This is the free trick I use to stop my washing machine from smelling — solve the stench for good

My front-load washing machine is on at least once a day, and there’s no debate that it’s definitely the main workhorse in my home. So apart from ensuring I always invest in one of the best washing machines to cope with my family’s mountain of laundry, I make sure I take good care of it, too.

Whether or not your washing machine has to work as hard as mine, you may notice over time that it starts to smell, and it’s not a pleasant odor. It's certainly not the fragrances you associate with clean laundry.

So if your washing machine smells the next time you put on a cycle, there’s one thing that you need to do to stop the stink., and it won't cost you a dime.

Although I’d always recommend cleaning the rubber seal to remove residue and excess moisture, with the intention of keeping black mold at bay, and removing the detergent drawer and giving it a thorough scrub to dislodge laundry detergent, there’s another place that needs your attention.

If you have a front-loading washing machine, like me, you could be making this big mistake and forgetting to clean out the drain hose and filter. You may not even realize it exists or is accessible.

How to clean your washing machine drain hose and filter

At the front of your washing machine, on one side, you’ll find a little trap door. Mine has a little catch at the top that I push down slightly to release. You’ll then see a drain hose hidden and a filter behind the door.

The drain hose is secured with a removable plug. But don’t remove the plug just yet. Place a cloth directly underneath and in front of the washing machine. I use an old dish towel, and on top of that, place a very shallow dish, such as a baking sheet with a rim — this will catch the water as it runs out. It needs to be lower than the level where the pipe is attached to the washing machine; otherwise, the water won’t have a downward path.

You can now remove the plug and watch the water run out.

The next step is to clean the filter. Turn the filter cap counter-clockwise, but do this slowly, as water will start to gush out. Once all the water has drained, clean the filter under the tap with a toothbrush to remove any sludge. I find water is sufficient to remove the gunk. If you need a bit more help, Brandon Plesek at @cleanthatup suggests spraying the filter with a homemade vinegar cleaner, using 1 cup vinegar, 1 cup water, and 1 tsp dish soap.

Once the filter is clean, pop it back into place and secure it by turning it clockwise. Place the plug back into the drain hose, and close the door.

You're now good to go, but don't leave it until you smell the bad odor again before giving it another clean.

More from Tom's Guide

• How much laundry can you fit Into a full load and still get your clothes clean?
• Should you repair or replace your washing machine?
• How to fix a shaky washing machine

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