Appliance Spares
Cold washes are the easiest power-bill win in the laundry. They also let grime build up where you can’t see it. Ten minutes a month fixes that.
Quick answer: Keep washing cold. Sustainability Victoria says a cold cycle can cut washing machine energy use by up to 80%, because most of a warm wash’s energy goes on heating water. But cold water and too much detergent leave residue in the seal, drawer and pump filter. Clean those once a month and run a hot or tub-clean cycle.
Does cold washing make a machine smelly?
It can, over time. Lab work at German universities found cooler washes kill fewer microbes, and that detergents with activated oxygen bleach, or longer cycles, make up much of the difference. Your clothes come out fine. The residue stays behind in the machine, which is why a cold-wash machine needs a regular clean-out.
The 10-minute monthly routine
- Seal. Pull back the fold, wipe it, dry it.
- Drawer. Press the release tab, pull the drawer out, wash it in warm water and scrub the cavity behind it. A 2021 study found the drawer chamber was the dirtiest spot in home machines.
- Pump filter. Towel and a shallow tray down, open the small flap at the bottom front, unscrew slowly.
- Hot cycle. Run the tub-clean or drum-clean program, or the hottest empty cycle, with a machine cleaner your manual approves.
- Air out. Door and drawer open until dry.
Where’s the clean cycle on my machine?
Most front loaders sold in Australia have one, often called Tub Clean, Drum Clean or Drum Clean+. Look for it on the dial or in the manual. No dedicated program? Run the hottest empty cycle.
Are you using too much detergent?
Most people are. Use the dose on the pack for your load size. Extra detergent doesn’t clean better. It just ends up in the seal and filter.
When it’s not the routine. If clothes still come out soapy at the right dose, or the machine is slow to fill or drain, look at the inlet valve or the drain pump.
Seal past saving or pump struggling?
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Frequently asked questions
How much does washing in cold water save?
Sustainability Victoria says a cold cycle can cut washing machine energy use by up to 80%. Your machine’s energy label has its own figures.
Does cold water clean clothes properly?
For everyday loads, yes, with a good detergent at the right dose. Use a warmer wash for heavily soiled loads like kitchen cloths.
How often should I run a tub clean?
About monthly, or as your manual says.
How often should I clean the pump filter?
Every one to three months, or whenever draining slows.
Sources
- Sustainability Victoria. Reduce washing machine costs at home. sustainability.vic.gov.au
- Honisch M, Stamminger R, Bockmühl DP (2014). Impact of wash cycle time, temperature and detergent formulation on the hygiene effectiveness of domestic laundering. J Appl Microbiol 117:1787–97.
- Jacksch S et al. (2021). Microorganisms. PMC8146927
More on washing machine smells and mould
- Mouldy laundry in a rental? Who fixes what, and the dryer fault soaking your walls
- Why your front loader stinks: five culprits, from a 2-minute fix to a new pump
- Bleach and vinegar in the washer? The cleaning hack that makes chlorine gas
- How to remove mould from a washing machine door seal
Oz Appliance Spares ships from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Australian-owned since 2009. Last reviewed 30 October 2026.
Disclaimer: this article is general information only and is provided without warranty of any kind. Appliance designs vary between models and production runs — always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, switch off and unplug the appliance before starting any work, and confirm parts against the model number on your appliance’s model sticker. Any repair is undertaken at your own risk and Oz Appliance Spares accepts no liability for injury, loss or damage arising from work performed after reading this guide, to the maximum extent permitted by law. If in doubt, use a qualified technician.
