My washing machine is not cleaning clothes properly!

Understandably, a washing machine that does not clean clothes properly can irritate them. Washing machines should be able to remove most food spillages, sweat patches, and bad smells from clothes in a low-temperature, fast wash with a bit of detergent. However, many still find their clothes smelly and dirty after a long wash or several washes.

Although your washing machine is not cleaning clothes properly, it’s nothing to panic over. So long as your washing machine is draining, spinning and filling up with water, it should still be able to clean your clothes. Consider the following issues: You could be cozying up in laundry-fresh bedsheets this evening!

1. Seized-up detergent tray

A common reason your washing machine is not cleaning clothes properly is that the line leading from the detergent tray to the drum has become clogged with washing powder. This means that just a small amount of detergent reaches the drum; the rest gets stuck behind the blockage.

Did you know you don’t need to put washing powder and liquid in the detergent tray? You can set the powder directly into the drum on top of your clothes or buy a washing-up liquid capsule and put this in the drum before you turn on the appliance. If this successfully cleans your clothes, you may need to clean your washing machine by clearing the detergent tray and lining it out, but you can still wash your clothes for now!

In the future, use less detergent; too much detergent will build up inside the machine. Follow the instructions on the detergent packaging.

2. Dirty washing machine

Check the manufacturer’s instructions to learn how to clean your washing machine. Some washing machine warranties become invalid when owners use cleaners or other de-scaling products.

• Most large supermarkets and numerous other stores carry washing machine cleaners made by Calgon, Dr. Beckmann, Oust, and Dylon. If your manual says you can use these, pick up a packet and follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Please take out the detergent drawer and leave it standing in hot water. Gently scrub off any remaining detergent, mould, or other materials with a clean scourer, fingernails, or even an old toothbrush. Please leave it to dry before you put it back in.
• Add white vinegar or washing machine cleaner to your washing machine at the highest possible temperature. Don’t put any clothes in!
• Once the cycle has been completed, open the door and smell the drum. If it’s still a bit smelly, you will want to add white vinegar or washing machine cleaner and rerun it.
• Wipe any rubber seals and other crevices with a clean, damp cloth if they seem clean.

3. Improper washing machine use

Are you overloading your washing machine? This will make it less effective at cleaning clothes and can cause the drive belt to snap and the washing machine to stop spinning. Your washing machine should never be more than three-quarters full.

Are you using the right programme? While eco-washes, with low temperatures and fast cycles, are suitable for most clothes (and are more environmentally friendly), particularly dirty or smelly items will need a longer wash. Be careful to increase the temperature if you aren’t sure your clothes can cope!

Do you know what your buttons do? If you have not read your manual, you’re probably simply guessing, and while you might think correctly, these buttons might be impacting your ability to clean your clothes properly.

No success? No problem.

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Don’t forget, we offer kitchen appliance insurance to provide you with peace of mind in case you face a sudden appliance breakdown. Please get in touch with us via our website or 0345 3192 247 to learn more. Or call us today for urgent assistance. Our technical teams will run some simple diagnostics to see if it can be fixed over the phone, and if not, they’ll send a manufacturer engineer, where possible, to take a look.

Don’t attempt to repair the appliance unless you’re confident in what you’re doing. Several things could go wrong, including jamming, electrocution, burns, scalds, cuts, etc. We’ve got several highly skilled engineers up and down the country, so you’ll never be far from help when needed.

Our appliance breakdown and repair cover could be perfect for you—when your washing machine breaks down, we’ll get it working again—no fuss! We also offer customised packages, so you can choose what appliances you want covered. All you need to do is contact us, then sit back and relax!