Looking after and cleaning a washing machine is easier than most people think, but it makes a big difference. Giving your washing machine a basic service once a month, cleaning the drum, emptying the filter and wiping down the rubber door seal, prevents odours, limescale and needless breakdowns. Your machine lasts longer and keeps working efficiently.
Why does washing machine maintenance matter so much?
A washing machine you never clean works harder than it needs to. Limescale on the heating element means the machine uses more energy to bring the water up to temperature. Detergent residue and mould attack the components and shorten the life of your appliance considerably. That costs money, both on your energy bill and in repair bills.
Regular maintenance also prevents the unpleasant smells that otherwise transfer to your laundry. A machine that is clean and dry inside is simply less likely to break down. At Pro Witgoed we believe in getting the most functional value out of an appliance. That starts with being smart about what you already own.
Cleaning the washing machine drum: step by step
The drum is the heart of your washing machine and deserves attention every month. Here is how to do it properly:
- Run an empty programme at 60°C or 90°C once a month; many machines have a dedicated cleaning cycle for this.
- Put a cleaning tablet, or a splash of white vinegar plus a tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda, straight into the drum. No detergent.
- Wipe the drum dry with a clean cloth afterwards to remove any moisture left behind.
- Leave the door ajar after every wash so the drum can dry out and mould never gets the chance to form.
A common mistake is using too much detergent. Excess detergent does not dissolve fully and forms a film on the drum wall on which bacteria and mould thrive. Always dose according to the instructions on the packaging, because more detergent really is not better.
Cleaning the washing machine filter
The pump filter (also known as the fluff filter) catches fluff, coins and other small debris before it can reach the pump. On most front loaders the filter sits at the bottom front, behind a small flap. Clean it every two to three months, or more often if you use the machine heavily.
Here is how to clean the washing machine filter:
- Put a shallow bowl or a thick towel under the flap, as there is always some water.
- Open the flap and unscrew the filter slowly. Hold on to the filter while you turn it and let the water run out gently.
- Remove fluff, coins and any other debris. Rinse the filter under the tap until it is clean.
- Screw the filter back in firmly and check that the flap closes properly. A loose filter causes leaks.
Do not overlook this part: a blocked filter is one of the most common causes of breakdowns and error codes.
Cleaning the rubber door seal and the detergent drawer
The rubber seal around the door, also called the door gasket, is an ideal breeding ground for mould and detergent residue. Fold the lip back carefully and wipe it with a cloth soaked in water with a dash of vinegar or a mild disinfectant. While you are there, check whether any coins or small items of clothing have worked their way behind the seal; leave them there and they will damage the drum.
The detergent drawer attracts plenty of grime as well. Take it out completely, on most machines you press a small tab to release it, and wash it clean under warm running water. Use an old toothbrush for the corners and for the compartments that hold the detergent and the fabric conditioner. Let the drawer dry completely before you put it back, so no damp pocket can develop.
Descaling your washing machine: when and how?
In large parts of the Netherlands the tap water is hard to very hard. Limescale settles on the heating element and in the pump system, so the machine works less efficiently and fails sooner. Descale your washing machine every one to three months, depending on the water hardness in your region. In areas with very hard water, such as large parts of Noord-Brabant, Zeeland and Zuid-Holland, once a month is sensible.
Here is how to descale your washing machine:
- Use a ready-made descaling tablet or sprinkle roughly 100 grams of citric acid powder straight into the empty drum.
- Run an empty programme at 60°C. That is warm enough to dissolve limescale without overloading the machine.
- Do not put any laundry in with it, because the descaler will not work at its best.
- Some machines display a message when descaling is due. If yours does, always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
As a preventative measure you can add a small amount of fabric conditioner or an anti-limescale product to every wash. That slows down limescale build-up considerably.
Everyday habits that extend the life of your washing machine
Good maintenance goes beyond the occasional clean. A few fixed habits save you a great deal of hassle:
- Do not overload the machine. An overfull drum damages the bearings and the motor over time. Rule of thumb: you should still just be able to fit your hand in above the laundry.
- Close zips and fasten pockets before washing. Loose zips and hooks damage the drum wall and the door seal.
- Check trouser pockets before washing. Coins and tissues are the most common causes of blocked filters.
- Do not leave the washing sitting in the drum too long once the programme has finished. Damp laundry in a closed drum is a perfect breeding ground for mould and unpleasant smells.
- Run a maintenance wash every month at a high temperature (60°C or 90°C) with no laundry in it. This keeps the inside of the machine hygienic.
- Dose your detergent correctly. Too much detergent is the most underestimated cause of odour problems and residue build-up.
When is it time for a new washing machine?
Maintenance extends the life of a machine considerably, but a washing machine lasts 10 to 15 years on average. At some point repairing no longer stacks up against replacing. Watch out for these signs:
- Repeated breakdowns or error codes that come back after a repair.
- Persistent leaks that cannot be put right.
- Excessive energy use, as older machines draw noticeably more electricity than modern models.
- Repair costs that come to more than 50% of the purchase price of a comparable new appliance.
A new energy efficient model rated A or B saves you money on your energy bill in the long run. At Pro Witgoed you will find affordable Heinner washing machines with a full 5 year warranty, available straight from stock and delivered and installed free of charge. No hidden costs, no needless surcharge for a brand name.
Have a look at our full washing machine range or go straight to our energy efficient washing machines rated A or B. Our complete washing and drying range and the current offers on home appliances are worth a look too.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my washing machine?
Clean the drum and the rubber door seal every month. Clean the filter every two to three months. Descale the machine every one to three months, depending on the water hardness in your region.
My washing machine smells, what should I do?
A smelly washing machine is almost always the result of mould or bacteria in the drum, on the door seal or in the detergent drawer. Run an empty 90°C programme with a cleaning tablet, or with vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, clean the seal and the detergent drawer thoroughly, and leave the door ajar after every wash from now on.
Can I use vinegar to descale my washing machine?
White vinegar works as a mild descaler and is effective on the drum and the door seal. For the heating elements and the pump system, citric acid powder works better, because it has more descaling power. Never use vinegar together with detergent or bleach.
Where is the filter on my washing machine?
On most front loaders the pump filter sits at the bottom front, behind a small flap or hatch. Check the manual for your particular model if you cannot find it.
How do I prevent mould on the rubber door seal?
Wipe the seal dry after every wash and always leave the door ajar. Clean the seal every month with a cloth soaked in water with a dash of vinegar or a mild disinfectant.
Is washing machine maintenance necessary if the appliance still works well?
Yes. Limescale and mould build up slowly, without you noticing straight away. A machine can seem to be working well while the heating elements are already affected and using more energy. Preventative maintenance is always cheaper than a repair.
How much detergent should I use?
Follow the dosing instructions on the packaging and allow for the water hardness in your region and how dirty the load is. Most people consistently use too much, which causes residue build-up and makes odour problems worse.
When is it better to buy a new washing machine than to repair the old one?
If the repair costs come to more than 50% of the purchase price of a comparable new appliance, or if the machine is more than 10 years old and breaks down regularly, replacing it makes more economic sense. A new energy efficient model partly pays for itself through lower energy costs.
With the right habits and a little regularity you will keep your washing machine in good condition for years. If replacement does become necessary, it is worth looking at a model that scores well on energy use and reliability from the outset, without paying for a name.
