I’ll be the first to admit that I know next to nothing about our washing machine and dryer. I know how to use them, but I never perform any routine checks, maintenance, or repairs on them. However, there is one little check you should ensure is part of your clothes washing routine – and that’s checking the drain plug.

Pj Carmack took to Facebook to share a tip she learned recently about washing machines. Every washing machine has a drain plug with a filter that needs to be removed and cleaned periodically. You should consult your owner’s manual to find out where your machine’s drain plug is located and how to safely remove it. If it isn’t clean periodically, it can become clogged with all sorts of debris which won’t leave your clothes smelling all that clean or fresh after a while.

You can see in Pj’s photo how gross their washing machine’s drain plug had become. But with a bit of cleaning, it can do its job and keep the clothes in your machine smelling clean and fresh. Thanks for sharing this very little-known yet important tip, Pj!

Why Your Clean Laundry May Not Be Smelling As Good As It Should Be

You expect freshly washed clothes to smell clean and refreshing, but sometimes laundry comes out of the washer with little scent—or even a musty odor. The good news is that the problem is often easy to fix.

One common cause is using too much detergent. Excess soap can leave residue on fabrics, trapping dirt, oils, and odors instead of rinsing them away. Another culprit is an overcrowded washing machine, which prevents clothes from moving freely and getting thoroughly cleaned.

Your washing machine itself may also need attention. Over time, detergent residue, lint, and moisture can build up inside the drum, door seal, and detergent drawer, creating unpleasant smells that transfer to your laundry. Running a regular cleaning cycle and leaving the washer door open after each load can help keep it fresh.

Finally, don’t leave wet clothes sitting in the washer for too long. Moving them to the dryer or hanging them up as soon as the wash cycle ends helps prevent musty odors from developing.

With a few simple habits, your laundry can come out smelling as fresh and clean as it should every time.