Front-loading washers are a nice way to save water and energy, but they do require some maintenance. One overlooked chore is cleaning the washer machine filter, which removes lint, hair, and other debris that can clog the system. Neglecting this small chore can lead to slow drainage, create ineffective wash cycles, cause unpleasant odors, or even damage to your machine. But don’t worry—it’s easier than you might think!
First, what does the filter even do?
The debris filter on a front-load washer traps lint, hair, coins, and small objects that gets washed off clothes and contribute to the debris buildup collected on the filter. By catching these items, it prevents them from clogging the pump or damaging the machine’s internal components; however, when the front-loading machine filter becomes too full, it can obstruct water flow, causing poor drainage and potentially triggering error codes. If left uncleaned for too long, your washer might struggle to clean clothes effectively, emit foul odors, or even leak.
How often should it be cleaned?
The general recommendation is to clean the washer filter every 1–3 months, depending on how often you use your machine. If you do a lot of laundry, clean your filter monthly. Households washing particularly lint-heavy items like lots of towels, or those that use excess detergent and fabric softener may also benefit from monthly cleaning. Lint buildup can quickly overwhelm the lint filter and clog up the water drainage hose before you notice.
You'll Need
- A shallow bowl or pan
- A towel or rag
- A small soft brush or old toothbrush
- A pair of gloves (nice, but not essential)
- Bleach (optional)
1. Locate and Access the Filter
- Check your owner’s manual for the lint filter location. Typically, it’s near the bottom front of the washer behind a small panel or door.
- Place a shallow bowl or pan beneath the filter area; it'll catch any water that drips out when you remove the filter.
- You can also use a towel or rag to protect your floor from spills.
2. Drain Any Water
- Open the small drain hose (if your washer has one) next to the filter. It may be held up by a hose clip. Let the water flow into the bowl or pan.
- If there’s no drain hose, carefully loosen the filter cover while holding the bowl underneath to catch water as it escapes. It might be as much as a cup of water, so be ready.
3. Remove and Clean the Filter
- Remove the filter. Most will unscrew counter - clockwise but others will slide straight out.
- Inspect it for trapped debris like lint, hair, and small objects.
- Use a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush to scrub away any stubborn residue. Rinse the filter under warm water for a thorough clean.
- If the drain pump filter is non-removable, use a vacuum attachment or a soft-bristle brush to dislodge any debris buildup.
4. Check and Clean the Filter Housing
- Inspect the filter housing for any leftover debris or buildup.
- Wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth or paper towel.
5. Reassemble and Test
- Screw the filter back into place securely.
- Close the panel or outer cover.
- Run a short clean cycle without clothes to ensure everything is functioning properly and that there are no leaks.
- If you were dealing with strong smells, run the machine on a hot cycle with half a cup of bleach to flush out and keep smells at bay.
FAQ
How do I know if my filter needs cleaning?
If a normal cycle ends in soaking wet clothes, it's a common sign that the water is not draining well. Your machine may drain, but only very slowly, and you'll find a linty film on dirty clothes from insufficient cleaning and rinsing. Either way it's a sign of a clogged filter. Your washing machine may display an error code. Or in the case of ignored or severe clogs, you might notice a unpleasant odors. All of these indicators are a sign the filter needs a routine cleaning. Regular maintenance can prevent these issues.
What should I do if the filter is stuck and won’t come out?
If the filter feels jammed, avoid forcing it, as this could damage the filter or housing. Instead, turn off the washer and unplug it. Check for debris clogs, hard water residue, or general buildup around the edges of the filter, which might be causing the blockage. Wipe the edges with a sponge dipped in hot water can clean away gunk holding the dirty filter in place. A gentle wiggle or using a pair of gloves for better grip can help. If it still won’t budge, consult your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer.
What if my washer doesn’t have a filter?
Some modern, high-efficiency machines don’t have a manual filter, as they’re designed with a built-in cleaning system. The filter will be cleaned when you run a self-cleaning cycle. Check your user manual for proper maintenance instructions if you’re unsure.
