In today’s fast-paced world, where balancing work, family, and personal life often feels like a juggling act, having modern conveniences like washing machines has made life so much easier. Instead of spending hours scrubbing clothes by hand, we simply load them into a machine, press a few buttons, and let the appliance do all the hard work. It saves us a lot of time and energy. But while we’ve come to rely on these machines to keep our clothes clean and fresh, many people overlook an important fact: washing machines need regular cleaning too. No matter how expensive or high-tech your washing machine is, over time it will collect dirt, grime, and bacteria. If you don’t take care of it properly, it won’t perform as well as it should.

Your clothes may start to smell bad or even come out looking dingier than when they went in. That’s why regular cleaning is key. What most people don’t realize, however, is that there’s a hidden switch on the washing machine that makes this job a whole lot easier. Simply turn it on, and the dirty water that’s been sitting in your machine will drain right out.

Many people think that because a washing machine deals with soap and water, it must clean itself. But that’s not the case. As time goes on, detergent residue, fabric softener buildup, lint, and even body oils from our clothes accumulate in different parts of the machine. Left unchecked, this gunk can lead to mold growth and bad odors, and even affect how well your washer works. Experts often recommend deep cleaning your machine at least once a month, but if you want to keep it in top shape, giving it a quick clean two or three times a week can make a big difference. Still, most people aren’t sure where to start. That’s where this hidden feature comes in handy. On many washing machines, there’s a little-known switch designed specifically for draining leftover dirty water from the system. Turning it on is a simple way to release that stagnant water and keep things running smoothly.

So, where exactly is this hidden switch? On most models, you’ll find it located in the lower right or left corner of the machine. It’s usually tucked behind a small, square or rectangular cover that blends in with the rest of the washer’s exterior. It doesn’t look like much, which is why most people never notice it. To access it, you’ll typically need a coin or a flathead screwdriver to gently pry open the cover. Once you do, you’ll see a small drainage hose or valve. Simply turn the knob or pull out the hose and let the dirty water flow out into a container or drain. It’s that easy. Draining this water helps get rid of bacteria-laden residue that could otherwise stay inside the machine and cause unpleasant odors or even affect your laundry’s cleanliness.

But draining the water isn’t the only maintenance your washing machine needs. Another important step is cleaning the lint filter, which is often overlooked. Inside the washing drum, there’s usually a rectangular filter box that collects lint, hair, and small bits of debris during each wash cycle. If you don’t clean this filter regularly, it can get clogged. When that happens, it reduces the machine’s ability to rinse your clothes properly, leaving them covered in lint or not as clean as they should be. That’s why it’s recommended to remove and clean the filter box at least once a week. To do this, carefully detach it from its slot, rinse it thoroughly under running water, and use a soft brush if necessary to remove any stubborn buildup. Make sure it’s completely dry before placing it back into the machine.

Keeping up with these simple cleaning tasks—draining the leftover dirty water using the hidden switch and cleaning the lint filter—can make a big difference in how your washing machine performs. Not only will it help extend the life of your appliance, but it also ensures that your clothes come out looking and smelling fresh every time you wash them. It only takes a few extra minutes, but the payoff is well worth it. So the next time you’re doing laundry, take a moment to give your washing machine the attention it deserves. You’ll be surprised how much better it works, and your clothes will thank you for it.