The washing machine, like all other cleaning appliances, is an integrated part of every household. It is no longer a mere luxury but a necessity.
Appliances like washing machines that are used for cleaning deserve special attention to ensure good health and better care to the family.
Do washing machines have filters?
Almost all washing machines have filters. Proper filtration is a must for cleaning appliances. A washing machine is structured to clean and wash dirty clothes. Washing machine filters are designed to catch lint, debris, and residues to make the cleaning process efficient and smooth.
The type and location of a filter depend on the type of the machine. Let’s dig deep to know more about washing machines and their filters of different brands.
LG:
LG front-loading washing machine comes with a pump filter on the outside of the machine. The top-loaders have pump filters below the agitator and these are self-cleaning.
Samsung:
Samsung front-loading washing machine has a pump filter right on the front side of the machine.
In the new top-loader, the agitator is replaced by wobble pulsators. However, the debris filter is generally placed on the lower beck part inside the machine.
Maytag:
In some Maytag front-loading washers, the filter is placed inside a dispenser drawer and can be accessed by removing the front panel. In top-loading washers, the trap is generally located under the machine’s agitator.
GE:
GE washing machine filters are mostly located under the centre agitator. The very old ones used to have filter pans that could be removed and washed. Later they got replaced by self-cleaning lint filters.
Whirlpool:
Whirlpool filters are mostly located inside the hoses on the back of the washing machine.
The hoses can be simply removed to get access to the filters. In some front-loaders, the back panel may need to be removed to reach the pump filter.
Bosch:
In most Bosch washing machines, the filter can be found on the front bottom corner. It is generally placed behind a cover.
Bravos:
Bravos top-loading washing machine generally comes with lint filters placed under the washing basket. The agitator and washing basket need to be removed to get to the filter.
Do washing machines have lint filters?
Washing machines generally come with lint traps or lint filters. Lint is tiny pieces of fabric that come off clothes while washing. Your clothes can also contain small tissues, paper, and hair. The filter catches them all.
Having said all this, it is also possible for some washing machines to not have any lint traps. Some machines have a self-cleaning lint filter that clears out on its own with pressured water flow.
Why do washing machines have filters?
In general, most washing machines come with filters whether removable or self-cleaning. Some of the common reasons as to why washing machines have filters are–
Trap/collect things:
One of the primary tasks of a washing machine filter is to trap things that accidentally end up in the washer. No more losing coins, buttons, baby socks, or other small things.
Prevent jamming of the line:
As you can see it is nothing abnormal for things like buttons or coins to get inside the washer. Without a filter, these things could end up in the draining line causing the line to get jammed.
Also, hair, dust, lint, and detergent residue can accumulate in the line causing a blockage. But a filter doesn’t let that happen.
Ensuring good health to the washing machine:
Washing machine filters are designed to keep the washer clean and healthy. Along with the small things a filter gathers all the impurities that can hamper the health of the machine.
Fresh clothes:
A filter ensures that your clothes get maximum freshness after each wash. It takes most of the impurities away so you end up getting fresh, lint-free, and fluffy clothes.
Where is the filter on my washing machine?
In most front-loading washing machines, the filter is placed in the bottom right corner of the machine secured by a cover. The same goes for old top-loading washing machines.
The newer ones are often equipped with a self-cleaning pump filter placed inside the washer right below the agitator.
How do I clean my washing machine filter?
Things that accumulate in the filter are dust, lint, hair, and detergent residue. When there’s too much of these, the filter gets clogged. A clogged filter slows down the machine’s efficiency that can result in inefficient drainage.
The following steps can help you clean the filter in your washing machine.
Turning off and unplugging the washing machine:
Before you start anything, disabling the machine is a must. First, turn the machine off by hitting the off button (if there is any). Next, turn the main switch off and remove the plug. Make sure to put the plug in a dry and safe place.
Locating the filter:
If you’re using a front-loading washing machine, the filter is most likely on the bottom right corner of it. The same goes for the old top-loading machines.
In most top-loading washing machines, the filter is placed below the agitator, a rotating device that you’ll find in the mid part of the machine.
Removing the filter:
For filters that are found on the bottom right side of a machine, you can simply take them out by removing the cover. As for a self-cleaning one, you have to remove the agitator first.
For that, open the cap first and then try to find the wing nut. As you find the nut, twist it anticlockwise and remove it. Then you can pull the agitator out. Finally, remove the filter cover and take the filter out.
Cleaning the filter:
Start by cleaning it with a paper towel. This will help to get rid of the lint and detergent residue. You can also use a small brush to clean properly.
Remove the screen (if possible) and soak it in hot water. Hot water helps to release the stubborn residues and debris that get trapped inside.
If it’s not possible to remove it, just take the filter and clean it under hot running water until it’s clear of all the residues.
Checking and putting back the filter:
Now that your filter is all clean, it’s time to put it back where it belongs. But before doing that check the inside of the drum for loose lint or dust. You can simply use a paper towel or a soft sponge to clean the area.
Also, check the drainage hose and clean it. Place the filter in its place and put the cover back. Seal everything properly.
How often should you clean your washing machine filter?
Washing machine filters need to be cleaned every two to four months. It is considered ideal to clean a filter at least four times a year.
However, if your washing machine has to run every day and if it starts showing troubles, it can be a sign to get the filter checked and cleaned.
Regular cleaning of the filter will prolong the filter’s health as well as give longevity to the washing machine.
Do top-loading washing machines have filters?
Top loading washing machines have a rotating device called an agitator. Most of the old ones have filters placed right under the agitator.
Some filters are self-cleaning. As the water drains down and forces its way out of the lint, it takes the lint and debris off and carries them down the drain.
However, if you need to reach the filter, you will have to remove the agitator. If the filter is removable, you can take it out with the help of a manual.
Do all front load washers have filters?
Almost all front-loading washing machines come with filters. Most of the time, the filter is located in the bottom right corner on the outer part of the washer.
The filter is protected by a cover or a front panel. You can clean simply by removing the cover and taking the filter out.
Just make sure to clean the hose pipe by draining the water. Also, place a towel and tray beneath the area to collect all the excess water from the pipe and the filter.
Can some washing machines not have filters?
There are many washing machines out there that don’t come with filters that require maintenance on the user’s end. Especially the newer ones that come with self-cleaning lint/pump filters.
These are highly efficient washing machines designed with a wider pump so lint and debris can get cleared on their own.
To clear the blockage in such washing machines, you can clean the hose filter by removing the hose and cleaning the filter with a brush or warm water.
Final Thoughts
As a whole, washing machines have filters. Filters are what keep the machine steady and in good health by collecting all the residues and impurities. They should be cleaned from time to time to let the machine function properly. Besides, using a user manual can help you to find them easily.