Let’s be honest—most of us know how to operate a washing machine and dryer, but when it comes to understanding how these appliances actually work or maintaining them, many of us are completely in the dark. I’m the first to admit I’m guilty of this. I load up the machine, add detergent, hit a button, and walk away.

As long as the machine runs and the clothes come out looking clean, I don’t think twice. But if your freshly washed clothes aren’t smelling as clean and fresh as you’d expect, there might be a hidden issue you’ve overlooked entirely. That’s exactly what Facebook user Pj Carmack discovered, and thankfully, she decided to share the tip with others online. The secret culprit? A dirty drain plug filter in your washing machine. It turns out every washing machine is equipped with a drain plug that houses a filter, and this filter is designed to catch things like lint, hair, and debris before they clog the drainage system.

Over time, this filter can become filled with gunk, slowing drainage and leaving your washer less effective at rinsing away detergent and dirt. The result? Clothes that look clean but smell musty or not quite right, no matter how much detergent or fabric softener you use. Pj shared her experience in a Facebook post, including a photo of her own washing machine’s drain plug—and it wasn’t a pretty sight. The filter was packed with dark, slimy buildup that had obviously been collecting over time. She admitted that she had no idea this filter even existed, let alone that it required regular cleaning, and judging by the responses to her post, a lot of people were just as surprised. To address this issue in your own laundry routine, the first thing you’ll want to do is check your washing machine’s manual. The manual will tell you exactly where the drain plug is located—typically behind a small panel near the bottom front of the machine—and how to remove the filter safely. Be prepared for some water to leak out when you remove it, so have a towel and shallow tray handy.

@zapatas_cleaningservices Here are two reasons why your freshly washed clothes smell bad. #1– your washer is dirty. Lack of regular cleaning will lead to build-up and smells. Ideally, you should use a washing machine cleaner once a month. #2– you’re overloading your washer. When clothes are tightly packed, water can’t reach all surfaces properly, resulting in dirty clothes.#laundrytipsandtricks #speedqueenlaundry #speedqueen #laundryday #toploader #frontloader ♬ original sound – Kellsie Cleaning Tutorials🧽🧼

once the filter is out, rinse it thoroughly under warm water, scrubbing off any residue with an old toothbrush or cloth. Depending on how dirty it is, you might need to soak it for a few minutes or repeat the cleaning process. Once it’s clean, reinstall the filter, close the panel, and you’re good to go. You may notice right away that your laundry smells fresher and feels cleaner because your machine is able to rinse and drain properly again. What’s surprising is how few people know about this basic maintenance task, even though it’s incredibly simple and can make a huge difference. Most of us assume that if the machine runs and the clothes come out wet, everything is working fine—but a clogged filter can be silently affecting the quality of your laundry for months. And it’s not just about scent. A blocked drain plug can cause water to sit inside the machine, which may lead to mildew buildup, slow draining, and even mechanical problems if ignored for too long. Regularly cleaning the filter—every few weeks or at least once a month—can help extend the life of your machine and improve its performance. It’s an easy fix that costs nothing but a few minutes of your time. So next time your laundry comes out of the washer smelling less than fresh, don’t immediately blame your detergent or think you need to switch products. Instead, take a few minutes to check that filter. A little routine maintenance can go a long way in keeping your laundry smelling as clean as it looks. Thanks to Pj Carmack for shedding light on this lesser-known tip that can truly transform the way we handle laundry—sometimes the solution to a lingering problem is right under our nose, or in this case, behind a small panel in our washing machine.