You just finished a load of laundry, but instead of that fresh "clean linen" smell, your utility room smells like a swamp. The water is draining slower than molasses, or worse—water is backing up onto the floor. The culprit? A clogged washing machine drain pipe.
Have you ever pulled a "drain worm" out of your laundry pipe? Tell us your horror story in the comments! 👇 Disclaimer: Always consult your washing machine’s manual before disassembling parts.
Most people forget that the machine that cleans your clothes needs its own pipes cleaned, too. Here is your survival guide to unclogging that drain pipe quickly and safely. how to clean a washing machine drain pipe
Pull the washing machine away from the wall. Locate the large, ribbed hose at the back. Remove it from the standpipe (it usually just pulls out). Tilt the hose down into your bucket to drain any leftover water inside the machine.
Take the drain hose outside or hold it over a deep bucket. Use a garden hose or high-pressure shower head to blast water through the hose. If you see black sludge and lint shooting out, you are winning. You just finished a load of laundry, but
Reinsert the drain hose into the standpipe. Push it in about 6–8 inches—too deep and it might siphon water back out; too shallow and it will jump out during the spin cycle. Run a short rinse cycle and watch for fast drainage.
Don’t Let a Stinky Laundry Room Ruin Your Day: How to Clean Your Washing Machine Drain Pipe A clogged washing machine drain pipe
Some newer machines have a filter at the end of the drain hose or behind a front panel. Check your manual. Remove the handful of soggy lint, coins, and bobby pins you find. (Wear gloves!)