🧺 How to Clean Your Washing Machine Filter (Yes, You Definitely Have One!)

Home Reimagined
6 days ago
4 min read

Is your washing machine starting to smell musty or struggle to drain? 😖 You might think it’s just old detergent buildup or that your machine is wearing out—but it could be something super simple and totally fixable: your washer filter! 😳

Hi, I’m Jacqueline from Home Reimagined, and I’m here to walk you through a task most people don’t even realize they need to do—cleaning your washing machine filter. Whether you have a front-loader or a top-loader, this quick maintenance task can make a huge difference. Let’s dive in! 💦🧼✨

🛑 Why Cleaning Your Washing Machine Filter Matters

Yes, your washer has a filter—just like your vacuum, your car, and your coffee machine! ☕🌀

Over time, that filter collects lint, pet hair, fabric fibers, lost socks, coins, gunk, and who knows what else. When it's clogged, your washer can’t work efficiently. You might notice:

👃 A weird mildew or sour smell—especially if your laundry doesn’t smell fresh after washing
🚱 Slow drainage or leftover water in the drum after a cycle
🧺 Clothes coming out still dirty (which is the opposite of what we want, right?)
🛠️ More wear and tear on your machine, which could shorten its lifespan

Doing a deep clean every few months can save you expensive repairs and make laundry day feel fresh again! ✨🌿

🔍 Where to Find the Filter in Your Washer

The location of your filter depends on the type of washer you have:

🔄 Front-Load Washers:Look for a small access panel at the bottom front of the machine (usually on the left or right). Pop it open, and you’ll find a round filter cap. That’s your guy!
📥 Top-Load Washers:Some have filters inside the central agitator (the tall post in the middle), or along the back panel inside the drum. If it’s not visible, check your user manual or look up your washer model online with the words “filter location.” 🧠

✅ Pro Tip: Keep your model number handy when Googling—it makes searching way easier!

🧼How to Clean Your Washing Machine Filter

Let’s walk through it step by step. It sounds intimidating, but once you do it once, it’ll be second nature! 🧠💪

1️⃣ Turn Off and Unplug Your Machine

Always start with safety! ⚡🔌Unplug your washer or flip the breaker off just to be safe. We’re working with water and electricity here—better safe than sorry.

2️⃣ Place a Tray or Towel Underneath

Your filter might release a surprising amount of water when opened. 😅Put a shallow tray or baking dish under the filter area and have a few microfiber cloths ready. I love these:🧺 Microfiber Rag – ultra-absorbent and great for tight spaces!

3️⃣ Open the Access Panel

If you have a front-loader, gently press or pop open the panel door. You might need a flathead screwdriver to pry it open.

Once open, you’ll see the round drain filter cap. Slowly twist it counterclockwise. Be ready—water may rush out! 💧

4️⃣ Remove the Filter and Clean Thoroughly

Take the filter out and check for debris. You might find:

Coins 🪙
Buttons or pins
Sock fuzz 🧦
Hair, lint, and... ew, maybe mold 😬

Use warm water and a soft brush or toothbrush to scrub it clean.🪥 Great option: Tiny Scrub Brush

If it smells off, soak it in 1 part vinegar + 1 part hot water for 15–30 minutes. Or use this powerful cleaner if it’s really gunky:🧴 Mold Remover

5️⃣ Wipe Down the Filter Housing

Before you put the filter back, use a spray bottle of vinegar and water (or your favorite cleaner) to wipe inside the filter cavity.Spray gently, and wipe with a microfiber cloth.🧼 Recommended: Empty Spray Bottle

Don’t skip this step—it helps eliminate any lingering odors or residue hiding in there! 🦠

6️⃣ Reinsert the Filter and Close It Up

Once the filter is dry and clean, twist it back into place until snug. Close the access panel door and plug your washer back in. ✅If your machine has a cleaning cycle, now’s a great time to run it!

🧽 Favorite for this: Affresh Washer Tablets – they help flush the drum, pipes, and filter area

🌟 Bonus Tip: Keep That Door Propped Open

After cleaning, let your washer breathe! Leaving the door open helps dry out any residual moisture and prevents mildew buildup. This tool helps: Washing Machine Door Prop 🌀

🔁 Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Washer Fresh

🧼 Clean your washer filter every 3 months (or more often if you have pets or wash heavy loads)💨 Keep the door or lid slightly open after each wash🌿 Use filtered or softened water if you live in a hard water area🧴 Run a monthly cleaning cycle with a machine-safe cleaner

Trust me, just these small steps will help your machine run smoother, your laundry smell better, and your clothes last longer. 🧺✨

💬You’re Not Alone If You Didn’t Know This!

Honestly, I ignored my washer filter for years... and I had no clue why my clothes weren’t coming out fresh. The smell was driving me nuts 😵‍💫—and then I discovered that little panel hiding all the answers.

Now I do it every 3 months, and it’s a total game-changer. 💯

Have you ever cleaned yours? Or did you just find out it exists today? 😂 Drop a comment—I love hearing your stories and helping however I can!