Washing-machine care: order and symptoms
Clean the detergent drawer and door seal, then use the drum-care programme in the manual. Leaks or drainage faults need technical advice.
After every wash, a little moisture, detergent residue and lint stay behind in a washing machine. The rubber door seal and the detergent drawer in particular can build up deposits over time that smell unpleasant.
Regular, simple care prevents this and helps keep your laundry fresh. Your appliance's user manual is always the starting point: it explains which parts you may clean yourself and which programmes are intended for it. In many Zurich apartment buildings, several households share one machine, in which case the laundry room rules apply as well.
| Situation | Appropriate action |
|---|---|
| 1. Drawer residue | Switch off; remove only as instructed, rinse and dry. |
| 2. Lint in the seal | With the machine cool and off, gently wipe accessible folds. |
| 3. Smell after cleaning parts | Use the specified care programme; seek advice if odour persists. |
| Leak, error or failed drainage | Stop troubleshooting; tell the responsible person in a shared laundry. |
Safety before cleaning
Switch the machine off and unplug it before working on the seal or drawer with cloths. After a hot wash, wait until the drum and glass have cooled down.
Only ever use one cleaning product at a time and never mix different products. Inside the machine, use only products specifically made for washing machines and follow the dosage on the packaging.
- Switch off and unplug.
- Let it cool down.
- Use one product only; never mix.
Cleaning the detergent drawer
On many models the drawer comes out completely, often by pressing a small release catch. The manual shows how it works on your appliance. Rinse the drawer under warm water and remove residue with an old toothbrush or soft sponge.
Also wipe out the housing the drawer sits in with a damp cloth. Let everything dry before you put the drawer back. Measuring detergent accurately reduces new build-up.
Further reading
Door seal and drum
Gently pull back the folds of the rubber seal and check for hair, lint, coins or small objects. Wipe the seal with a damp cloth and a little mild washing-up liquid, then dry it with a clean cloth.
For the drum, many machines have a dedicated care or drum-clean programme. Use it exactly as the manufacturer describes, empty if required. If your manual lists no such programme, it usually recommends an empty hot wash instead.
Lint filter and pump only as the manual says
Some washing machines have a flap at the bottom front with a lint or pump filter. The manual tells you whether and how you may clean it yourself. Residual water can run out when you open it, so have a shallow container and a towel ready.
If the machine will not drain, leaks, shows an error code or makes unusual noises, that is a job for customer service or a technician. Do not open parts that the manufacturer does not intend users to open.
Good everyday habits
After washing, leave the door and drawer slightly open so moisture can escape, as long as children or pets are not put at risk. Take laundry out promptly rather than leaving it damp in the drum for hours.
Check pockets before each wash. If you would like help with cleaning at home, PUTZIO arranges apartment cleaning in the supported municipalities around Zurich and Rapperswil-Jona at CHF 40 per hour. PUTZIO does not offer repairs or maintenance of household appliances.
- Leave door and drawer ajar after washing.
- Remove laundry promptly.
- Empty pockets first.