If your clothes come out of the wash smelling musty or covered in fuzz, don’t blame the detergent. It is likely time to clean your washing machine filter.
Cleaning this filter every couple of months prevents odors, improves drainage, and extends the life of your appliance. It saves you money on repairs down the road, too.
We will walk you through how to clean a washing machine filter in a few simple steps. If your machine is a newer model without a traditional lint trap, we will show you how to clean the drain pump filter instead.
Key Takeaways
- Frequency matters: Clean washing machine filters every 1-2 months to prevent clogs, odors, and drainage issues.
- The method: Locate the filter, soak it in hot soapy water for 10 minutes, and scrub away debris with a soft brush.
- Don’t forget the housing: Wipe the filter slot with a damp cloth to remove hidden lint before reinstalling the filter.
- No filter? No problem: If you have a high-efficiency machine, clean the drain pump filter located behind a small door on the front bottom panel.
Where Is the Filter in a Washing Machine?
Finding the filter is usually the hardest part of the job. While your user manual is the ultimate map, here are the most common hiding spots based on the type of machine you own.
Top-Loading Washers
Older standard top-load washers often use a removable lint filter to catch fuzz. However, high-efficiency (HE) top loaders usually rely on a self-cleaning pump filter instead. If you have a standard model, check these spots:
- The top rim: Run your hand along the upper drum rim to feel for a removable screen.
- The agitator: Check inside the center column (agitator). You may need to unscrew the cap to pull the filter out.
- The drainage hose: On rare occasions, the filter is located where the drain hose connects to the back of the machine.
Front-Loading Washers
Front-loaders almost exclusively use a drain pump filter rather than a lint trap.
- Bottom corner: Look for a small square or round access door on the bottom right (sometimes left) on the front of the machine.
- Behind the kickplate: If there is no door, you might need to remove the bottom kickplate panel to access the pump housing.
Do All Washing Machines Have Filters?
Not every washing machine has a removable lint filter. Most modern High-Efficiency (HE) machines use self-cleaning pump systems. These systems flush lint out with the water rather than catching it in a trap.
However, even self-cleaning machines have a pump filter (or coin trap) meant to catch larger debris like coins, keys, and buttons. You still need to clean this regularly to prevent pump failure.
How Often Should You Clean the Filter?
You should clean your washing machine filter every two months.
If you have a large family or wash heavy bedding frequently, aim for once a month. Regular maintenance prevents the “rotten egg” smell that often plagues neglected appliances.
How to Clean a Removable Lint Filter
- Time: 15 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
What You Need
- Paper towels
- Basin or sink
- Hot water
- Liquid detergent
- Soft-bristled brush
1. Remove the Filter
Locate the lint filter in your agitator or along the drum rim. Pull or unscrew it carefully. If it is covered in a layer of wet lint, peel that layer off and throw it in the trash; do not rinse it down your sink drain, as it will cause clogs.
2. Soak in Hot Water
Fill a basin or your sink with hot water and a teaspoon of liquid laundry detergent. Submerge the filter and let it soak for 10 minutes. This loosens stubborn detergent buildup and fabric softener residue.
3. Scrub It Clean
Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the mesh. Ensure you remove all the slimy residue. Rinse it thoroughly under hot running water.
4. Clean the Housing
Before you put the filter back, check the spot where it sits. Use a damp paper towel or cloth to wipe out any lint or gunk stuck in the filter slot.
5. Reinstall
Slide the filter back into place. Ensure it clicks or screws in securely so it doesn’t float around during the next wash cycle.
How to Clean a Drain Pump Filter (Front Loaders)
- Time: 20 minutes
- Difficulty: Intermediate
What You Need
- Old towel
- Shallow baking dish or tray
- Small bowl
- Flashlight
- Liquid detergent
- Old toothbrush
1. Prepare for Water
Open the small access door at the bottom of your machine. Place an old towel flat on the floor directly in front of it. Position a shallow tray or baking dish on top of the towel. Warning: Water will come out when you open this filter, so preparation is key.
2. Drain the Emergency Hose
Most models have a small black rubber hose next to the filter housing.
- Unclip the hose: Pull it out gently.
- Remove the plug: Hold the hose over your shallow dish or bowl and pull the plug out.
- Drain: Let the water flow out. If your dish fills up, plug the hose, empty the dish, and repeat until no water remains.
- Replace: Put the plug back in the hose and clip it back into place.
3. Remove the Pump Filter
Now that the excess water is gone, twist the main round filter cap counter-clockwise (left). Pull it out slowly. A little residual water might still spill out, which is why you have the towel there.
4. Remove Debris and Scrub
Remove any visible lint, coins, or hair from the filter. Rinse it under hot water and scrub it with an old toothbrush and a drop of detergent to remove mold or slime.
5. Check the Pump Housing
Shine your flashlight into the empty filter hole. Check for debris stuck inside the pump impeller (the little propeller at the back). Use a damp cloth to wipe out the housing threads.
6. Reassemble
Insert the clean filter back into the housing. Twist it clockwise (right) until it is tight and secure. Close the access door. Run a short “rinse and spin” cycle to ensure there are no leaks.
FAQs
What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Washer Filter?
Neglecting the filter leads to clogged pumps, which prevents the machine from draining water properly. This creates a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, leaving your clothes smelling like mildew even after a wash. In severe cases, a clogged pump filter can burn out the water pump motor.
Expert Advice
If you have cleaned the filter but the machine still won’t drain or smells bad, check your drain hose for kinks or clogs. If that is clear, you may need a professional repair.
How Do You Clean Out a Filter Without Getting Water Everywhere?
The trick is to use the emergency drain hose first. Located next to the main filter, this small tube allows you to drain the standing water into a bowl in a controlled way. Once the water is gone, you can unscrew the main filter without a massive flood.
Why Is There Lint On My Clothes After Washing?
Lint on clothes usually signals a full filter, but it can also happen if you wash heavy shedders (like towels) with lint-attractors (like corduroy). To fix this, clean your filter, wash items inside out, and separate your laundry types. A white vinegar rinse can also help relax fibers and release lint.
How Often Should You Clean Out a Dishwasher Filter?
Dishwasher filters get gross faster than washing machines because they deal with food scraps. You should check the manual filter at the bottom of the tub once a month. If you see visible grime or plates come out gritty, clean it immediately.
Can a Blocked Filter Stop a Washing Machine?
Yes, modern washing machines have sensors that detect drainage issues. If the filter is blocked, the water cannot drain fast enough, triggering an error code that pauses the cycle or prevents the door from unlocking.
What Can I Put In My Washing Machine to Collect Lint?
If your machine lacks a good filter, you can buy floating lint bags (flower-shaped foam floats with mesh nets) to toss into the drum. You can also use “lint catcher” laundry balls that help grab hair and fuzz during the agitation cycle.
How Do I Know If My Washing Machine Filter Is Clogged?
Common signs of a clogged filter include clothes that are soaking wet after the spin cycle, water remaining in the drum, longer-than-usual cycle times, or error codes flashing on the display panel. Excessive vibrations or strange groaning noises during draining also indicate a blockage.
Keep It Clean
Cleaning your washing machine filter takes less than 20 minutes, but it makes a massive difference in your laundry results. It keeps your appliance running smoothly and ensures your favorite shirts actually smell clean.
Make a habit of checking the filter every other month. Your washing machine (and your nose) will thank you.
