How to Find and Clean Your Washing Machine Filter (Yes, It Has One)
If your laundry smells musty or your washer isn’t draining well, there’s a good chance the problem is something most people don’t even know exists: the washing machine filter.
This tiny part catches lint, hair, and small debris before it clogs your drain pump — and when it gets dirty, it can cause odors and performance issues. The good news? Cleaning it usually takes less than a minute.
Here’s how to find yours and clean it.
Where to Find Your Washing Machine Filter
Not all washers hide their filter in the same place. Use this quick guide based on your washer type:
Front-Load Washers (most common)
Look:
- At the bottom front of the machine
- Behind a small square or rectangular door
- Sometimes labeled “drain” or “pump filter”
It usually looks like a round knob or cap that twists open.
High-Efficiency (HE) Top-Loaders (no tall agitator)
Some models have a filter, others don’t.
Check:
- Behind a bottom front panel (like a front-loader)
- Inside the drum under a removable center plate
If you don’t see one, your model may not have a user-cleanable filter.
Older or Traditional Top-Load Washers
Most older top-loaders do not have a removable filter. These machines rely on self-cleaning pumps and regular wash cycles instead.
How to Clean Your Washing Machine Filter
Once you find it, cleaning is simple:
- Turn the washer off
- Open the small filter door or panel
- Place a towel or shallow bowl underneath (some water will come out)
- Slowly twist the filter counterclockwise
- Remove lint, hair, and debris
- Rinse the filter under warm water
- Screw it back in tightly
- Close the panel
That’s it.
How Often Should You Clean It?
- ⏱ Takes about 30 seconds
- 📆 Clean every 2–4 weeks
- 👃 Helps prevent musty smells and drainage problems
- If you wash pet bedding, workout clothes, or heavy fabrics often, you may need to clean it more frequently.
Can’t Find Your Filter?
Search online using this format:
“(Brand + model) washing machine filter location”
Example:
LG front load washer filter location
Your manual or a quick video will usually show exactly where it is.
Why This Matters
A dirty washer filter can:
- Make laundry smell bad
- Cause slow draining
- Strain the pump
- Lead to service calls that could’ve been avoided
It’s one of the simplest maintenance tasks that makes a real difference.
Final Tip
If your washer smells off and you’ve already tried cleaning the drum — check the filter next. Most people skip this step entirely, and it’s often the real culprit.