Cleaner says you must do simple task once a month to get rid of washing machine odour

There's nothing worse than waiting for a washing machine cycle to finish, only to find that the clothes have an unpleasant smell at the end of it. This can occur for various reasons, including mildew or mould.

In some cases, it may be due to a problem with the appliance itself that requires some professional help. However, often the pong can be sent packing with one simple job every few weeks.

Laurel Hess, laundry care expert at US firm Hampr, says it's advisable to run a cleaning cycle "every 30 cycles or about once a month" to "prevent product buildup and odours."

"Neglecting to clean your washing machine can lead to unpleasant odours and the growth of bacteria," she told Homes and Gardens.

Washing machine cleaning products are available to give your washing machine a thorough clean. They're used when the drum is empty, so they don't affect your clothes but may help prevent smells from appearing.

Follow the instructions on the product packaging on which cycle to use.

Meanwhile, appliance repair service Domestic and General identified five key ways to help prevent bad smells from building up.

The first is ensuring clothes aren't left in the drum after a wash, as they can get musty.

While it's alright for them to be in there overnight if you've left the machine on while you sleep, they should be left in much longer than that.

Overloading the machine can also cause issues as the clothes won't be cleaned properly and may just be dirtying the drum.

Another tip is to make sure you check the filter regularly, as bits of fluff debris and other blockages can build up. The firm advises this should be done at least every three months.

Removing excess detergent from the drawer is also important as a crust can build up over time, attracting mould.

Finally, it adds: "It's good to wash on a lower temperature when you can - this saves energy and will help cut your bills. However, you need to wash clothes at a high enough temperature to get them fully clean. Otherwise, the machine itself will get dirty and could start to smell bad."