Cleaning Washing Machine Filters: A Do it Yourself Guide

Washing machines are one of the most heavily used appliances in a family's home, but seldom get the regular maintenance they need to keep running in top condition. Everyone knows to clean the filter in their dryer because the lint is visible and there is easy access to the filter screen. But did you know that there are several filters in your washing machine that could be full of lint as well? If you notice that your machine is slow to fill with water, or slow to drain, you could have a lint buildup problem. Follow these simple steps to check and clean the washing machine filters.

First, unplug the washing machine and turn off the water. This will keep you safe and dry as you work. You will need to pull back the washing machine from the wall so that you have access to the back of the machine. On the back of the machine, you will see a water intake valve hooked up to a hot water and a cold water hose. Each of the hoses will contain a filter screen, as well as the water intake valve. Disconnect both hoses from the intake valve and inspect the screens for any debris. If you see a buildup of lint, it should be easily removed with a soft brush or your fingers. Next, inspect the filter screen in the washing machine's intake valve. These screens are usually not removable, so you will need to take extra care to not damage the screen as you clean it.

To clean the inner filter of a standard, top loading washing machine, you will need to remove the front panel of the washing machine. Make sure the machine is unplugged and the water is shut off before you start. On the lower front panel, you will find three screws along the bottom that you'll need to remove. Once you've removed the lower panel, you will see the washing machine's drain plug. You'll need to slowly unscrew the plug, but be aware that you will have water draining out, so set up a bucket and towel beneath the drain plug. You will probably need to empty your bucket a few times before you can fully unscrew the drain plug. You will now be able to pull out the drain filter and remove the lint buildup. Once the filter is clean, simply screw the drain plug back in and replace the washing machine's front panel.