How to Clean Washing Machine Filter Quickly & Easily

Cleaning your washing machine filter is a quick, five-minute job that makes a world of difference. It’s the secret to stopping bad smells, preventing drainage problems, and keeping your machine running smoothly for years. This simple guide shows you exactly how to do it.

Why Bother Cleaning Your Washing Machine Filter?

It’s easy to forget about the filter, tucked away out of sight, but ignoring it can cause some serious headaches. Think of it as your machine's bodyguard, catching rogue bits like coins, hairpins, and lint that accidentally go through a wash. Without it, that debris could head straight for the pump, leading to a blockage and a costly repair bill.

In the UK, a good rule of thumb is to clean it once a month. If you don't, water can struggle to drain properly, creating a damp environment perfect for smelly bacteria to thrive. Before you know it, your clothes come out smelling less than fresh. As experts from Good Housekeeping point out, it's a critical part of appliance maintenance.

Take a look at what a filter can collect over just a few weeks.

All that gunk is exactly what you want to get rid of. A clean filter means your machine can do its job properly, giving you cleaner clothes and peace of mind.

Filter Cleaning at a Glance

For a quick reference, here’s a simple breakdown of the process. Follow these essential steps for a quick and effective clean.

Finding and Preparing to Clean the Filter

First things first, you need to find the filter. It's usually tucked away, but it's not hard to locate.

For most front-loading machines, you’ll find it hiding behind a small flap on the bottom-right corner. A gentle pry with your fingertips is often all it takes to pop it open. If you have a top-loader, the filter might be located inside the drum or near the water pump hoses around the back.

Pro Tip: Before you do anything else, unplug the washing machine from the wall. It’s a non-negotiable safety step.

Now for a bit of prep. Water is going to come out when you open the filter. Grab a couple of old towels and a shallow dish or baking tray, and place them right underneath the filter cover. Spending a minute on this is far better than mopping up a grimy puddle later.

Taking Out the Filter and Clearing Away the Debris

Now for the main event. Start twisting the filter cap anti-clockwise. You'll feel it loosen, and a bit of water will start to dribble out – this is just leftover water from the pump.

Once the water has stopped, you can fully unscrew the cap and pull the filter straight out. Be prepared for what you might find! It’s amazing what gets caught in there: hair, lint, forgotten coins, and maybe a stray button. This gunk is often the reason your machine is acting up.

An old toothbrush is your best friend for this job. Use it to gently scrub away stubborn grime from the filter mesh and give the inside of the filter housing a quick clean. This gets rid of the build-up that can cause nasty smells.

If you find your washing machine is still not draining properly after this, it could signal a more serious blockage further down the pipe. But for most issues, a filter clean does the trick.

Getting it Back in Place for a Perfect Seal

A clean filter is a great start, but getting it reinstalled correctly is what prevents a soggy laundry room floor. Once you've pulled out all the gunk, give the filter a good rinse under a warm tap. Make sure it’s spotless before it goes back in.

This is also a good time for a quick inspection. Take a look at the black rubber seal on the filter. You're checking for any signs of wear like splits or cracks. A damaged seal won't do its job and is a common culprit behind leaks.

Securing the Filter for a Watertight Fit

Happy that the filter is clean and the seal looks healthy? Now carefully guide it back into its slot. Twist it clockwise until it feels snug—you should feel it lock firmly into place. There’s no need for brute force, but be sure it's tight enough to create a watertight seal.

Here's a pro tip: Before you start a proper wash, run a quick, empty rinse cycle. Keep an eye on the filter area for the first minute to make sure there are no drips. This little check gives you peace of mind that the job’s done right.

Taking a moment to do this properly helps the whole appliance run more efficiently. For more tips, have a look at our guide on how to clean your washing machine drum.

Simple Habits to Keep Your Filter Clear

Cleaning the filter is one part of the job, but preventing it from getting clogged is the real game-changer. A few small tweaks to your laundry routine can make all the difference.

The easiest win? Set a reminder on your phone to check the filter once a month. Also, get into the habit of checking pockets before every wash – tissues, coins, and wrappers are classic filter-clogging culprits.

If you have pets, a simple laundry bag for their blankets can work wonders, trapping most of the fur before it has a chance to build up in the filter. These little steps are your best defence against a major blockage.

UK consumer reports have found that over 30% of washing machine repair call-outs are down to drainage issues caused by clogged filters. A quick, regular check is the best thing you can do to avoid becoming part of that statistic.

Of course, a clean filter is just one piece of the puzzle. For a fresher machine, it's worth looking into tips for general washing machine odor removal. If the problem seems to be further down the line, our guide on how to unblock a washing machine waste pipe has the next steps you'll need.

Got Questions? We've Got Answers

Still wondering about your washing machine filter? Let's run through some common questions.

How Often Should I Be Cleaning This Thing?

A good rule of thumb is every one to three months. However, you might want to check it monthly if you:

• Have pets who shed a lot.
• Wash new, fluffy towels that release lint.
• Often find tissues or receipts in pockets after a wash.

Staying on top of it is the best way to prevent smells and drainage problems.

The Filter is Stuck and Won't Budge. What Now?

First, don't force it—you could break the plastic cap. If it's stubborn, it's usually because of dried-on gunk.

Try this: soak a cloth in hot water, wring it out, and wrap it around the filter cap for about ten minutes. The heat can often soften the grime enough to get it moving. If that fails, you can use pliers for extra leverage, but wrap a cloth around the cap first to avoid cracking it. Gentle, steady pressure is key.

Can I Just Run a Wash Without the Filter?

Please don't. That's a definite no. Running a cycle without the filter leaves the pump completely vulnerable. Any lint, coins, or other debris will go straight into the pump, which can cause a serious blockage and a hefty repair bill. The filter is there for a reason!

If you’ve cleaned the filter and your machine is still acting up, it could point to a different issue. When you’ve done all you can, it might be time to call in a professional. The team at Go Assist can get to the bottom of any appliance problem, often with same-day appointments available.

Book your expert washing machine repair today.