If your clothes come out with lint, residue, or a less-than-fresh feel, your washing machine filter may need attention. In many washers, the filter helps catch lint, hair, small fabric pieces, coins, and other everyday laundry debris before they move farther through the drain system.
Over time, that buildup can make your washer harder to maintain. You may notice slower draining, water left in the drum, or laundry that does not feel as fresh after a cycle.
The good news is that cleaning a washing machine filter is usually a simple home-care task. You just need to know where the filter is, how to open it carefully, and how to make it part of your laundry routine.
This guide walks through how to clean a washing machine filter, how often to check it, and how to pair filter care with simple monthly washer maintenance.
Quick Answer: How Do You Clean a Washing Machine Filter?
To clean a washing machine filter, turn off and unplug the washer first. Then locate the filter access area, place a towel and shallow pan nearby, drain any remaining water if your model has a drain hose, remove the filter, clear away lint or small debris, rinse it under running water, and reinstall it securely.
Many front-load washers have a drain pump filter behind a small access panel near the lower front of the machine. Exact locations vary by brand and model, so always check your washer manual before removing parts. LG’s support guide, for example, shows the drain pump filter behind a lower front access panel on certain front-load washers.
Why Cleaning Your Washing Machine Filter Matters
A washing machine filter helps collect small debris from wash water. Depending on your laundry habits, this may include lint, hair, pet fur, small fabric pieces, tissue bits, coins, or buttons.
When too much debris builds up, the washer may drain more slowly or show signs that water is not moving through the system as intended. Whirlpool explains that the pump filter removes lint and debris from wash water, and that buildup can contribute to slow or no-drain situations.
Keeping the filter clear is not about making laundry more complicated. It is a small maintenance step that helps your washer stay easier to care for over time.
Where Is the Washing Machine Filter?
Front-Load Washers
On many front-load washers, the drain pump filter is located behind a small access door near the bottom front of the machine. You may see a small square or rectangular panel below the main washer door.
Inside that panel, some models include a small drain hose and a round filter cap. The hose lets you drain leftover water before removing the filter. Samsung’s front-load washer guide also recommends placing a towel and shallow dish nearby before opening the filter area.
Top-Load Washers
Top-load washer filters can vary more by design. Some may be near the center agitator, along the drum rim, or in another model-specific location. Some newer machines may not have a removable filter in the same way older models do.
Because of that, the washer manual is the best place to confirm whether your machine has a removable filter and where it is located.
Newer or Self-Cleaning Models
Some newer washers may use self-cleaning filter systems or pump designs that do not require the same manual filter cleaning. ACTIVE’s guide notes that some newer machines may have self-cleaning filters or pump systems located under the drum.
Even if your washer does not have a removable filter, routine washer care still matters. Check your manual for the maintenance steps recommended for your model.
What You Need Before You Start
Before opening the filter area, prepare a few simple items:
A towel or absorbent cloth
A shallow pan or bowl
A soft brush or old toothbrush
Warm running water
A small trash bag or container for lint and debris
Your washer manual, if available
This step is important because water may come out when you open the filter area. Having a towel and shallow pan ready helps keep the process calmer and cleaner.
How to Clean a Washing Machine Filter Step by Step
Step 1: Turn Off and Unplug the Washer
Start by turning the washer off. Unplug it before opening the filter area or removing any part.
Also make sure the washer is empty and not running. If there is water sitting in the drum, follow your washer manual for draining instructions before continuing.
Step 2: Locate the Filter Access Area
For many front-load washers, look near the lower front of the machine for a small access panel. It may open by pressing it, pulling a tab, or using a coin depending on the model.
For top-load washers, check the agitator, drum rim, or manual. Do not assume every washer filter is in the same place.
Step 3: Place a Towel and Shallow Pan Nearby
Lay a towel on the floor under the access area. Place a shallow pan or bowl nearby to catch water.
If your washer has a small drain hose, carefully pull it out and position the end over the dish. Remove the cap and let the water drain until it slows or stops. Samsung’s front-load washer instructions also recommend using a towel and shallow dish before draining the filter area.
Step 4: Remove the Filter
Once the remaining water has drained, remove the filter. Many front-load washer filters are removed by turning the filter cap counterclockwise, but this can vary by machine.
Be gentle. If the filter does not turn easily, stop and check your manual instead of forcing it.
Step 5: Clear Away Lint and Debris
Look for lint, hair, pet fur, fabric pieces, coins, buttons, or anything else caught in the filter. Remove visible debris and place it in the trash.
You can also check the filter housing for anything loose, but avoid pushing sharp tools into the washer.
Step 6: Rinse the Filter
Rinse the filter under running water. Use a soft brush if needed to loosen residue. Whirlpool recommends rinsing the filter and using a soft brush for stubborn dirt when needed.
Avoid harsh scraping tools that may damage the filter mesh or plastic parts.
Step 7: Reinstall the Filter Securely
Place the filter back in position and turn it clockwise until it is secure. Reattach the drain hose cap if your machine has one, tuck the hose back into place, and close the access door.
Before running another load, make sure the filter and access panel are fully closed.
How Often Should You Clean a Washing Machine Filter?
For many households, checking the filter every few months is a practical routine. If your household runs laundry often, washes towels frequently, has pets, or cleans lint-heavy items, you may want to check it more often.
Some manufacturer guidance is more frequent. LG recommends cleaning the drain pump filter at least once a month for certain front-load washers, while Whirlpool suggests cleaning every few months or as needed depending on usage and debris buildup.
The best schedule depends on your washer model, laundry habits, and what your manual recommends.
Signs Your Washer Filter May Need Attention
Your washer drains slowly.
Water remains in the drum after a cycle.
Laundry comes out with lint or residue.
The washer has a less fresh smell.
The machine pauses or shows a drain-related error.
You recently washed towels, blankets, pet bedding, or heavily soiled clothes.
A clogged filter is not the only possible reason for these issues, but it is one of the simpler maintenance checks to try before assuming a larger problem.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not open the filter while the washer is running.
Do not skip the towel and shallow pan.
Do not force the filter if it feels stuck.
Do not forget to reinstall the filter securely.
Do not use sharp tools to scrape the filter.
Do not ignore repeated drainage problems.
Do not assume every washer filter is in the same place.
If your washer still will not drain after cleaning the filter, or if water continues to sit in the machine, it may be time to contact the manufacturer or a qualified appliance technician.
A Simpler Routine With OrientLeaf
Cleaning the filter is a hands-on maintenance step. A washing machine cleaner tablet does not replace removing lint, coins, buttons, or other debris from a physical filter.
But filter care is only one part of a simple washer routine.
For monthly washer maintenance, OrientLeaf Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets offer a pre-measured way to help freshen the drum and reduce everyday residue buildup. Just drop one tablet into an empty washer, run a cleaning or hot-water cycle according to your machine’s instructions, and let the washer complete the cycle.
Think of it as a two-part routine: clean the filter when needed, and use a simple washer cleaning cycle to help maintain the drum, gasket, and interior surfaces. That way, washer care feels easier to remember and less stressful for busy households.
Simple Monthly Washer Care Checklist
Check the washer filter if your model has one.
Wipe the door gasket on front-load washers.
Leave the door or lid open after use so moisture can air out.
Use the right amount of detergent.
Avoid overloading the drum.
Run a washer cleaning cycle with a pre-measured tablet.
Check the drain area if you notice slow draining.
Small steps are easier to keep up with when they are part of a routine.
FAQ
Do all washing machines have a filter?
Not all washers have the same type of removable filter. Some front-load washers have a drain pump filter behind a lower access panel. Some top-load washers place the filter near the agitator or drum edge, while some newer models may use self-cleaning systems. Check your washer manual for your exact setup.
Where is the filter on a front-load washing machine?
It is often behind a small access panel near the lower front of the washer. The exact side and panel style vary by brand and model, so check your manual before removing anything.
How often should I clean my washing machine filter?
For many households, every few months is a practical routine. If you wash frequently, clean pet items, wash towels often, or notice slow draining, check it sooner. Some manufacturers recommend monthly filter cleaning for certain front-load models.
Can I use a washing machine cleaner tablet instead of cleaning the filter?
No. Cleaner tablets are for routine washer cleaning and drum maintenance. They do not remove lint, coins, buttons, or debris from a physical filter. Use tablets as part of your monthly washer care routine, and clean the filter separately when needed.
What should I do if the filter is stuck?
Do not force it. Stop and check your washer manual. If it still will not move, or if you are concerned about leaks or damage, contact the washer manufacturer or a qualified appliance technician.