Free Guide to Cleaning Your Washer Filter

Understanding Your Washer Filter and Why It Needs Cleaning

Your washing machine contains a filter that traps lint, dirt, and debris from your clothes during the wash cycle. This filter prevents these particles from clogging your drain pump and damaging the machine's internal components. Over time, the filter accumulates a significant buildup of material, which can reduce water drainage efficiency and cause unpleasant odors to develop inside your machine.

Most modern washing machines have either a drain pump filter or a tub filter, sometimes both. The drain pump filter is typically located near the bottom front of the machine and collects larger items like coins, buttons, and lint. The tub filter, found in some machines, sits at the base of the drum itself. Not all washers have both types, and some older machines may have slightly different designs.

Studies on household appliance maintenance show that washing machines with regularly cleaned filters drain water more effectively and maintain better performance over their lifespan. A filter clogged with lint and debris can reduce water flow by up to 50 percent, meaning your machine works harder and takes longer to complete cycles. Additionally, standing water in a blocked filter creates an environment where mold and mildew can develop, leading to musty smells on your clean clothes.

The frequency of cleaning depends on how often you use your machine and how much lint your clothes produce. Households that wash clothes three to five times per week should clean their filter monthly. Those doing laundry less frequently might clean it every two to three months. If you notice water draining slowly, smell odors coming from your washer, or see water pooling inside the machine after a cycle, this is a sign your filter needs immediate attention.

Takeaway: Knowing your specific machine model and filter type makes the cleaning process straightforward. Check your owner's manual or look at your machine to identify which filter or filters you have before starting the cleaning process.

Locating Your Washer Filter: A Machine-by-Machine Breakdown

Finding your filter is the first step in the cleaning process, and the location varies depending on your washing machine brand and age. For front-loading machines, the drain pump filter is almost always located at the bottom front of the appliance, hidden behind a small access panel. This panel may be hinged or removable and is usually positioned in the lower right or left corner. To locate it, get down low and look beneath the detergent dispenser drawer—you should see a small rectangular or circular panel.

Top-loading machines have a different setup. If your top-loader has a filter, it's typically located at the center bottom of the wash tub, directly under the agitator. You'll need to remove the agitator first to access it. Some newer top-loading models don't have a removable filter in the traditional sense; instead, they have a self-cleaning drain system that doesn't require manual cleaning.

High-efficiency (HE) machines, whether front or top-loading, usually have at least one filter and sometimes two. Many HE models have both a drain pump filter and a tub filter. The drain pump filter is still located near the bottom of the machine, while the tub filter requires removing the agitator or accessing a panel at the drum's center. These machines are specifically designed to use less water, making filters even more critical for proper function.

Locating your filter becomes much easier with your machine's manual. You can often find this online by searching your machine's brand and model number. The model number is typically printed on a plate inside the machine's rim or on the back panel. Major brands like LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, Maytag, and GE all publish their manuals online for free download. If you've lost your manual, manufacturer websites have searchable databases where you can input your model number and retrieve the information.

Takeaway: Before you begin any cleaning, spend five minutes locating your filter using either your manual or an online search. Mark the location with a piece of tape or take a photo so you know exactly where to look when cleaning day arrives.

Gathering Supplies and Preparing Your Machine

Cleaning a washer filter requires only basic household items that most people already have available. The primary tools you need are a bucket or container with a capacity of at least two to three gallons, clean towels or an old cloth, and warm water. Some people also use a soft brush, like an old toothbrush, to gently scrub away stubborn buildup. Optional supplies include white vinegar for disinfecting and removing odors, and a flashlight or headlamp if the area around your filter is poorly lit.

Before you start, turn off your washing machine and unplug it from the electrical outlet. This is a critical safety step that prevents electrical hazards and accidental activation of the machine during the cleaning process. If your machine is hardwired to your home's electrical system rather than plugged in, turn off the circuit breaker that controls it. Wait for the machine to fully power down—this may take a minute if it has residual electrical charge.

Next, drain any remaining water from your machine. Most machines have a drain hose that can be disconnected and positioned over a bucket, or they have a drain valve that you can open. Some machines also have an emergency drain access point specifically for this purpose. Check your manual for the exact location and procedure for your model. This step prevents water from spilling onto your floor when you open the filter access panel. Have your bucket or container ready to catch any water that may still be inside the machine.

Lay down an old towel or cloth around the filter area before you begin. This protects your flooring from water damage and makes cleanup easier. If you have limited space under or around your machine, you might place a shallow tray or baking sheet under the filter access panel. Once everything is in place, gather your supplies so they're within arm's reach. You don't want to leave the machine open while you search for a brush or cloth.

Takeaway: Taking five minutes to prepare properly prevents water damage, keeps the area clean, and makes the actual cleaning process faster and less stressful.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process for Drain Pump Filters

For most machines, the drain pump filter is the primary filter you'll be cleaning. Start by opening the access panel at the bottom front of your machine. This panel may slide off, pop out, or be held by a hinge. Some panels require gentle pressure at the edges to release clips, so work slowly and carefully to avoid breaking plastic parts. Once the panel is open, you'll see the filter, which usually looks like a cylindrical or oval-shaped component with a handle or knob on the front.

Before you turn the filter, place your bucket directly underneath it to catch water that will flow out. Even after draining the machine, water typically remains inside the filter housing. Grip the filter handle firmly and turn it counterclockwise—the direction is important, as turning it clockwise won't release it. You may need to apply steady pressure or gently rock it back and forth to loosen it, especially if it hasn't been cleaned in a long time. Once it's loose enough, you can carefully pull it out and allow the remaining water to drain into your bucket.

Examine what comes out of the filter. You'll typically find lint, hair, small debris, and sometimes objects like coins, buttons, or pieces of fabric. This is completely normal and shows why regular cleaning matters. If there's significant buildup, you may see a mat-like layer of compressed lint inside the filter chamber. Once you've emptied the filter, use your hands or a cloth to remove large pieces of debris. Be careful not to damage the fine mesh screen inside the filter, as this is what actually traps small particles.

Rinse the filter under warm running water, directing the water through the filter to flush out trapped lint and dirt. Use your soft brush to gently scrub the outside and inside surfaces. For stubborn buildup, you can soak the filter in warm water with a little white vinegar for 15 to 20 minutes, then scrub again. Make sure the drain holes or mesh are clear and water flows freely. Once it's clean, inspect the filter housing chamber where the filter sits. Use a cloth to wipe out any remaining lint or debris from this chamber.

Takeaway: The entire drain pump filter cleaning typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. Most people notice improved drainage and reduced odors immediately after the first cleaning.

Cleaning Tub Filters and Secondary Filter Systems

If your washing machine has a tub