How to clean the filter in a washing machine?

To ensure the proper functioning of your washing machine, it is important to perform regular preventive maintenance. It is advisable to clean the filter of your household washing machine to prevent any clogs that may affect the pump. Neglecting to remove lint, debris, and hair in a timely manner can result in water pumping issues and pump malfunctions. It is crucial to clean the filter properly, taking into consideration its type and location.

Causes of filter clogging

There are several primary causes of filter system contamination:

• Rust and its detachments can occur in the filter due to constant exposure to tap water. To maintain the quality of water inflow and permeability, it is important to regularly inspect and clean the filter every 3 months.
• Lime scale can also accumulate in the filter when it comes into contact with waste water. This can lead to the deposition of salts and minerals on the filter parts. Regular maintenance and cleaning of the filter can prevent the buildup of lime scale.
• Various fine elements such as wool, hair, clasps, sand, and debris can be washed out of clothes during the washing process. It is important to promptly remove any clogs to prevent the filter from getting blocked and ensure proper drainage of the washing machine.

Household chemicals

Special formulations for removing scale and rust are beneficial for effective cleaning. Filters are a useful tool in this process.

• Pemolux. This composition is used for soaking the filter and has a similar effect to baking soda and citric acid;
• Antinakipin and Alfagon. These preventive products help in preventing the formation of scale and sediment in the filter;
• Comet. This cleaning agent effectively removes tough stains, fights against fungus and mold;
• Domestos. This product is effective in eliminating all kinds of deposits;
• Silite. This cleaning agent helps in removing scale and sediment from the filter.

Location of the part

Filters are situated differently depending on both the device’s model and brand.

• The location of the drainage filter on an LG machine is covered by a special hatch and is positioned in the front part, on the bottom left side.
• For Indesit and Ariston machines, the drainage filter is covered by a removable cover which can be found at the front, specifically in the lower right part.
• Candy washing machines have their drainage filter located behind a hatch on the bottom left, at the front of the machine.
• Bosch and Siemens machines hide their drainage filters with a decorative cover, located in the front, specifically in the lower right part.
• Electrolux and Zanussi machines have their drainage filters at the front bottom, closed by a plastic hatch on the right side.
• For Samsung machines, the drainage filter is hidden behind a hatch or decorative panel in the front bottom right corner.
• Whirlpool machines and appliances with a vertical loading type have their drainage filter at the bottom left.
• Atlant machines have their drainage filter located behind a hatch on the bottom right side.

There are certain models that are manufactured without certain components, as indicated in the instructions. These particular filters can only be cleaned from the inside using a domestic washing machine. It is advisable to hire a professional to handle this task.

Signs of clogging

You can recognize clogging of filter elements by the following indications:

• Display showing an error code;
• The program not executing properly;
• Troubles in rinsing process;
• Inability to spin;
• Drainage is slow or not happening;
• Unpleasant smell coming from the drum.

Cleaning the inlet filter

Despite the process of removing contaminants may vary depending on their purpose, the sequence of actions remains similar. Below are the instructions on how to clean the in-fill filter in a washing machine:

1. First, disconnect the machine from the power source.
2. Locate the in-fill filter near the supply valve and turn off the water supply tap.
3. Detach the set spigot.
4. Use pliers or wrench to remove the filter. Rotate the part in different directions.
5. Take out the nets from the cylindrical filter.
6. Clean the nets using a toothbrush under warm running water to remove dirt and rust buildup.
7. Reassemble the elements in reverse order.
8. Attach the hose, open the water supply, and reconnect the machine to the power source.

The aforementioned cleaning technology is known as rough cleaning. The frequency of the task is determined by the hardness of the tap water, the inclusion of an extra filtering component, and the regularity of the usage of the CMA.

Problems when removing the filter

Due to the effects of hard water and the lack of preventive measures, the component becomes heavily obstructed or blocked with deposits. It is impossible to dislodge them using a screwdriver or manual effort.

In order to access the filter, the washing machine should be laid on its side, the pump should be removed, and an attempt should be made to extract the element. If these steps do not succeed, the entire draining system is removed, inspected, and only then is the filter removed. During the assembly process, foreign objects such as clothing or small items may make their way into the hardware, causing water drainage issues. These foreign objects are carefully removed using tweezers.

How to clean the filter through the pump

To remove the pump, you need to unscrew either the front or back of the housing and disconnect the wiring. Next, remove the clamps that hold the drain hose to the pump volute. Then, take out the pump along with the volute. Cleaning can be done through the drain connection opening. If necessary, you can unscrew the bolts or pawls of the pump and clean the filter through the hole. Once the cleaning is complete, unscrewing and removing the pump will be a breeze.

Tips from experts

1. The recommended frequency for cleaning is once every 2-4 months.
2. If you use your washing machine daily or wash heavily soiled laundry, it is advised to check the filter on a monthly basis.
3. During the winter season, it is recommended to check the lint and wool buildup in the drum every 2 months.
4. The valve should be cleaned after every washing cycle of pillows, blankets, and jackets filled with feathers and down.
5. For fabrics with excessive dirt, it is suggested to use mesh bags during the washing process.
6. Before loading clothes into the machine, it is important to shake them out or remove any debris with a brush. Also, remember to empty pockets of small items.
7. When washing items with rhinestones, beads, sequins, buttons, and rivets, turn them inside out to protect the decorations.
8. If an error code appears on the display, the wash is not effective, or there is a musty smell, it is advised to clean the filter immediately.

Watch a tutorial video on how to properly clean the filter in your washing machine.