How To Clean The Washing Machine Filter: Essential Step By Step

Learn How to Clean the Washing Machine Filter the Right Way and Keep Your Clothes Clean and the Washer Working Well.

What many people ignore can be the cause of poorly washed clothes and malfunctioning appliances: the filter of the washing machine. It should be cleaned regularly to avoid the buildup of lint, hair, and residues. According to experts, regular filter cleaning improves the washer’s performance and prevents bad odors, motor problems, and even serious breakdowns.

This alert applies to everyone: regardless of your washer’s model, the recommendation is to check the state of the filter regularly. Cleaning can be done at home, without complications, and should become part of the routine for caring for the appliance.

In this complete guide, you will understand how to clean the washing machine filter, discover where it is located, and identify the signs that it’s time to clean it.

Why Is Cleaning the Washing Machine Filter Essential?

The filter’s function is simple but fundamental: to retain lint, dirt, and even small objects that come loose from clothes during washing. When clogged, this component compromises the performance of the washer.

Besides leaving clothes dirty or with residues, a dirty filter can prevent water drainage and even cause bad smells. In more serious cases, the accumulation of dirt overloads the motor, strains the water pump, and can cause centrifugation failures.

In other words, something so small can lead to significant damage if ignored.

Where Is the Washing Machine Filter Located?

The filter’s location varies according to the model of the washer. Here are the main types:

Top-Load Models:
In these cases, the filter is usually inside the drum, attached to the central agitator or the inner side. In some appliances, it appears as a removable plastic screen or basket.

Front-Load Models:
The filter is generally the drainage one, accessed from the lower front of the machine, behind a small cover. Just open it to find a cylindrical part that can be unscrewed for cleaning.

How to Know If It’s Time to Clean the Filter?

Some signs indicate that it’s time to take action. Pay attention if:

• Clothes come out with lint or a bad smell;
• The water takes a long time to drain or the machine makes strange noises;
• The washing cycle seems longer than usual.

These signs indicate that the washing machine filter may be clogged.

How to Clean the Washing Machine Filter: Step by Step

The process is simple and varies according to the type of filter:

For Internal Filters (Top-Load):

1. Turn off the machine and open the lid;
2. Remove the filter from the agitator or the inner side;
3. Wash with running water and a soft brush, without harsh products;
4. Let it dry and reattach it in place.

For External Filters (Front-Load):

1. Turn off and open the small door at the lower front;
2. Unscrew the filter carefully;
3. Remove residues like lint, coins, or dirt;
4. Wash well with water, scrub if necessary, and put it back.

How Often Should I Clean the Filter?

The ideal is to clean it every 1 to 2 months, depending on the washer’s usage volume. If you wash clothes with lots of lint, fabrics that shed particles, or share the machine with several people, the interval should be shorter.