A few minutes of routine care every month or two prevents most of the faults people call engineers for: blocked pumps, leaks, smells and noisy spins. These guides cover the jobs worth doing and how to do them safely.
Maintenance guides

How to clean the washing machine drain filter
Every three months, clear coins, lint and hair from the pump filter.

How to clean the door seal
Wipe out the folds of the rubber gasket to stop mould, smells and leaks.

How and when to run a drum clean cycle
A monthly hot cycle clears detergent residue and the biofilm that causes odours.

How to clean the detergent drawer
Remove the drawer, wash it and clear the recess to prevent blockages and smells.

How to level a washing machine
A level machine runs quieter and moves less. Adjust the four feet and lock them.

How to check washing machine hoses and taps
A two-minute check twice a year prevents the most expensive kind of washing machine fault: a flood.

How much detergent to use
Too much detergent causes suds, residue and smells. Use the dose for your load and water.

How to remove the transit bolts
New machines have bolts at the back that must come out before use.