If your clothes seem less fresh after a wash or your washing machine isn’t performing as well as it used to, you might have missed an important cleaning step.
Many people don’t realize their washing machines come with a hidden filter compartment – a spot that often goes untouched, potentially causing buildup and strange odors.
The washing machine is a staple in most homes, working hard to keep our clothes clean.
However, like any other appliance, it needs regular maintenance. While most people know to run a rinsing cycle or use vinegar occasionally, few are aware of the filter compartment hidden at the bottom of many machines.
A recent TikTok video by property expert Select London educates people about this hidden compartment.
In the video, the expert begins by laying a towel under the washing machine. She then reveals a “trap door” near the machine’s bottom, showing viewers where the filter compartment is located and how to open it safely.
The filter compartment is designed to catch small objects, dirt, and other residues that can clog your machine over time.
As soon as the compartment door is opened, “you’re going to see the water gushing out,” warns the property expert. She explained that the water would have an unpleasant smell due to accumulated grime.
Inside the compartment, people often find unexpected items.
“As my example, we’ve got hair bands, all kinds of other stuff,” she notes. These items can collect in the filter, affecting the machine’s performance.
Cleaning out this compartment can improve both the machine’s efficiency and your laundry’s freshness.
The expert first demonstrates the cleaning process by using antibacterial wipes to clean the drainage area.
Then, she removes the filter and takes it to the sink for a thorough scrub with washing-up liquid. Rinsing it clean, she twists it back into place, ensuring the machine is set for optimal performance.
This hidden compartment is news to many.
One viewer commented, “I didn’t know you had to do this.” Another shared their surprise: “Thank you for reminding me to clean my grandma’s filter. She didn’t know it needed to be cleaned, [and it] was 2 years ago [that] I cleaned it.”
Neglecting this filter can lead to unpleasant smells and reduce your machine’s lifespan.
In fact, without regular cleaning, debris and residue can clog the machine, forcing it to work harder and use more energy. Cleaning the filter regularly can help prevent these issues and keep your machine running smoothly.
Even long-time washing machine owners admit they had no idea this compartment existed.
“I’ve had my front loader for years. Never done this,” one person confessed in response to the video. For many, discovering the filter compartment is a game-changer in keeping their machine fresh and clothes truly clean.
Cleaning the hidden filter compartment is a simple task that can greatly improve your washing machine’s efficiency.
If you haven’t checked yours yet, consider giving it a try – your clothes and machine will thank you. As more people discover this secret, fresher laundry is just a clean filter away.