Smelly socks, dirty sports kit, stained shirts… your washing machine takes care of them all, but sometimes you have to return the favour and give it the once over. 

Keeping your washing machine clean will help it run efficiently, extend its lifespan, and make sure that no bacteria has the chance to grow. It’s going to prevent you from having to fight pesky washing machine smells  too. Let this little guide show you just how quick and easy it is.

Clean the pump filter regularly

The washing machine’s pump filter is another thing you need to keep an eye on. This is what stops things like buttons and coins getting stuck in the drainage pipe. You’ll find it behind a cover at the bottom corner of the appliance. You should clean the pump filter every 3 to 4 months. 

Open the cover to expose the filter. Some washing machine models have a small hose stuck behind the cover to drain the water inside the filter. Others just discharge the water when the filter is pulled out. In both cases, it’s a good idea to place a bowl or some towels below the filter.

If you see a hose, pull it out and unplug it and wait for all the water to run. If not, Turn the filter anti-clockwise and pull it out. Water should be coming out as you do this. Hopefully it will land in the bowl or on towels. 

Once the wet part is over, remove any dirt, hair or foreign object from the filter. Then give it a rinse under the tap. Inspect the filter cavity to see if anything like dirt, coins or buttons are stuck in it. Give it a wipe with a damp cloth. Finally, replace and secure the filter by turning it clockwise, and pop the kickplate cover back on.

Clean the door seals

Door seals are prone to gather fluff and dirt. Over time, mildew and mould could form inside the seals. Make sure to give them a wipe with a soft sponge or cloth from time to time. Don’t use abrasive cleaning agents as these might damage the seals.   

Clean the outside

To keep the external surfaces of the washing machine clean, simply use a soft cloth or sponge with a non-abrasive cleaning product and wipe gently. 

If you accidentally spill any detergent or softener on your appliance, be sure to wipe the mess off quickly as these can corrode the surface. Give the door seals a good wipe too, as these can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Doing this once a week will keep the outside of your washing machine looking pristine.

Clean the detergent drawer

Next take a look at the detergent drawer – detergent and softer residue can build up in here, especially if you use powdered detergent. You can remover the drawer by lifting it slightly as you pull it all the way out. 

Give it a good rinse under the sink, making sure you get rid of any residue, then pop it back in the appliance. Once a month should be enough, but certainly do this if you can see a lot of detergent build-up in the detergent drawer.

Take advantage of self-cleaning cycles like DrumClean+

DrumClean+ Programme on Beko washing machines heats up the water to a temperature that destroys bacteria and mould. Just make sure you don’t throw in any laundry or detergent for this cycle! 

If your washing machine doesn’t have a self-cleaning programme, you can run the hottest programme without detergent while the washing machine is empty. Doing this one every 3 to 6 months will keep your appliance in the best shape possible.