> How Do I Know if My Washing Machine Filter is Blocked?
Our humble washing machines perform important functions in our households, getting our clothes clean. Yet, with a lot of consistent usage, your washing machine may not function as optimally as it once did. The infrequently thought of reason for this could be a blocked filter. So, before you think it’s time to replace your washing machine altogether, there is a simple solution you can use to get it working at its best once again.
And that is to simply clean your filter. What’s important to keep in mind is that there is a lint filter and the washing machine’s filter. You need to be aware of these differences before you proceed. So, how can you do all this? We provide some useful guidelines below.
Where to find your washing machine filter’s location
Because every washing machine’s manufacturer offers different washing machine designs, filters can be located in different parts of the machine itself, depending on its model. In most cases, however, you’ll be able to find it either at the front of the unit behind a small latch, at the end of the drainage hose, under the cover of the centre agitator or along the rim of the washing machine’s drum.
If you have your washing machine’s owner’s manual, this should be a quick guide to helping you locate your filter’s location. But if you don’t, the guidelines above should do the trick. It’s also important to be aware that some of the more modern washing machine models do not have a filter at all. These high-efficiency washers rely on the machine’s self-cleaning functions and this ultimately means that you do not need to perform any maintenance yourself.
Washing machine: blocked filter symptoms
If your washing machine has a filter that you can manually clean – that’s great news for you! But it’s important to understand what symptoms to look out for before you start cleaning the filter. Filters can get blocked by fluff from clothes, excess washing detergent, hair, paper that was left in your clothes’ pockets, or any other object that is not made of fabric and which you forgot to take out of your washing machine. So, with this in mind, here are some of the main symptoms to look out for when you suspect that your filter is blocked.
- Your washing machine filter is full of water: washing machine not draining is the main culprit and this is because the filter is blocked due to fluff, paper, clothes, or any other object or piece of debris. This means that the water cannot be extracted out of your washing machine when draining and your filter will be full of water. This could cause a little or a lot of water to form around the machine itself and is the first telltale sign of a blocked filter.
- The lock will not disengage after a wash cycle is complete: a second symptom that could indicate that your washing machine’s filter is blocked is when the door lock will not disengage and open after a wash cycle is complete. This is because the washing machine will sense that there is still water in the tub and this means that the self-locking mechanism will not unlock the door at the end of a cycle.
- Damage to the overall functioning of the washing machine: if you notice that your washing machine’s overall performance is not what it is supposed to be, then you should also check for a blocked filter. Poor performing washing machines generally leave clothes quite soggy and wet instead of spun properly, there are excess soap suds in the laundry and the washing machine drum and there could also be leaks around your washer.
How do you know if you should clean your filter?
With the above in mind, it’s important to clean your filter periodically to avoid problems and a poorly performing washing machine that could lead to further more costly damages down the road. As a result, you should clean your filter whenever you see a build up of laundry detergent or residue on your clothes, your clothes are too wet when you take them out of the washing machine, there is a high lint build-up when cleaning your lint filter and also when you see that the water doesn’t drain fully from the washing machine.
How to clean your blocked washing machine filter
If your washing machine has a removable filter, unlike the newer, self-cleaning models, you can simply unlatch it from the machine, empty the water contents and give it a good clean under cold, running water. You can also use a small brush such as a toothbrush to give it a wipe and get rid of any sludge, slime or debris that may have accumulated there.
A step-by-step guide to cleaning your washing machine filter:
Before you begin:
- Unplug the washing machine and turn off the water supply. Safety first!
- Gather your supplies: You’ll need a shallow container, old towels or rags, a flashlight (optional), and possibly an old toothbrush or small brush for stubborn debris.
Step 1: Locate the filter:
- Most front-load washers have the filter behind a small panel on the bottom front of the machine. Look for a designated access panel, often hidden behind a kickplate or covered by a cap.
- Top-load washers often have the filter inside the machine, accessible through the agitator or under a panel in the back. Consult your manual for the exact location.
Step 2: Drain the excess:
Some models have an emergency drain hose near the filter. If yours does, follow these steps:
- Gently pull out the drain hose.
- Remove the stopper and let the water flow into your container.
- Once the water has drained, securely reinsert the stopper before proceeding.
Step 3: Unscrew or unclip the filter:
Depending on your machine, you might need to unscrew the filter housing or simply pop it out. Consult your manual for the correct method. Remember, some water might dribble out, so have your towel ready to catch it.
Step 4: Give it a good, gently scrub:
Hold the filter under running water and use your fingers or the toothbrush to remove any debris like coins, buttons, hairpins, or lint build-up. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the filter.
Step 5: Clean the filter housing and surrounding area:
While the filter’s out, take a moment to wipe down the filter housing and surrounding area with a damp cloth to remove any built-up gunk.
Step 6: Reinsert the clean filter:
Pop the clean filter back in its rightful place, ensuring it’s secure. Screw the housing back on or clip it shut, then reconnect the water supply and plug the machine back in.
Step 7: Run a short empty wash cycle (optional):
Run a short empty wash cycle on the hottest setting to flush out any remaining debris and celebrate your clean filter victory!
Additional Tips for a Smooth-Running Laundry Machine:
- Check your washing machine’s filter regularly, especially if you notice poor drainage, unusual odors, or excessive lint on your clothes. A good rule of thumb is to clean it every 2-3 months, or more often if you wash heavily soiled items frequently.
- If the filter is severely clogged or damaged, you may need to call a professional for assistance.
- Prevent future blockages by using mesh laundry bags for delicate items and small clothing, and avoid overloading the machine.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your washing machine filter sparkling clean and your laundry flowing smoothly. Remember, a clean filter is a happy filter (and a happy washing machine)!
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When your washing machine’s poor performance goes beyond a blocked filter
Of course, your filter could not be the only problem for your washing machine’s limited performance and if you’ve already cleaned your blocked filter with the same results, it may be time to call in professional help. At Domex, our experienced washing machine repair technicians know just about every type of make and model of washing machine on the market and this means that they can help resolve both your blocked filter issue or a more serious washing machine problem. Rely on the experts and get in touch with us for any issues you may be facing with your washer!
