Cleaning the lint trap in your dryer is a common household task, but did you know that your washing machine may also have a filter that requires regular cleaning? Neglecting to clean the washing machine filter can lead to issues such as dirty and smelly clothes and potential damage to the appliance. In this article, we’ll provide you with the necessary information on how to clean filter in top loader washing machine, including when and how often to do it.

Important Notice:
It’s crucial to clean the filter in your washing machine regularly to ensure safe and efficient operation. Failure to do so can lead to various problems, including clothing issues and appliance damage.

How to Locate Filter in the Top-Loader Washing Machine


To clean your washing machine’s filter, first, consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions related to your machine’s model. General guidelines suggest cleaning the filter either monthly or biannually. The filter can typically be found in one of the following locations:

  1. In the center of the agitator.
  2. On the top lip of the drum.
  3. Behind a trapdoor on the front of the machine.
  4. Near the water pump or inside the water pump mechanism.

If you don’t have a printed owner’s manual, you can often find it online by searching for your washer’s brand and model along with the keyword “user manual.” Visual learners may also find instructional videos on YouTube or the manufacturer’s official websites.

Pro Tip:
Many newer washing machine models, including high-efficiency (HE) models, do not have a physical filter. Instead, they rely on a self-cleaning filter located inside the pump mechanism, which generally doesn’t require owner maintenance.

5 Steps on How to Clean Filter in Top Loader Washing Machine

What You’ll Need:

  • Cleaning cloth
  • Laundry detergent, liquid, or dishwashing soap
  • Soft-bristle brush
  • Optional: flashlight, shallow basin, or old towel

Step 1: Wipe the Filter and Housing

  • Remove the filter from its housing and gently clean away lint and debris with a damp cleaning cloth.
  • Use the cloth to clean dirt and lint off the filter’s housing.
  • You can use an LED flashlight to inspect the filter’s housing for any buildup. Depending on the filter’s location, prepare a basin or towel to collect water that may spill out when opening the housing.

Step 2: Soak the Filter

  • Fill a container with enough hot water to submerge the filter.
  • Add about a teaspoon of liquid dish soap or laundry detergent to the water.
  • Let the filter soak for approximately 10 minutes.

Step 3: Scrub the Filter

  • Use a soft-bristle brush, like an old brush or dish brush, to scrub the filter and remove any buildup.

Step 4: Replace the Filter

  • Reattach the filter to the washer’s filter housing, ensuring it’s securely in place.
  • Unlike dryer filters, washing machine filters don’t need to dry before reinserting them because they will become wet again.

Step 5: Run a Short Wash Cycle

  • Run a short cycle on your washing machine to ensure that the filter is securely in place.
  • If you detect any leaks, remove the filter and reinsert it into its housing.

Relevant Topic: How to Clean LG Top Load Washing Machine

How to Clean a Fixed Washer Machine Filter

Some washer filters are fixed in place and cannot be removed for cleaning. Here’s how to clean a fixed filter:

What You’ll Need:

  • Paper towels
  • Soft-bristle brush
  • Optional: old towel or shallow basin

Step 1: Wipe the Filter and Housing

  • Remove the filter housing and wipe away dust and lint with paper towels.
  • Depending on the filter’s location, place a basin or use an old towel to collect any water that spills out when opening the housing.

Step 2: Scrub the Filter

  • Use a soft-bristle brush, such as an old dish brush, to scrub the filter and remove lint and dirt buildup.

Step 3: Run a Short Wash Cycle

  • Run a short cycle on your washing machine to rinse out the freshly cleaned filter.

How to Clean a Pump Filter

Many newer washing machines, especially high-efficiency models, do not have traditional lint traps. Instead, they utilize a self-cleaning system to remove lint and other particles during the wash cycle. While these machines are designed to be self-cleaning, running a brief clean wash cycle every three months can help maintain their proper functioning.

Maintaining a clean washing machine filter is essential for ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your appliance. Regular cleaning will prevent issues such as clothes not drying properly or developing odors. Whether you have a removable or fixed filter, following these steps will help keep your washing machine in top condition.

For more articles related to laundry and cleaning, feel free to explore our website homyclean.

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