How to Clean Your Washing Machine Filter (And Why You Should)

Why Your Washing Machine Has a Filter (And What It Does)

Most homeowners don’t realize their washing machine has a filter until they start noticing problems. Your washer’s filter—sometimes called a drain pump filter or debris filter—catches lint, coins, buttons, pet hair, and other items before they damage the pump or clog your drain lines. Think of it as your washing machine’s first line of defense against the chaos that comes out of your pockets.

Over time, this filter accumulates debris. When it gets too clogged, you’ll start seeing symptoms: standing water in the drum after the cycle ends, clothes that smell musty even after washing, or error codes flashing on your display panel. In Michigan’s hard water conditions, mineral buildup can make this problem even worse.

Where to Find Your Washing Machine Filter

The location varies by machine type, but here’s where to look:

Front-Load Washers

Most front-loaders have a small access panel at the bottom front of the machine, usually on the right side. It’s typically a rectangular panel about 4-6 inches wide. Brands like Whirlpool, Maytag, LG, and Samsung almost always place it here.

Top-Load Washers

Traditional top-loaders often have the filter inside the agitator (the center column). You’ll need to remove the agitator cap and lift out the filter screen. High-efficiency (HE) top-loaders might have a filter near the top of the drum or, like front-loaders, at the bottom front.

Specific Brand Locations

LG and Samsung: Look for a small rectangular door at the bottom right front. These often have both a drain hose and the filter behind the same panel.

Whirlpool and Maytag: Front-load models typically have the filter behind a kick plate at the bottom. Some newer models have self-cleaning filters that supposedly don’t need maintenance (spoiler: they still benefit from occasional checking).

GE: Many GE front-loaders have the filter accessible from inside the drum by pulling back the rubber door gasket at the bottom.

If you can’t locate your filter, check your owner’s manual—you can usually find the PDF online by searching your model number.

What You’ll Need

Gather these supplies before starting:

• Several old towels
• A shallow pan or baking dish
• A bucket
• Rubber gloves (optional but recommended)
• A flashlight
• An old toothbrush
• White vinegar

Having everything ready makes the job much easier, especially when water starts flowing.

Step-by-Step: Cleaning a Front-Load Washer Filter

Step 1: Prepare for Water

Even if you’ve just run a drain cycle, expect about 1-2 cups of water to come out when you open the filter. Some models have a drain tube next to the filter—pull this out first and let it drain into your pan before removing the filter itself.

Place towels on the floor under the access panel and position your shallow pan directly beneath where the filter will come out.

Step 2: Open the Access Panel

Most panels either pop off with gentle prying or have a small tab you press to release. Don’t force it—these plastic panels crack easily, and we see broken access doors regularly here in Grand Rapids that could have been avoided with a gentler touch.

Step 3: Remove the Filter

Turn the filter counterclockwise. It should unscrew fairly easily, though it might be tight if it hasn’t been cleaned in years. Have your pan ready—water will immediately start flowing out.

Warning: Don’t be surprised by what you find. In my experience servicing washers across West Michigan, I’ve seen everything from small socks and coins to the occasional LEGO brick, bobby pins, and pet hair clumps the size of tennis balls.

Step 4: Clean Everything Thoroughly

Rinse the filter under hot running water. Use the toothbrush to scrub away any residue, lint, or biofilm (that slimy stuff that accumulates in damp environments).

While the filter is out, shine your flashlight into the filter housing. You’ll see the impeller (the small propeller-like piece) of your drain pump. Carefully remove any debris wrapped around it. Hair and strings commonly get tangled here.

Wipe down the filter housing with a vinegar-dampened cloth to remove any buildup or mold.

Step 5: Reinstall and Test

Screw the filter back in clockwise until it’s snug. Don’t overtighten—you’re working with plastic threads that can strip.

Replace the access panel, then run a quick drain or rinse cycle to check for leaks. Watch the area for a few minutes to ensure everything’s sealed properly.

How Often Should You Clean It?

The honest answer: it depends on your household.

Clean monthly if you:

• Have pets that shed
• Wash items with lots of lint (towels, blankets)
• Have family members who forget to empty pockets
• Notice your washer draining slowly

Clean every 3 months if you:

• Have an average household
• Don’t wash particularly linty items regularly
• Use your washer moderately

Clean every 6 months minimum even if you think you don’t need to. Trust me on this one.

Signs Your Filter Needs Immediate Attention

Don’t wait for your scheduled cleaning if you notice:

Error Codes: OE (LG), 5E or SE (Samsung), F21 (Whirlpool), or dr (Maytag) all relate to drainage issues often caused by clogged filters.

Standing Water: If water remains in the drum after the cycle completes, check the filter before calling for service.

Odors: A persistently musty smell that doesn’t go away with cleaning cycles often means organic matter is trapped in the filter.

Slow Draining: If you hear the pump running forever, the filter might be partially clogged.

Leak During Drain Cycle: Water on the floor during draining could mean the filter is clogged, forcing water to find another path out.

Preventive Maintenance Tips

Beyond regular filter cleaning, protect your washing machine with these habits:

Check pockets religiously. Coins, tissues, and small items cause most filter clogs.

Use mesh laundry bags for small items like baby socks and underwear.

Run a monthly cleaning cycle with white vinegar or a washing machine cleaner. This helps prevent mold and mineral buildup throughout the system.

Leave the door ajar between loads to let moisture evaporate. Michigan’s humidity makes mold growth a real issue in front-loaders.

Use the right amount of detergent. Too much creates excess suds that can trap debris and contribute to buildup. HE machines need HE detergent—using regular detergent causes problems.

When DIY Isn’t Enough

Sometimes a clogged filter is actually a symptom of a bigger problem. If you’ve cleaned your filter and you’re still experiencing:

• Persistent error codes
• Water that won’t drain at all
• Unusual grinding or humming noises
• Leaks from areas other than the filter

You might have a failed drain pump, a kinked drain hose, or a control board issue. These problems need professional diagnosis.

Get Professional Help When You Need It

Cleaning your washing machine filter is straightforward maintenance that most homeowners can handle, but when things get more complicated, you don’t have to figure it out alone. If you’re dealing with persistent drainage issues, error codes, or you simply want a professional to inspect your machine, HomeHalo Appliance Repair serves Grand Rapids and West Michigan with honest, expert service.

We’re a family-owned company that believes in fixing what can be fixed and giving you straight answers about when replacement makes more sense. Call us at (616) 367-5131 and we’ll help get your washing machine back to working properly—usually with same-day or next-day service.