Cleaning Your Washing Machine: Avoid These Common Mistakes and Save Hundreds of Euros

Taking care of your washing machine keeps your laundry fresh and clean, but hardly anyone actually makes time for it. If you skip regular maintenance, you might end up with bad smells or even breakdowns. We’re sharing a few practical tips to help you avoid this and keep your washing machine running at its best.

4 Most Common Mistakes That Damage Your Washing Machine

These are the common mistakes that can damage your washing machine—and how to avoid them.

1. Using too much detergent

Can you use too much detergent? Many people think that using more detergent will get your laundry cleaner, but that's not true. It can actually create excess suds, which might block your washing machine’s drainage. This can damage the pump and also leave soap residue on your clothes after washing.

Too much detergent can cause unpleasant odors in your washing machine. Modern washing machines are designed to work well with just a little detergent, so always follow the recommended dosage on the packaging.

2. Fabric Softener

Fabric softener is used to make your clothes softer and smell great, but it can be bad for your washing machine. It leaves a greasy layer on your clothes and inside the machine. This leads to a buildup of bacteria, which can cause your washer to smell and your clothes to come out musty. On top of shortening your machine’s lifespan, it can sometimes even cause skin irritation.

If you use fabric softener, it's a good idea to use it sparingly or even switch to an alternative, like scent boosters.

3. Washing Small Garments Without a Laundry Bag

Small clothing items can get stuck in the drum, the door seal, or the drainage system if you throw them loose into the washing machine. This can not only damage your clothes, but also the machine. By washing small items like underwear and socks in a laundry bag, you can avoid expensive repairs.

4. Overloading the Washing Machine

You might think you're saving time by stuffing your washing machine to the brim, but this can overload the motor and shorten its lifespan. Plus, your clothes won't get properly clean, since water and detergent can't circulate well through the fabrics.

To keep your washing machine running smoothly, fill the drum up to three-quarters full for cotton, half full for synthetics, and one-third full for wool.

Leave enough space so that water and detergent can circulate properly; you should be able to fit a fist on top of the laundry.

5 Tips for Maintaining Your Washing Machine

1. Clean the drum regularly

Run your washing machine at least once a month on a high temperature (at least 60°C) without any laundry. Add a cup of natural vinegar to the drum or detergent drawer. Vinegar dissolves soap residue and kills bacteria and mold, keeping your washing machine fresh, clean, and lasting longer.

2. Caring for the Rubber Door Seal

The rubber door seal is a hotspot for mold and bacteria if it’s not properly maintained. After every wash, dry the rubber edge with a clean cloth. Check regularly for dirt, mold, or soap residue, and give the seal a good clean with a mix of water and vinegar. By doing this regularly, you’ll prevent mold buildup and keep your washing machine fresh and clean.

3. Cleaning the Filter

A clogged filter in your washing machine can cause poor performance, reduced water drainage, and eventually damage to the machine. Clean the filter at least four times a year, or more often if you notice your washing machine isn't working properly or if there's an unpleasant smell.

Cleaning the filter is super easy: just open the flap, take out the filter, and rinse it thoroughly under warm water. Remove any leftover dirt and pop the filter back in. This keeps your washing machine running smoothly and helps you avoid expensive repairs. In this video from the Consumentenbond, you can see exactly how to remove the filter from your washing machine.

4. Using White Vinegar for Cleaning

White vinegar is an affordable and eco-friendly cleaner that effectively removes limescale and soap scum, while keeping your washing machine fresh and neutralizing odors.

Every few weeks, add a cup of white vinegar to the detergent drawer or directly into the drum and run the machine on a hot cycle without any laundry. This will not only clean the drum, but also descale the pipes and pump of your washing machine. For a deeper clean, you can combine vinegar with baking soda—this creates a powerful reaction that tackles stubborn dirt.

5. Leave the Door Open After Washing

An easy way to keep your washing machine dry and free from mold is to leave the door open after every wash. This lets the damp air escape and helps prevent mold and bacteria from forming.

Still Dealing with Musty Laundry? Avoid These Common Washing Machine Maintenance Mistakes Too

Using the wrong detergents

A common mistake is using unsuitable detergents, like hand-washing detergents, in the washing machine. These can create too much foam, clogging the drum and pump, which can damage your machine. Some products also contain chemicals that can harm the rubber parts. So, always use detergents that are made for washing machines and follow the recommended dosage.

Left Laundry in the Machine Too Long

If you leave wet laundry in the washing machine for too long, mold and bacteria can grow quickly, causing nasty smells and black mold spots that are tough to get rid of. To avoid this, take your laundry out of the machine right after washing and leave the door open for ventilation.

No Water Softener for Hard Water

Do you live in a hard water area? Then there's a good chance you'll get limescale buildup in your washing machine. This isn't great for your machine and can lead to higher energy use. Using a water softener or anti-limescale products can help extend the life of your machine. Read more about how a water softener can affect your washing machine.

Placing the Washing Machine Incorrectly

It's important to make sure your washing machine is installed correctly and is level. A washing machine that's not level can shake or even move during the spin cycle, which can damage the internal parts of the machine. Check that your washing machine is stable and level to avoid these kinds of issues.

A Sustainable Alternative to Fabric Softener

Fabric softener is often used to make clothes soft and give them a nice scent, but it also has its downsides. It can leave greasy residues in your washing machine, which can cause a musty smell and shorten your machine’s lifespan. Plus, it makes fabrics like sportswear and towels less breathable and less absorbent. Fabric softener isn’t great for the environment either, since the chemicals don’t break down easily. Try a better alternative that avoids these issues and still leaves your laundry smelling fresh.

If you're looking for an alternative to fabric softener, check out Cosmeau's scent beads. These beads give your clothes a fresh, long-lasting fragrance during washing, without leaving any residue in your machine or on your laundry.

If you take good care of your washing machine, it’ll last longer and you’ll avoid expensive repairs. Don’t use too much detergent or fabric softener to prevent build-up, and make sure to clean the drum and filter regularly.

While fabric softener makes your laundry smell great, it can leave behind harmful residues that are bad for your washing machine and the environment. A better alternative is scent boosters, which don’t leave any harmful residues but still give your clothes a fresh scent. By following these tips, your washing machine will last longer and your laundry will stay nice and fresh.

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