Washing Machines Running Smooth & Smelling Fresh
Your washing machine is one of the most-used appliances in your home, and like any appliance that handles water, chemicals, and daily use, it needs some regular care to keep it working in tip-top shape.
With just a few simple habits, you can prevent odors, improve washing performance, and avoid most common maintenance issues.
🛠 Why Washing Machine Maintenance Matters
Without regular care, washing machines can develop:
Unpleasant odors
Mold or residue buildup
Drainage issues
Reduced cleaning performance
Long-term mechanical wear
The good news: most of this is easy to prevent with quick, occasional checks.
🎥 Watch: How to Maintain Your Washing Machine
🧽 Cleaning the Rubber Door Gasket
The rubber seal around the door of front-loading machines is one of the most important and overlooked areas.
Moisture, detergent, and lint collect here, which can lead to blockage, mold, smells, and under-performance.
What to do:
Gently pull back the rubber seal and check inside the folds
Wipe with a cloth using warm water and mild detergent
For deeper cleaning, use a diluted vinegar solution (1:1 vinegar and water)
Dry the area after cleaning
👉 Try to leave the washing machine door slightly open after use to allow airflow and prevent moisture buildup.
🔄 Emptying the Drain Filter
The drain filter collects lint, small objects, and debris—and if it’s not cleaned, it can lead to blockages or poor drainage.
How to do it:
Locate the filter panel (usually at the bottom front of the machine)
Place a towel or shallow container underneath (some water may come out)
Follow any directions that indicate what to do with a hose
Unscrew the filter slowly
Remove any debris and rinse it under running water
Reinsert securely
This should be done every few months or sooner if you notice drainage issues.
💧 Descaling the Machine
In Austria and Hungary, the water is especially hard. So, just like kettles and coffee machines, washing machines are affected by limescale buildup.
Over time, this can:
Reduce heating efficiency
Affect washing performance
Contribute to internal wear
How to descale:
Use a washing machine descaling product or tablets
If recommended by the brand of your machine, run an empty hot cycle with vinegar (1–2 cups)
Run an additional rinse cycle afterward
How often:
Every 2–3 months, depending on usage
⚠️ What Not to Wash
To protect both your machine and your clothing, avoid washing:
Heavy items that absorb large amounts of water (e.g. soaked rugs, very heavy blankets unless machine-rated)
Items with hard components (metal hooks, large buckles) without protection
Shoes (unless using proper settings and protection)
Excessively dirty items with loose debris (shake them out first)
These can damage the drum, strain the motor, or affect balance during spinning.
⚖️ Why Overloading Causes Problems
It’s tempting to fit as much as possible into one load—but overloading is one of the fastest ways to reduce performance and cause wear.
Overloading:
Prevents proper water and detergent circulation
Leads to poorly cleaned clothes
Puts strain on the motor and drum
Can cause imbalance during spin cycles
👉 A good rule: clothes should be able to move freely in the drum—not tightly packed.
💡 Why This Matters
A well-maintained washing machine will use energy more efficiently, clean clothes more effectively, and last longer while staying odor-free. Just a few minutes of care every so often can prevent much bigger issues down the line.