2 Hidden Spots in Your Washing Machine That Make Clothes Dirtier—90% of People Have No Idea

Using a washing machine daily may seem like the best way to keep clothes clean and fresh. However, after a while, many people start to wonder:





Why do clothes come out smelling strange, covered in tiny dark spots, or with bits of dirt floating in the rinse water?

It’s puzzling—but the real culprit is hiding inside the washing machine itself: layers of grime and bacteria that build up in spots untouched by the machine’s self-cleaning mode.

If you don’t regularly clean these two “small but critical” parts, you’re not just washing clothes in vain—you could also be creating the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive, which can affect your family’s skin and health.

---

1. The Lint Filter: A Small Component That Can Cause Major Contamination

Most modern top- and front-loading washing machines have lint filters located along the inner walls of the drum. These filters are designed to trap lint, hair, and loose fabric during a wash cycle.

But over time, if left uncleaned, they become breeding grounds for bacteria and mold. Dirty lint filters can cause freshly washed clothes to come out smelling musty, covered in residue, or even trigger skin irritation or itching for the wearer.

How to clean it:

• Press the plastic latch and remove the lint filter.

• Open the mesh, turn it inside out, and discard all debris inside.

• Wash it with soap and a soft brush, let it dry completely, then reattach it.

Regular cleaning helps the filter trap lint more effectively, leaving your clothes truly clean and fresh.

---

2. The Base Tray: A Hidden Bacteria Hub Few People Know About

Many people don’t realize that beneath the drum, hidden under a plastic cover, lies the base tray—a spot where soap scum, sludge, and wastewater can collect over time.

If not cleaned regularly, this area becomes a source of foul odors, yellow stains, and reduced washing performance.

How to clean it:

• Locate the small plastic cover at the center of the drum’s bottom. Use a pointed object (like a small knife or scissors tip) to gently pry it open.

• Underneath, you’ll see a screw securing the base tray—remove it with a screwdriver.

• Take the tray out. You’ll likely find dirt buildup and soap residue on the underside.

• Scrub thoroughly under running water, wipe dry, and reinstall it.

• Finally, use a damp cloth to clean the base area of the machine (this spot cannot be rinsed with water).

---

Neglecting to clean these two components can cause your washer to spread bacteria onto your clothes instead of cleaning them—a serious risk for babies or anyone with sensitive skin.

Routine cleaning doesn’t take much time, but it pays off with better hygiene, healthier skin, and a longer-lasting machine.