I’ll be the first to admit that while I know how to use a washing machine and dryer, I’ve never really taken the time to understand what goes on inside them or how to maintain them properly. Like many people, I just toss in the clothes, add detergent, press a few buttons, and expect everything to come out clean and smelling fresh. But there’s one small step that should definitely be part of every laundry routine if you want your clothes to smell as good as they look—and that’s checking the drain plug.

This tip was recently shared on Facebook by a woman named Pj Carmack, and it’s something most of us never think about. Every washing machine has a drain plug, and inside that plug is a filter designed to catch lint, hair, and other debris that might otherwise clog the drainage system. Over time, if this filter isn’t cleaned, it can build up with grime, sludge, and residue from your laundry, and that buildup can affect how clean your clothes actually get—not just in appearance, but in scent. Your clothes might come out of the washer looking fine, but if they’re not smelling fresh, the clogged filter could be to blame. According to Pj, she had no idea this was something that needed regular cleaning until she noticed her laundry wasn’t smelling as good as it used to, no matter how much detergent or fabric softener she used. She decided to check the drain plug and was shocked by what she found. In the photo she posted, the filter was caked in black gunk and lint that had clearly built up over time.

It was a pretty gross sight, but it was also an eye-opener—and a reminder of just how important it is to keep this part of the machine clean. If you’ve never cleaned your washer’s drain plug, now is the perfect time to start. First, locate your washing machine’s owner’s manual, which should show you exactly where the drain plug is located and how to remove the filter safely. In most machines, the plug is near the bottom front panel, and removing it might cause a bit of water to leak out, so be sure to place a towel or shallow pan underneath. Once the filter is out, give it a good rinse under warm water, using a small brush or old toothbrush to scrub off any built-up debris.

After a thorough cleaning, put the filter back in place and close everything up. You’ll likely notice a difference the next time you do laundry—your clothes should smell fresher, and your washer will likely perform more efficiently overall. This small, simple task can make a big difference, not just in how your laundry smells but in how well your machine runs over time. Regularly cleaning the drain plug filter can help prevent odors, extend the life of your washer, and improve its ability to drain properly. Most manufacturers recommend checking and cleaning this filter every few weeks, especially if you do laundry frequently or have pets that shed. It’s a maintenance step that takes only a few minutes but can save you from bigger problems down the line. What makes this tip even more valuable is that it’s not widely known.

@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🧽🧼

Many people assume their machines are fully self-cleaning, or they may not even realize there’s a filter involved at all. Thanks to Pj’s helpful post, more people are becoming aware of this hidden maintenance step and discovering just how much of a difference it can make. So if you’ve been wondering why your laundry isn’t smelling as fresh as it used to, don’t rush out to buy new detergent or blame your fabric softener. Instead, take a moment to check the drain plug filter in your washer. With just a little cleaning and care, you can get back to enjoying truly clean, fresh-smelling clothes—and keep your machine in better shape while you’re at it.