Many homeowners are just discovering the need to empty a ‘hidden’ compartment in their washing machines every two to four weeks. This routine maintenance helps keep the machine ‘fresh’ and prevents mould growth and stagnant water.

While some may already include this task in their cleaning schedule, others are unaware of its necessity. The reminder comes after a recent Instagram video highlighted the importance of draining your washing machine’s water reservoir.

Lifestyle blogger and mother Chrissy, known as The.peaceful.sleeper on Instagram, shared a video demonstrating how to perform this simple yet crucial task. The hidden compartment is typically located behind a door in the lower left or right corner of the machine, although designs can vary, reports Lancs Live.

In the video, Chrissy is seen opening the compartment, removing a small black hose, and draining the water into a cup. She captioned the post: “Your friendly reminder to empty the water reservoir in your washer!”

She added: “You’re supposed to do it every 2-4 weeks… but when was the last time you actually did? It takes 30 seconds and keeps everything fresh! Send this to your bestie and your partner so they can’t say they ‘didn’t know’.”

In the comment section of a recent social media post, viewer Sam confessed: “Well it’s been 10 years and now I’m afraid to do it.”

This prompted a response from Robyn, who added: “Ha! Same! Didn’t even know that was a thing.” The thread revealed many in a similar plight with comments like “Ur not alone” and “Not me going to the comments to make sure I’m not the only one.”

Yet, experienced individuals have chimed in with essential advice for those unfamiliar with regular maintenance. Emma offered some words of wisdom, saying: “Like others have said, just be prepared!”

She added: “Have a big (flat) basin that you can fit under to catch all of the water if possible. Lots and lots of towels are needed. I had family almost flood their home from doing this for the first time after years had passed.”

Why you should empty your washing machine’s water reservoir:

Failing to drain your washing machine’s water reservoir might result in mould growth, nasty odours, and the potential for damage due to stagnant water. It becomes particularly important to address this issue when you plan on storing your washer for a while or suspect there might be a blockage waiting to wreak havoc.

Regularly emptying the reservoir is key to keeping your washing machine in top shape and free from hygiene concerns. Key reasons to empty the water reservoir:

• Stagnant water in your washing machine can foster mould and bacteria, resulting in bad odours.
• Keeping water in the drum for too long may lead to rust or harm to the internal parts.
• If you find water left in the drum after a wash cycle, it might suggest a blocked drain hose or a malfunctioning pump, which needs to be checked.
• When you plan to store a washing machine for an extended period, it’s essential to drain all the water to avoid mould development and possible damage while moving it.

How to empty your washing machine’s water reservoir:

If you need to drain the water reservoir in your washing machine, start by locating the drain hose, usually found at the bottom front of the appliance. Disconnect it and direct it into a bucket or drain to allow the water to flow out.

You may also need to unscrew the cap to reach the drain pump filter for thorough drainage. Here are some key steps: While these methods can resolve most drainage issues, there may be instances when professional help is required.

Key steps:

• Turn off the washing machine: Unplug it from the power source.
• Position a container: Place a bucket or shallow tray under the drain hose to catch the water.
• Access the drain hose: Find the drain hose at the bottom of the machine and disconnect it from its connection.
• Drain the water: Allow the water to flow into the container.
• Check for filter access: Some machines might require accessing the drain pump filter by unscrewing a cap to drain the water completely.
• Reconnect the hose: Securely reattach the drain hose once all the water has drained.

Here are some crucial points about a washing machine’s water system:

• Water inlet: The water enters the machine through a hose connected to the water supply, usually located at the back or bottom of the washer.
• Washing drum: This is where the water is held during the wash cycle.
• Drain hose: Water is drained from the drum through a drain hose that connects to your home’s plumbing system.

It’s not necessary to drain the whole machine frequently. But it’s a good idea to clean the washing machine filter every month to get rid of any buildup of debris.

Important points to remember:

Remember, every washing machine is unique, so always refer to your specific model’s manual for detailed water-draining instructions. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact a local plumber for advice or assistance.

Before starting the draining process, disconnect the machine from the power source and shut off the water supply. It’s also advisable to have a bucket, towels, and pliers on hand.

To protect your floor from any potential spills, place a towel or mat under the drain hose. When accessing the drain pump filter, handle the filter with care to avoid any water spillage. For more guidance on how to drain a washing machine, Hoover provides a wealth of useful information on its website.