Cleaning Out Your Washing Machine Filter

Why would you need to clean your washing machine filter? While it might seem a little obscure, cleaning out your washing machine filter should be a routine maintenance job that you make sure to do from time to time, like clearing leaves out of your roof gutter or making sure your drains are clear.

Over the course of normal use, your washer's filter will fill up with sediment and debris. Much like your dryer, your washing machine will work much less efficiently if its filter is clogged. Symptoms of a clogged filter are washing cycles that take longer than usual, extra water left over from the rinse cycle, and laundry that just isn't getting that clean. Luckily, cleaning out your filter is a job you can do yourself - all you need is a water-resistant vacuum like a Shop Vac.

Start by turning off the hot and cold water faucets that are connected to your washing machine. This will stop water from running into your washer so you can disconnect your water inlets without flooding the house! To relieve any built-up water pressure, pull the knob out on your washer that starts the washing cycle for just a few seconds.

Now it's time to unplug and disconnect your washing machine. First, unplug your washer from the electrical outlet. Next, use a pair of pliers to unscrew the hose fittings on the back of the washing machine. There will likely be some water left in the hoses, so you will want to have a hose or a bucket handy in order to catch and clean up any spillage.

Now it's time to break out the water-resistant vacuum. Place the vacuum over each water inlet. As you turn on the vacuum, tap on the inlet a little with a plier in order to free any debris or sediment that may have lodged in it. Continue vacuuming until the inlet is clear, then repeat on the second water inlet.

Now that you're done clearing out the filters, it's time to reconnect your washer. Using your pliers, reconnect the correct hose to its inlet and make sure to tighten them properly. Don't forget to double-check to see if there are any leaks. If you find any, re-tighten accordingly. After that, all you have to do is plug your washer back into the outlet and you're ready to go. You've successful cleaned out your washing machine filter!