Most washing machines have a little known compartment that should be checked and cleaned every few months in order to stop mould and keep clothes fresh, an expert had advised. Get the latest top news stories sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter We have more newsletters Get the latest top news stories sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter We have more newsletters A washing machine specialist has stressed the importance of a little-known feature on washing machines that could be causing damage to the machine and potentially lead to mouldy clothes if not maintained. White goods brand Beko is advising homeowners to regularly inspect their washing machine to prevent issues, highlighting that many could overlook the essential maintenance of the appliance's filter.
Most washing machines have a concealed flap near the base concealing a filter, which requires routine cleaning to ensure the smooth running of the machine, the Express reports. Salah Sun, Head of Product Marketing at Beko Plc UK and Ireland, urged: "Cleaning your filter is a standard part of your maintenance, but many people might not think to clean it or even know where it is. "You can find this behind a little door at the bottom of your washing machine, simply open the square panel and you should find your filter.
You should be checking your filter every three or four months." To avoid spills when checking the filter, place an absorbent material like towels or a drip tray underneath. Some models may have a drainage hose that allows water egress before opening - however, this feature is not universal.
They continued: "You can then twist the filter and pull it out. The more often you check your filter, the less water build up and smell it should have. "You might even find some money, lost safety pins, and other foreign objects hiding inside.
Clearing this out, and even giving your filter a scrub in the sink, can be a great idea to keep it clean and mould-free." Beko also advised people to regularly clean their washing machine with a clean cycle each month in order to avoid smells building up. They said: "Regular maintenance is key for a clean-smelling washing machine.
You don't want your laundry coming out smelling like anything other than your detergent, so make sure you're cleaning your laundry and removing your laundry load as soon as possible, to keep stale smells at bay. "You don't just want to wipe down the outside of your washing machine, the inside deserves the same love and care. Detergent, dirt, and hair can build up under the door seal so using a damp cloth with vinegar or your cleaner of choice can help remove this and deodorise it.
" Salah says: "Most washing machines have pre-programmed clean cycles that you can utilise for refreshing your machine. These are hot cycles that you do with an empty drum to help clean your drum. Add a cap of vinegar to the drawer, and even some baking soda to the drum, for a deep clean which removes limescale and built-up grime.
"Ideally, you'll want to run the clean cycle once a month, as well as wiping down your door seal, door, and cleaning out your detergent drawer to avoid build-up. Your filter can be cleaned every couple of months." Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our newsletter here .
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