Written by Angela Reviewed by Daniel

If your washing machine isn’t cleaning clothes properly, you must check this…

The washing machine is a true modern marvel we all take for granted. Load it up with grimy laundry, toss in some detergent, push a few buttons, and toddle off while it works its magic. Then voila! Fresh, clean clothes await.

But what happens when you come back to find your washing decidedly… not fresh and definitely not clean? No one signed up for smelly socks 2.0!

If this grim scenario sounds familiar, keep reading. You might be relieved to know that the culprit often isn’t some catastrophic mechanical failure but rather a series of avoidable human errors. Good news: you probably don’t need to call an engineer (or shed tears over an impending appliance shopping spree).

Let’s get to the bottom of this so you can go back to having clothes that smell of lavender fields, not damp despair.

Table of Contents

Washing Machine Not Cleaning Clothes Properly Checklist

If your laundry isn’t getting washed properly in your washing machine, there are a few things you might need to check before calling in an engineer. Let’s go through each of them;

Here’s A Quick Tip Before We Start

If your laundry is really filthy, there are some stains that general washing cycles can’t touch. For those you need the extra power of a pre-soak or maybe a spot treatment.

Stubborn stains sometimes need a bit of extra TLC before you chuck them in. But if you’ve tried that with no success, it’s time to look deeper into this problem;

Check There’s Not Too Many Clothes In The Drum

Yes, we all like to think we’re laundry efficiency experts, but cramming your machine like it’s a clown car is not the answer. Clothes need space to move about and let the detergent work its magic.

Overloading the drum means your washing is more likely to come out smelling like regret. In some cases certain items won’t even get wet!

Aim to fill the drum no more than ¾ full. Your clothes will thank you, and so will your machine.

Are You Using The Wrong Amount Of Detergent

Too little detergent? Your clothes stay grimy. Too much? You’ll create a foam party in the drum that’ll confuse your machine’s sensors and leave everything just as grubby. Yes, there is such a thing as too clean.

Always measure out detergent properly, following the instructions on the packaging. (Yes, you’ll have to read it. We know.)

Are You Picking The Wrong Detergent

Did you know there are different detergents for different fabrics and different types of appliances? Automatic machines need specific detergents, and certain fabrics like wool or delicates demand their own special blends.

Using the wrong one can lead to subpar cleaning. Check your detergent is suitable for your machine and the type of laundry you’re doing. No cutting corners!

Are You Stuck In A Cycle Rut?

If you’ve been using the same programme for everything (we’re looking at you, Quick Wash fans), then it’s time to shake things up. Different fabrics and dirt levels need different settings.

Your laundry deserves better than your rinse and go habits. Take a moment to read those garment care labels. Tedious? Yes. Necessary? Absolutely.

Is Your Machine Filthy?

Yes, your washing machine needs cleaning too. Shocking, isn’t it? Detergent build-up, mould, and mildew can set up camp in the drawer, drum, and door seals. A dirty machine equals dirty laundry.

You need to remove the detergent drawer, soak it in warm water, and give it a good scrub. Wipe the drum and seals with a vinegar solution (one part vinegar, four parts water). Finally, run a hot cycle with no clothes. Your machine will be sparkling and ready for action, and your clothes will get the wash they deserve.

Check The Drain Pump Filter, Is It Clogged?

Lost a bra wire recently? Hairpins, screws, and other stray bits can clog your washer’s filter, stopping water from draining and leaving your clothes in a sorry state.

To fix it you’ll need to pop a towel down, locate the filter (usually at the machine’s base), and clean out any debris. Consult your manual if you’re not sure where to find it.

Is The Drain Hose Blocked?

If the filter’s clear, the drain hose might be the troublemaker. Blockages or kinks in the hose can stop water from draining properly. Which leaves your laundry soaking in dirty water.

Check the hose for twists and straighten if necessary, then detach the hose and check for obstructions. A plumber’s snake works wonders here. Once cleared, reattach the hose and carry on.

Are The Water Jets Blocked?

Over time, calcium build-up can clog the water jets above the detergent drawer, stopping detergent from diluting properly.

You can use a cocktail stick to carefully unclog each jet hole. (No cocktail stick? Get creative. A toothpick will do!) Just make sure you prise the blockage out and don’t push it further inside the nozzle.

Has The Heater Element Called it Quits?

If your hot washes aren’t quite as hot as they used to be, your machine’s heater element might be the problem.

This one’s an engineer’s job, so don’t attempt DIY unless you’re qualified. Call in the professionals.

Is Your Machine On The Level?

A wobbly washing machine isn’t just annoying; it can stop the detergent from dispersing evenly and mess with draining.

Check that your washer is level using a spirit level and adjust the machine’s feet to make sure it’s perfectly level. Simple but effective.

Check The Lint Trap For A Clog

Not all machines have lint traps, but if yours does and it’s clogged, your laundry won’t get properly cleaned.

Check your user manual to see whether your machine has a lint trap and inspect it if it does. Clean it out thoroughly, and make sure it’s working as it should.

Is It Time To Call In The Experts?

Washing machine engineers are well schooled in the inner workings of these appliances. If you’ve checked as much as you can and the problem still remains, it’s time to call in the experts.

But with a bit of elbow grease and some attention to detail, chances are you’ll have your machine back to its sparkling best in no time. Happy washing!

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