Like most people, I thought I had laundry figured out: load the clothes, pour in detergent, and expect everything to come out clean and smelling great. But when my clothes started losing that fresh scent, I stumbled across a game-changing tip from a woman named Pj on social media. The secret? Cleaning the drain plug filter in your washing machine—a step I’d never even considered.
Inside every washer is a drain plug with a filter that catches lint, hair, and other debris to prevent clogs. If you don’t clean it regularly, it can get gunked up with sludgy buildup. This mess can make your clothes come out of the wash looking fine but smelling off, no matter how much detergent or fabric softener you use. Pj shared a photo of her filter, coated in grime, and it was a shocking reminder of why this matters.
To fix it, find your washing machine’s manual to locate the drain plug—often at the bottom front of the machine. When you remove the filter, a bit of water might leak, so have a towel or shallow pan ready. Rinse the filter under warm water, using a small brush or old toothbrush to scrub away any stuck-on gunk. It’s a simple process that takes just a few minutes.
Once the filter is clean and back in place, your next load of laundry should smell noticeably fresher. Plus, your washer will likely run more smoothly. Experts suggest cleaning the filter every few weeks, especially if you do frequent loads or have pets that shed a lot. This small habit can prevent odors and keep your machine in top shape.
It’s amazing how many of us don’t know about this hidden filter. Pj’s post was a wake-up call, showing how a little maintenance can go a long way. If your laundry’s not smelling as good as it should, don’t rush to buy new products. Check your washer’s drain plug filter first—it might just be the key to bringing back that clean, fresh scent.
