Maintaining your home appliances can feel like a chore—and a bore. But the more active you are about taking care of them, the fewer headaches you have to deal with down the road. One such example? Draining your washing machine.

It’s not a task that immediately comes to mind on the list of routine household tasks, but it can make a big difference in how your washing machine performs over time. So, how often should you be draining it? We tapped two home appliance experts for the answer—along with tips to get it done.

How Often to Drain a Washing Machine

It’s recommended to manually drain your machine, and specifically the pump or hose, every one to three months, depending on how often you’re using the machine.

“Manual draining keeps lint, coins, hair, fabric softener, and detergent residue from building up and eventually clogging the pump or drain hose,” says Alex Atkinson, plumber and HVAC technician at Super Brothers. “You’re not just risking water backup, but motor stress and reduced efficiency.”

You should also drain your machine if you plan to leave for vacation for an extended period of time, as this can cause odors to build.

“Household members who do a lot of laundry or wash heavy items like bedding, towels, or work uniforms should lean towards the higher frequency,” Atkinson adds.

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How to Drain a Washing Machine the Right Way

Draining your washing machine manually isn’t difficult, but you’ll want to be prepared. Here’s how to do it:

1. Turn off the machine: “Unplug the machine or turn it off at the breaker before starting any maintenance,” says Kyshawn Lane, founder of Weekly Home Check.
2. Locate the drain hose: Pull the washer out so you have space to work. “Look at the bottom front panel of the washer—most models have a small square or rectangular access door,” Atkinson says. “Open that panel and you’ll typically find a drain hose and a filter cap.”
3. Prepare the area: Place a towel or two on the floor. “And have a shallow pan, baking sheet, or low-sided pan underneath to catch the water,” Atkinson suggests.
4. Disconnect the hose: Remove the emergency drain hose plug, and let the water flow into your pan. “You might need to drain your pan and repeat this several times based on the amount of water inside,” Atkinson notes.
5. Check for clogs: Check the hose for any blockages that could be causing slow drainage. “Use a broomstick or a blower to push through any debris if needed,” Lane says.
6. Remove the drain pump filter: Once the water is drained, unscrew the filter if there is one. You may find lint, hair, little buttons, or even socks in it.
7. Clean the filter: Place the filter in a bucket with equal parts water and vinegar, or clean it in hot running water. “If you’ve seen sludge or dirt in the pump, clean it out very carefully with a cloth,” Atkinson says.
8. Reattach the parts: Replace the filter and hose cap securely, and close the access panel.
9. Run a short cycle: Perform a rinse-and-spin cycle with nothing inside to ensure no lingering water is left inside the drum.

6 Signs It’s Time to Drain Your Washing Machine

• Standing water: “When water is left in the drum after a cycle, it’s a sign the machine may need draining or maintenance,” Lane says.
• Drippy clothes: If you’re clothes are overly wet, it may be because water isn’t draining properly.
• Gurgling sounds: “You can hear the machine struggle to pump water out—gurgling or humming sounds from the front bottom portion typically mean a clogged filter or hose,” Atkinson says.
• Odors: A musty odor coming from the machine or your clothes may indicate stagnant water or buildup in the pump.
• Puddling with non-use: If water is puddling in the drum after a few days of not using the washer, it’s likely in need of draining.
• Excessive suds: “Any soap residue left on clothes after the cycle has completed is a signal that there may be a draining issue or clog,” Lane says.