All washing machines come with a filter that traps lint, dirt, and other particles from your laundry. This filter is a small but crucial part of your machine, helping to keep clothes clean and prevent buildup inside the washer. If left uncleaned, dirt can clog the filter and return during washing, making clothes dirty again, causing stains or roughness, and creating bad odors. To keep your laundry fresh and your machine running smoothly, cleaning the filter each month is important.
Removing and cleaning your filter is easier than many think. How you do it depends on your machine. Front-load machines almost always have an easily accessible filter behind a little door near the machine’s bottom front. Top-load machines usually place their filter inside the drum—sometimes along the sides or underneath the center agitator. If you aren’t sure, your machine’s manual will tell you where to look.
For front loaders, start by opening the cover, unscrewing the filter, and gently pulling it out. Be prepared for some water spillage. Once out, rinse the filter under running water, scrub any stuck-on dirt with a toothbrush, and then dry before replacing it.
With top loaders, you may need to unscrew the filter from inside the drum. After removing, make sure to also wipe down the drum’s interior. When done cleaning, reinstall and secure the filter properly.
If you wash especially dirty clothes or have pets shedding a lot, check and clean your filter more than once a month. Additionally, an occasional deep clean of your entire washing machine using white vinegar or special cleaning tablets can eliminate lingering soap residue and bacteria.
Washing machine filters are often overlooked, yet they have a big impact on wash quality and machine health. A simple monthly cleaning routine will improve the freshness of your clothes and extend your machine’s life.
