How to Clean a Washing Machine Filter

At Hamlet Laundry Ltd (London), we see the same pattern again and again: washers that “suddenly” start smelling musty, draining slowly, or leaving clothes wetter than normal—often just need one overlooked fix: cleaning the filter. Manufacturer support guides treat this as routine maintenance, and it really can be a 10-minute job once you know which filter you have.

This guide is written for anyone, anywhere—with a small London-specific note at the end if you’d rather outsource the laundry while you handle the machine.

10-minute quick steps (most people can follow this)

1. Switch off the washer (and unplug if you can).
2. Put a towel on the floor and keep a shallow dish / tray ready. (Front-loaders can release water.)
3. Identify your filter type (front-load pump/debris filter vs top-load lint filter vs no user-serviceable filter).
4. If you have a front-load debris/drain filter, drain water first (many models use an emergency drain hose).
5. Remove the filter, clear debris, and rinse it.
6. Wipe the filter housing (the cavity where the filter sits).
7. Reinstall the filter securely.
8. Run a short rinse/spin and check for leaks or drainage issues.

If you’re thinking “Cool, but where is the filter?”—that’s next.

Quick check: which washing machine filter do you have?

Maytag and Better Homes & Gardens both emphasize the same reality: filter location varies, especially across top-load models, so it helps to identify your washer type first and check your manual if needed.

Filter type cheat sheet

What you’ll need (simple, cheap, and worth it)

Front-load washers: how to clean the drain pump/debris filter

This is the filter most people mean when they say “washing machine filter,” and it’s also the one most likely to surprise you with water. Whirlpool and Samsung both instruct to prepare a container and drain carefully.

1) Prep to avoid a flood

• Put a towel down.
• Keep a shallow dish nearby.
• Open the small access door at the bottom front (method varies—some open by pressing, some with a coin).

2) Drain the water first (important)

Many front-load models include an emergency drain hose behind that panel:

• Pull out the hose, aim it at the dish, remove the cap, and let water flow until it stops.
• Re-cap the hose and secure it back in place.

Whirlpool also describes draining into a broad, flat container and repeating until all water is drained.

3) Remove the filter and clean it

• Slowly unscrew/remove the filter (often counterclockwise).
• Remove debris (lint clumps, hair, coins, small fabric pieces).
• Rinse thoroughly under running water.

4) Clean the filter housing (the hidden “gunk zone”)

With the filter out:

• Wipe the cavity edges.
• If you see lint or sludge inside, gently remove it with a cloth/brush.

5) Reinstall and do a quick test

Whirlpool recommends reinstalling properly and then verifying things are secure (their guidance includes checking for leaks after reassembly).
Run a short rinse/spin and confirm:

• no leaks at the filter area
• drainage is normal

Top-load washers: how to find and clean the filter

Top-load filters are more variable. Maytag’s guide exists largely because “where is the filter?” is such a common question.
Better Homes & Gardens also recommends checking the owner’s manual because placement differs by model.

Step-by-step (works for many top-load setups)

1. Power off the machine.
2. Locate the lint filter (use your manual if you’re not sure).
3. Remove the filter and clear lint/debris.
4. Rinse under water and lightly scrub with a soft brush.
5. Reinstall fully.

If you can’t find a filter: don’t force panels off. Jump to the “If you can’t find a filter” section below.

Signs your filter needs cleaning

These “symptoms” show up repeatedly in consumer and manufacturer guidance:

• Lint build-up or visible debris
• Improper drainage / slow draining
• Mildewy smell
• Front-load specific: Samsung notes poor draining and performance issues linked to debris filter maintenance.

If your washer is acting up and you haven’t cleaned the filter in a while, this is one of the first fixes worth trying. Sears Home Services also frames filter cleaning as key maintenance for performance and longevity.

How often should you clean the washing machine filter?

There isn’t one universal schedule for every household and every machine—but Samsung’s UK guidance for emergency draining/filter cleaning notes it’s a good thing to do about every 2 months (their phrasing is tied to the debris filter cleaning process).
Better Homes & Gardens also emphasizes cleaning regularly and points to warning signs (lint build-up, drainage issues, mildewy smell).

Hamlet Laundry rule of thumb (practical, not magic):

• If you wash a lot of pet bedding, rugs, or heavy lint loads: consider checking monthly.
• Otherwise: every ~2 months is a reasonable starting point, and sooner if symptoms appear.

Why this matters (a quick, evidence-based explanation)

A washing machine is warm, damp, and full of residues—conditions that can support microbial growth. Peer-reviewed research describes microbial colonization and biofilm formation inside washing machines, with biofilms contributing to malodour (odor-causing volatile compounds).

A 2025 study in Frontiers in Microbiology found household washing machines can host significant microbial loads, with front-load machines showing higher bioburden than top-load in their sample; it also discusses microbial transfer dynamics during laundering.

And broader laundry research notes that trends like lower washing temperatures and reduced bleaching—though environmentally beneficial—can impair microbial removal and contribute to malodour issues in the “laundry ecosystem.”

Translation into real-life maintenance:
Cleaning the filter won’t “sterilize” a washer, but it removes trapped gunk that can feed odors and degrade performance—making it a smart part of an overall washer-care routine.

Troubleshooting: what if something goes wrong?

“Water keeps coming out”

That’s normal for some front-loaders—keep emptying the dish and repeat draining until it stops. Whirlpool explicitly notes repeating the drain procedure “if necessary” until all water is drained.

“I can’t open the access door”

Some doors open by pressing; others may use a coin. Samsung documents both possibilities depending on model.

“I cleaned the filter but it still won’t drain”

Check for basics first:

• Is the drain hose kinked? (Samsung highlights checking hoses in their filter-care video context.)
• Reconfirm the filter is reinstalled correctly and sealed.

If it still won’t drain after that, you may be dealing with a deeper blockage or pump issue—at that point, consider a qualified appliance technician.

Hamlet Laundry’s “pro” habits (the part most blogs don’t tell you)

When you handle laundry at volume, you notice patterns:

1. The cloggiest loads
   Rugs, pet bedding, fleece throws, and heavy lint items tend to shed more debris that can end up trapped.
2. What filters commonly catch
   Lint mats, hair, small fabric bits—and yes, the occasional coin or hairpin.
3. Our 60-second routine after “problem loads”
   If you’ve washed something that sheds heavily, do a quick check:

• wipe the gasket area (front-load)
• inspect for lint in obvious traps
• and if your washer has a debris filter, give it a quick check sooner rather than later

This isn’t about perfection—it’s about stopping small build-ups before they become drainage or odor problems.

If you’re in London: a practical option while your washer is being sorted

If your washer is mid-maintenance (or mid-problem) and laundry is piling up, Hamlet Laundry Ltd can help keep life moving—think wash & fold and (if you offer it) pickup & delivery across London—while you get your machine back to normal.
It’s not an either/or: DIY the filter clean, and outsource the backlog.

FAQ 

Do all washing machines have a filter?

Not always in a user-serviceable way. Filter types and accessibility vary by washer design and model, and manuals/manufacturer guides are the best confirmation source.

Where is the filter on a front-load washer?

Often behind a small access door/panel at the bottom front of the machine (commonly the drain pump/debris filter).

How long does it take to clean a washing machine filter?

Many guides frame it as a quick task; Better Homes & Gardens lists a working time of around 10 minutes for a standard clean.

Can a clogged filter cause bad smells?

Odor can have multiple causes, but research shows washing machines can support biofilms and microbial communities associated with malodour, and removing trapped debris helps reduce the “food source” for grime buildup.

🧺 Let Hamlet Laundry Handle the Laundry — While You Handle Life

You’ve taken care of your washing machine. Now let Hamlet Laundry Ltd take care of the laundry itself.

If your washer was out of action—or you simply don’t want laundry piling up while troubleshooting—Hamlet Laundry makes it effortless, especially for busy Londoners.

Why choose Hamlet Laundry?

✅ Professional wash & fold services handled with care
🚚 FREE pickup & delivery across London (where available)
⏱️ Time-saving solution for homes, families, and professionals
🧼 Expert handling of everyday laundry, bedding, towels, and more
🏙️ London-based team that understands fast-paced city life

Instead of rushing loads late at night or stressing over damp clothes, you can:

• Spend your time on work, family, or rest
• Avoid overloading your freshly cleaned machine
• Enjoy clean, neatly folded laundry without the hassle

✨ Clean machine. Clean clothes. Zero stress.

👉 If you’re in London, let Hamlet Laundry Ltd be your reliable laundry partner—so even when appliances act up, your routine doesn’t have to.

Because laundry should fit into your life, not take over it.