Front load washing machines need periodic maintenance to keep them working properly. Most units have a filter that needs to be cleaned often and is usually located behind a small door in the front of the unit (some filters are behind a panel at the bottom front of the unit). These units are notorious for a "bad smell" after heavy use. To combat this smell, always leave the door cracked open when not in use so left over moisture can escape. The inside of the seal behind the door should be cleaned often as well because mold can grow inside the "pocket" of the seal itself. Most modern washers have a "clean washer" cycle that should be used periodically with a cleaning tablet or solution to keep it odor-free.

Dryers need proper airflow to work correctly. Even with a lint filter, they still get lint and debris inside the cabinet and throughout air passages. Dryers should be disassembled and thoroughly cleaned periodically to keep them working efficiently. Units are sometimes installed with a "flexible" vent tube that connects the dryers exhaust to the vent on the wall. These should be replaced annually to prevent possible fire hazards. Never over-fill a dryer with clothes, again they rely on proper air flow to work correctly.