Have you ever opened the little filter at the bottom of your washing machine and wondered what on earth was hiding inside? You might be surprised by how much lint, hair, coins, and other debris can collect there!
The small access panel at the bottom of your washing machine, shown in the picture, usually covers the drain pump filter on front-loading machines. Although it’s easy to forget about, cleaning it regularly can help prevent drainage problems, unpleasant smells, and washing machine issues.
So, how often should you clean it? Let’s walk through everything you need to know.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine Filter?
For most front-loading washing machines, checking and cleaning the drain pump filter every one to three months is a reasonable starting point. However, the ideal frequency depends on how often you do laundry, what you wash, and your manufacturer’s recommendations.
Here’s a simple guide:
- Every month: A good routine for households that do laundry frequently.
- Every two to three months: May be sufficient for lighter use, depending on the machine.
- More frequently: If you wash pet bedding, heavily soiled clothes, or laundry containing lots of lint.
- Immediately when needed: If your machine isn’t draining properly, displays a drainage error, or develops an unusual smell.
Always check your washing machine’s manual because some models have different filter designs or maintenance requirements.
What Can You Find Inside a Washing Machine Filter?
You might be surprised by what collects inside this small compartment!
Common discoveries include:
- Hair and pet fur.
- Lint and small fabric fibres.
- Coins and small objects left in pockets.
- Buttons and other loose items.
- Small pieces of tissue.
- Detergent residue and accumulated grime.
- Standing water and unpleasant-smelling debris.
Not every machine will contain all these things, but regular cleaning helps prevent debris from building up.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following items:
- An old towel.
- A shallow tray or container.
- A pair of rubber gloves, if preferred.
- A soft cleaning cloth.
- A small, soft brush.
You usually won’t need expensive cleaning products to clean the filter properly.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Washing Machine Filter
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