Using a common laundry item could be making your washing machine smell, says expert

Finding that your clothes smell a bit off even after they've been washed is a common laundry mishap. It's often blamed on items being left damp for too long or washed too fast. But according to the washing machine experts at Domestic & General, a popular laundry shortcut may be to blame.

Engineers are urging caution with wash pods, as despite lowtemperature claims, they don't always dissolve. Wash pods, or laundry pods, are single-use, pre-measured capsules containing concentrated laundry detergent and other cleaning agents, all sealed in a water-soluble film. There's no denying how handy pods are, but Ian PalmerSmith warns that when a pod's film doesn't fully dissolve, residue can cling to drains and filters. "Over time, it builds up like gunk, slowing drainage and trapping bacteria - clothes come out musty," he said.

Before you start your next load, consider how laundry pods perform under different temperatures and cycle lengths.

Used on cold washes, the coating may need warmer water to dissolve fully. Short cycles don't give the pod enough time to break down and disperse.

Overloading reduces water circulation, leaving detergent concentrated in spots. Storing pods in humid places can thicken the film before they reach the drum.

The clues are subtle at first, but then the stench becomes harder to ignore.

Ian said: "Over time, laundry pod film builds up like gunk in a plughole, slowing drainage and trapping bacteria. Consequently your clothes come out smelling musty, even after a full wash."

Visible slime inside the drum or around the door seal is another surefire sign that your washing habits are incompatible with pods.

Water pooling after a cycle, longer drain times, the machine stopping midcycle with a drainage error, or gurgling during the drain phase are all a cause for concern.

Ian adds: "If you spot these warning signs, clean the filter and run a hot maintenance cycle - acting early can save a costly repair."

Water hardness can affect how well laundry pods dissolve. The extra minerals in hard water might interfere with the dissolving process.

Experts at InTheWash note that the hardest water in the UK is in the South East and East of England. They suggest using water softeners or select pods specifically designed for hard water if you suffer from hard water in your area.

How to use laundry pods properly

Laundry pods should always be placed in the washing machine drum before loading your laundry, as they dissolve more effectively at the bottom of the drum.

If the pod is on top of the load, it may cause streaks and stains on your laundry after washing, requiring a second cycle.

It is crucial to store laundry pods in a dry, sealed container or their original packet. Otherwise, they may harden, making them impossible to dissolve.

According to laundry experts at InTheWash, if you have a high-efficiency washing machine, you may need to use laundry pods specifically formulated for HE washers.

These pods produce fewer suds, which is important for efficient operation. However, "HE washer" is a US term, so washing machines in the UK are unlikely to have this label.