, take a quick look inside the washing machine.
For a front-load washing machine, pay particular attention to the rubber door gasket. Water, lint, hair, detergent residue and small items can collect around the folds of the seal. If they remain there for too long, they can contribute to unpleasant smells.
Open the gasket gently and wipe around it with a clean, soft cloth. Check for anything that may have become trapped inside.
For a top-load machine, check the inner drum and the area around the lid. Look for lint, threads, hair or small objects that may have been left behind after a wash.
You don't need strong cleaning chemicals for this routine. A clean damp cloth is often enough for regular surface cleaning.
A small habit that makes a difference
Once the washing cycle is finished, avoid closing the machine immediately.
Leave the door or lid open for a while so that the inside can dry properly. This is particularly useful in humid weather, when moisture can remain inside the machine for longer.
2. Wipe the Detergent Drawer
The detergent drawer is one of the easiest parts of a washing machine to overlook.
Over time, detergent and fabric softener can leave behind a sticky residue. If the drawer remains damp, this residue can become harder to remove.
Once a week, remove the detergent drawer if your machine is designed for easy removal. Rinse it with water and wipe away any remaining residue.
Don't forget to check the compartment where the drawer sits. A small amount of detergent residue can collect there as well.
Allow the drawer to dry before putting it back.
Don't assume more detergent means cleaner clothes
Using extra detergent does not necessarily mean better washing. Too much detergent can leave residue on clothes and inside the machine.
Always follow the detergent manufacturer's instructions and consider the load size, water conditions and washing machine recommendations.
A clean detergent drawer and the correct amount of detergent can make laundry maintenance much easier.
3. Check the Door Seal for Small Items
This deserves a separate step because small objects can easily hide in a washing machine.
Before or after your weekly laundry routine, check the door seal or the space around the drum for:
- Coins
- Hair clips
- Buttons
- Small pieces of paper
- Threads
- Socks or fabric pieces
- Other small objects left in pockets
A forgotten coin may seem harmless, but objects trapped around moving parts can sometimes cause noise or other problems.
Make it a habit to check pockets before loading clothes into the machine. It takes a few seconds and can save you from an unnecessary headache later.
4. Give the Filter Area Some Attention
Many washing machines have a filter designed to collect lint, hair and small debris. Depending on the model, the location and cleaning procedure can be different.
Check your washing machine's user manual to find out whether the filter requires regular cleaning and how the manufacturer recommends doing it.
If your model has an accessible drain pump filter, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully before opening it. There may be water inside, so keep a small container or towel nearby if the manual recommends draining it.
Don't force a filter, cover or component that isn't designed to be removed by the user.
The important thing is not to treat every washing machine the same. Different models have different designs, so your owner's manual should always be the reference for model-specific maintenance.
5. Clean the Outside Too
Your washing machine doesn't have to look dirty to collect dust.
Once a week, wipe the top, control panel, lid or door and sides of the machine with a soft, slightly damp cloth.
If the machine is placed near a kitchen or in an area where dust and moisture are common, you may need to wipe it more frequently.
Avoid pouring water directly over the control panel or electrical areas. The aim is simply to remove dust, fingerprints and small splashes.
A clean exterior also makes it easier to notice something unusual, such as a crack, loose component or water leak.
6. Check Around the Machine for Leaks
Your weekly laundry routine is also a good opportunity to check the floor around the washing machine.
Look for:
- Water under or behind the machine
- Damp areas near the hoses
- Loose-looking connections
- Unusual moisture around the inlet or drain hose
A small leak may not look serious at first, but ignoring it can eventually cause damage to the surrounding floor or walls.
If you notice repeated leaking, don't simply wipe the water and continue using the machine as normal. Check the manufacturer's instructions or contact a qualified service professional.
7. Keep the Machine Level
Does your washing machine shake heavily during the spin cycle?
A machine that is not properly levelled can vibrate or move more than it should, especially during high-speed spinning.
Once a week, take a quick look at the machine and make sure it is sitting firmly on the floor. If it appears unstable or has started moving from its original position, check the installation instructions.
Also avoid placing unnecessary objects on top of the machine. While the top may look like convenient storage space, heavy items can make the area cluttered and may interfere with normal operation.
8. Don't Forget the Washing Machine's Own Cleaning Cycle
Many modern washing machines include a drum-cleaning or tub-cleaning programme.
If your model has this feature, check the user manual for recommended usage and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
A drum-cleaning cycle can help remove accumulated residue from inside the machine. The frequency may depend on how often you use the machine, the type of laundry you wash and the manufacturer's recommendations.
If your washing machine doesn't have a dedicated cleaning cycle, don't automatically assume that a random cleaning product or homemade mixture is suitable.
The safest approach is simple: follow the instructions provided for your specific model.
9. Give Clothes Some Space
Maintenance isn't only about cleaning the washing machine. The way you use it matters too.
Avoid treating the drum like a storage basket where every piece of laundry has to fit into one load.
Overloading can affect how clothes move through the wash and may prevent proper cleaning and rinsing. It can also put additional strain on the machine.
At the same time, running extremely small loads unnecessarily can waste water and energy.
Try to follow the recommended capacity of your washing machine and choose the appropriate cycle for the load.
For example, a washing machine designed for a larger family load may have a different ideal usage pattern from a smaller-capacity machine used by one or two people.
10. Sort Clothes Before They Go In
A simple sorting habit can protect both your clothes and your washing machine.
Separate laundry according to colour, fabric type and washing requirements. Check care labels when necessary and close zippers or fasteners that could damage other garments.
Turn pockets inside out and remove anything that shouldn't go into the washing machine.
You can also turn certain delicate or printed garments inside out before washing them.
These small steps don't take much time, but they can make laundry easier and help reduce unnecessary wear on clothes.
11. Pay Attention to Unusual Smells
A washing machine that smells unusual shouldn't simply be covered up with more detergent or fragrance.
Bad odours can sometimes develop when moisture, detergent residue, dirt and lint remain inside the machine.
If you notice a persistent smell:
- Check the door seal or drum area.
- Clean the detergent drawer.
- Make sure the machine is allowed to dry between washes.
- Check the manufacturer's recommended drum-cleaning procedure.
- Inspect accessible filters according to the user manual.
If the smell continues despite regular cleaning, it may be worth contacting a qualified service professional.
The goal isn't to make the machine smell strongly of detergent. A properly maintained washing machine should simply feel clean and fresh.
12. Don't Ignore Strange Sounds
Your washing machine will naturally make some noise while filling, washing and spinning.
However, if you suddenly notice a new banging, grinding, rattling or unusually loud vibrating sound, pay attention.
Before assuming something is seriously wrong, check the simple possibilities:
- Is the machine level?
- Is the load badly distributed?
- Is there a coin or object trapped inside?
- Is the machine overloaded?
- Has the machine moved from its original position?
If the unusual noise continues, consult the user manual or contact an authorised service professional rather than repeatedly running the machine and hoping the sound disappears.
Your 10-Minute Weekly Washing Machine Routine
You don't need to remember every maintenance task separately. Turn it into a small weekly habit.
Every week:
1 minute: Check the drum and remove anything left behind.
2 minutes: Wipe the door seal, lid area and exterior.
2 minutes: Clean and rinse the detergent drawer.
1 minute: Check the floor and hoses for signs of water.
1 minute: Check that the machine is stable and level.
2 minutes: Check the filter area if your model requires regular cleaning.
1 minute: Leave the door or lid open to allow the interior to dry.
That's roughly ten minutes.
The exact maintenance requirements will vary depending on your washing machine model, so always follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning filters, drums, hoses and other components.
A Few Habits That Are Worth Keeping
Once your weekly routine becomes automatic, a few everyday habits can make it even easier.
- Leave the door or lid open after washing. This allows moisture to escape.
- Remove clothes promptly. Don't leave wet laundry sitting inside the drum for hours.
- Use the correct amount of detergent. More isn't automatically better.
- Check pockets. Coins, paper and small objects don't belong in the wash.
- Don't overload the drum. Give clothes enough room to move.
Use the correct programme. Different fabrics and loads may require different settings.
Follow the manual. Your washing machine's manufacturer knows the specific maintenance requirements of that model.
When Should You Call for Professional Help?
Regular maintenance can help you take better care of your washing machine, but it cannot replace professional servicing when a genuine fault develops.
Consider getting professional assistance if you notice persistent water leakage, unusual electrical behaviour, repeated error codes, strong burning smells, severe vibration or unusual mechanical noises.
Avoid opening electrical components or attempting repairs that you're not qualified to perform. Washing machines contain electrical and mechanical parts that require proper handling.
Make Washing Machine Care Part of Laundry Day
A washing machine doesn't ask for much attention. A few minutes of care each week can help you notice small problems early, keep the machine cleaner and make your regular laundry routine more pleasant.
The best maintenance routine is not necessarily the most complicated one. It is the routine you can actually follow.
So, the next time you finish your weekly laundry, take an extra ten minutes. Wipe the machine, check the seal, clean the detergent drawer, inspect the surrounding area and let the drum breathe.
Those small habits can go a long way towards keeping your washing machine ready for the next load.
And when it eventually comes time to replace an old machine, knowing how you use your laundry appliance will also make it easier to choose the right washing machine capacity, type and features for your home.