How to Clean a Washing Machine Filter in 5 Easy Steps

2026-06-02

How to clean a washing machine filter

Knowing how to clean a washing machine filter can help improve drainage, reduce odors, and keep your washer operating efficiently. While many homeowners focus on detergent, wash settings, and load sizes, the filter is one of the most important components for maintaining washer performance.

Over time, lint, hair, pet fur, and small objects can accumulate in the filter and restrict water flow. Learning how to clean a washing machine filter can help improve drainage, protect internal components, and reduce wear on your appliance.

How to Clean a Washing Machine Filter Step-by-Step

Cleaning your washing machine filter is an important maintenance task that can help your appliance run more effectively. Before getting started, consult your owner’s manual to confirm whether your washer has a user-accessible filter and where it is located.

While filter locations vary by brand and model, the basic cleaning process is similar for many front-load washers and some top-load machines.

Step 1: Locate the Washing Machine Filter

The first step is finding the filter on your specific washer model.

Common filter locations include:

Some washing machines do not have a filter that homeowners can access. In these cases, the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations should be followed.

Knowing where the filter is located before you begin can make the cleaning process much easier.

Step 2: Prepare the Area

Many washing machine filters contain residual water from previous cycles. Taking a few minutes to prepare can help keep the cleaning process neat and manageable.

Consider having:

Preparing the surrounding area helps minimize cleanup and allows you to focus on removing debris from the filter.

A damp filter area can sometimes contribute to lingering washer odors. If smells continue after cleaning, our article on what to do when a washer smells bad explains several additional causes that may be affecting your appliance.

Step 3: Remove Debris From the Filter

Once the filter is accessible, inspect it for accumulated debris.

Common items found in washing machine filters include:

Even small amounts of buildup can gradually restrict water flow and contribute to drainage concerns. Removing visible debris helps restore proper circulation through the system.

If the filter contains excessive buildup, it may explain symptoms such as slow drainage, longer cycle times, or standing water in the drum.

Step 4: Clean the Filter Thoroughly

After removing visible debris, rinse the filter under warm water to remove any remaining residue.

During cleaning, inspect the filter for:

A clean filter allows water to move more freely through the washer and helps support efficient operation.

If the filter appears cracked, warped, or damaged, replacement may be necessary to maintain proper performance.

Step 5: Reinstall the Filter and Test the Washer

After cleaning, reinstall the filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Once it is securely in place:

A properly installed filter helps ensure the washer operates as intended and prevents future drainage issues caused by loose or improperly positioned components.

Consistent filter maintenance can also help reduce strain on the washer’s drainage system over time.

How to clean washing a machine filter steps

Signs Your Washing Machine Filter Needs Cleaning

A clogged or dirty filter often produces noticeable symptoms before performance declines significantly.

Watch for these common warning signs:

Addressing these symptoms early can help prevent additional strain on the washer’s drainage system.

Many homeowners begin searching for how to clean a washing machine filter after noticing one or more of these warning signs. Cleaning the filter regularly can help prevent these issues from becoming more serious.

What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Washing Machine Filter?

Over time, a neglected washing machine filter can collect objects that restrict water flow through the appliance. As buildup increases, the washer may have difficulty draining properly, which can affect overall performance.

Common problems associated with a clogged washing machine filter include:

Regular filter maintenance can help prevent these issues and support efficient washer operation. While cleaning the filter is a simple task, ignoring buildup for extended periods may allow minor drainage restrictions to develop into larger appliance problems.

Final Thoughts: How to Clean a Washing Machine Filter

Learning how to clean a washing machine filter is a simple but important part of maintaining your appliance. A clean filter helps promote proper drainage, reduce odor-causing buildup, and support efficient washer performance.

However, if cleaning the filter does not resolve drainage problems, odors, leaks, or unusual noises, there may be a deeper issue that requires professional attention.

If your washer is experiencing issues, the St Louis washing machine repair experts at Mid America Service can expertly diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate solution.