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

If your washing machine is draining slowly, leaving clothes wetter than usual, or developing an unpleasant smell, a dirty filter could be one possible cause.

But before you start taking anything apart, there's one important thing to know:

Not every washing machine has a filter that homeowners are supposed to remove and clean.

Filter designs and locations vary widely between brands and models. Some front-loading washers have an easy-to-access drain-pump filter, while some machines have filters that aren't intended for routine homeowner maintenance.

Always check your washing machine's owner's manual before opening a panel or removing a filter.

What Does a Washing Machine Filter Do?

Depending on the washer design, a filter may help catch things such as:

• Lint

• Hair

• Coins

• Buttons

• Small pieces of fabric

• Other debris that could interfere with drainage

When a user-serviceable filter becomes clogged, water may have a harder time draining from the machine.

Keeping the filter clean according to the manufacturer's instructions can help your washer drain properly and reduce debris buildup.

Does My Washing Machine Have a Filter I Can Clean?

Before doing anything else, find out whether your washer actually has a user-accessible filter.

Check the Owner's Manual

This is the safest and most reliable way to find out.

Look in the maintenance or troubleshooting section for terms such as:

• Drain-pump filter

• Pump filter

• Debris filter

• Coin trap

• Lint filter

• Drain filter

If you don't have the paper manual, search the manufacturer's official website using your washer's model number.

Look for an Access Panel

Some front-loading washers have a small access door near the lower front of the machine.

However, don't assume that every small panel contains a filter. Check your manual before opening or removing anything.

What About Top-Loading Washers?

Top-loading washing machines vary considerably.

Some have removable lint filters or other maintenance components, while others do not have a filter designed for regular homeowner cleaning.

Never remove an agitator, impeller, panel, or other component simply because you're looking for a filter unless your owner's manual specifically instructs you to do so.

Signs Your Washing Machine Filter May Need Attention

A clogged or dirty filter may sometimes contribute to:

• Water draining slowly

• Water remaining in the drum after a cycle

• Clothes coming out unusually wet

• Unpleasant odors

• Visible lint or debris

• A drainage-related error message

• Unusual noises while the washer drains

These symptoms don't automatically mean the filter is the problem. Drain hoses, pumps, plumbing, or other components may also be responsible.

If you're unsure, check your washer's troubleshooting instructions.

What You'll Need

If your manual confirms that your washer has a user-cleanable filter, gather:

• Old towels

• A shallow pan or low container

• A small bowl or bucket

• Warm water

• A soft cleaning brush or old toothbrush

• Microfiber cloth

You usually don't need strong cleaning chemicals.

If your manufacturer recommends a particular cleaning product or method, follow those directions.

How to Clean a Washing Machine Filter

These are general steps. Your washer's instructions always take priority.

Step 1: Turn Off the Washer

Finish or cancel the current cycle and make sure the washer is turned off.

If your owner's manual instructs you to unplug the appliance before filter maintenance, unplug it.

Never open a filter while the washer is actively running.

Step 2: Locate the Filter

Use the owner's manual to identify the exact location.

On some front-loading washers, a drain-pump filter is behind a small panel near the bottom front of the machine.

Other models use completely different designs.

Step 3: Prepare for Water

This part is important.

Water may come out when you open the filter area.

Place:

• Old towels on the floor

• A shallow pan underneath the opening

• A bucket nearby if needed

Some washers have a small emergency drain hose next to the filter. If yours does, follow the manufacturer's instructions for draining the water before removing the filter.

Step 4: Open the Filter Slowly

Don't immediately pull or twist everything open.

Follow the directions for your specific washer.

If the filter unscrews, open it gradually so you can control any water that begins to drain.

If water starts flowing quickly, pause and allow it to drain into your container before continuing.

Step 5: Remove the Filter

Once the excess water has drained, carefully remove the filter according to the manufacturer's directions.

Check it for:

• Lint

• Hair

• Coins

• Buttons

• Small pieces of fabric

• Other debris

Remove anything that doesn't belong there.

Step 6: Clean the Filter

Rinse the filter with warm water if your manufacturer allows it.

Use a soft brush to gently remove stubborn lint or residue.

Avoid using sharp objects that could damage the filter.

There's usually no need to soak the filter in vinegar, bleach, baking soda, or other household cleaners unless your washer manufacturer specifically recommends doing so.

Step 7: Check the Filter Compartment

Use a flashlight if necessary to look inside the accessible filter opening.

Remove loose debris that can be safely reached without forcing your hand or tools into the machine.

Do not disassemble additional components.

Step 8: Reinstall the Filter

Place the filter back exactly as directed in the manual.

Make sure it is:

• Properly seated

• Securely closed

• Correctly tightened

An improperly installed filter may cause leaks.

Step 9: Test the Washer

After everything is securely reassembled, run the test or rinse cycle recommended by your manufacturer.

Stay nearby at first and check around the filter area for leaks.

If you notice leaking, stop the washer and check whether the filter was installed correctly.

What If Water Pours Out When I Open the Filter?

Some remaining water is normal with certain washer designs.

That's why preparing towels and a shallow container beforehand is so important.

If your machine has an emergency drain hose, use it according to the manual before opening the filter.

If a large amount of water remains inside the drum and you cannot safely drain it, don't force the filter open.

Consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer or an appliance professional.

Front-Loading vs. Top-Loading Washing Machine Filters

Front-Loading Washers

Some front-loaders have a user-accessible drain-pump filter behind a small panel near the bottom of the washer.

These filters may collect coins, lint, hair, and other debris.

But even among front-loaders, the location and cleaning procedure vary.

Top-Loading Washers

Top-loaders are less consistent.

Depending on the design, your machine may have:

• A removable lint filter

• A filter located elsewhere in the washer

• A self-cleaning filtration system

• No filter intended for routine homeowner removal

That's why searching for the manual by model number is much better than assuming your washer is built like another machine you've seen online.

How Often Should You Clean a Washing Machine Filter?

There isn't one schedule that applies to every washing machine.

Check the manufacturer's maintenance instructions for your model.

You may want to inspect the filter sooner if you notice:

• Slow drainage

• Debris

• Odors

• Clothes remaining unusually wet

• A drainage warning or error

Some manufacturers recommend periodic filter maintenance, while other machines require little or no homeowner filter cleaning.

Follow the schedule for your washer rather than an arbitrary calendar.

How to Help Prevent Filter Clogs

A few laundry habits may help reduce debris inside the washer.

Empty Pockets

Check pockets before washing clothes.

Coins, tissues, hair clips, and other small items can end up where they don't belong.

Use Laundry Bags for Small Items

Mesh laundry bags can help contain small socks and delicate items.

Remove Loose Debris

Shake excessive dirt, pet hair, or loose debris from heavily soiled items before putting them in the washer when practical.

Don't Overload the Machine

Follow your washer manufacturer's load-size recommendations.

Overloading can interfere with normal washing and drainage.

Follow the Recommended Detergent Amount

Excess detergent can contribute to residue buildup in the washer.

Use the amount recommended for your machine, detergent, and load size.

Common Washing Machine Filter Cleaning Mistakes

Assuming Every Washer Has the Same Filter

They don't.

Always identify your exact model before beginning.

Forcing a Filter Open

If the filter won't turn or come out as expected, stop.

Forcing it may damage the filter or surrounding components.

Removing Parts That Aren't User-Serviceable

Don't remove agitators, panels, pumps, hoses, or other internal parts unless the manufacturer's instructions specifically tell you to.

Forgetting About the Water

Always prepare for residual water before opening a drain-pump filter.

Using Harsh Chemicals

A filter usually needs debris removal and basic cleaning—not a cocktail of cleaning chemicals.

Follow your manufacturer's directions.

Reinstalling the Filter Incorrectly

A filter that isn't seated or tightened correctly may leak.

Double-check it before running the washer.

What If the Washer Still Won't Drain?

If cleaning the filter doesn't solve the problem, something else may be wrong.

Possible issues can involve:

• A blocked drain hose

• A drainage problem in the home

• A damaged pump

• A kinked hose

• Another internal component

Don't continue taking the appliance apart unless you're qualified to do so.

Check the troubleshooting section of your owner's manual.

When to Call a Professional

Consider contacting your washer manufacturer or a qualified appliance repair professional if:

• The washer still won't drain

• Water remains in the drum

• The filter can't be removed

• The filter appears damaged

• You see leaking after reinstalling it

• The machine displays repeated error codes

• You hear unusual grinding or draining noises

• You would need to disassemble the appliance to reach the problem

Sometimes the safest repair is the one you don't attempt yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the filter on a washing machine?

It depends on the machine.

Some front-loaders have a drain-pump filter behind a panel near the lower front of the washer. Other machines use different systems.

Check your owner's manual for the exact location.

Do all washing machines have filters?

Washing machines may contain filtration components, but not every machine has a filter designed to be routinely removed and cleaned by the owner.

Can I clean a washing machine filter with vinegar?

Don't assume vinegar is appropriate for your machine.

Warm water and gentle debris removal may be enough for many user-cleanable filters. Follow the manufacturer's instructions before using any cleaning product.

Why is water coming out of my washing machine filter?

Some residual water can remain in the pump and drainage system.

Prepare towels and a shallow container before opening the filter, and use the machine's emergency drain hose first if your model has one.

How often should I clean the filter?

Follow your manufacturer's maintenance schedule.

The correct interval depends on your washer design and how it's used.

Can a dirty filter make my washing machine smell?

Trapped debris and stagnant water may contribute to odors in some machines.

If your washer smells, also check the gasket, detergent dispenser, drum, and other areas recommended by the manufacturer.

For more help, see Why Does My Washing Machine Smell? 7 Causes and How to Fix Them.

Can a clogged filter stop a washer from draining?

A clogged user-serviceable drain filter can contribute to drainage problems on machines that use that design.

However, drainage problems can have other causes too.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning a washing machine filter can be a simple maintenance job—when your washer actually has a filter designed for you to clean.

Start with the owner's manual.

If your model has a user-accessible filter, prepare for water, remove debris carefully, rinse the filter as directed, reinstall it securely, and check for leaks.

And if you're doing a complete washer cleanup, see our guide How to Clean a Washing Machine: Step-by-Step Guide.

Keeping up with the maintenance recommended for your specific washer can help prevent debris buildup, drainage problems, and unpleasant surprises on laundry day.