Why You Need to Clean Your Washing Machine Filter (And Where to Find It)
Make sure your washing machine is operating at 100 per cent with this little-known maintenance tip.
Most people know about the lint trap on their dryer and make sure to regularly clean it out. But did you know that your washing machine has a similar filter that should also be cleaned just as often? A washing machine’s filter traps anything from lint to loose hairs, and should be kept clean to keep your washing machine functioning properly. In order to clean a washing machine’s filter you first have to know where it is.
Where is the washing machine filter located?
The quickest way to locate the filter on your machine is by consulting its owner’s manual. If you no longer have access to the owner’s manual, here are a few places to look for the filter:
- In the front of the unit behind a small hatch
- At the end of the drainage hose.
- Under the cover of your centre agitator.
- Along the top rim of the drum of your washing machine.
Still no luck? It’s possible your washing machine does not have a filter at all. Most newer, high-efficiency washers rely on a filter in the pump that self-cleans, meaning that there’s no need for maintenance on your end.
Check out 13 washer/dryer problems you should never ignore.
How to clean a washing machine’s filter
A combination of detergent, dust, hair and lint can clog up a filter pretty quickly. A clogged filter limits the washing machine’s efficiency and can also lead to more lint deposits on clothes as well as poor drainage.
The quickest way to clean out your filter is to remove it from the unit and soak it in hot water, loosening any clog or trapped residue. If the filter cannot be removed, clean it out with brush. Some filters are disposable, so instead of cleaning them you can just throw them away and put a new one in place.
Next, check out 13 cleaning hacks that take the hassle out of housekeeping.
