Cleaning the washing machine filter

Cleaning the filter yourself is usually straightforward. If you've already gained access to it, all that's left to do is remove it and clean it.

Where is the filter in a washing machine? This part is located at the bottom, behind the front of the machine. To access it, open the bottom panel on the front of the appliance. To remove the filter, grasp it and twist it counterclockwise. However, some complications can arise.

Remove the filter

We'll discuss how to remove a washing machine filter below. Sometimes the part is secured with a screw. In this case, to remove it, we'll need to first remove the screw and then unscrew it. If cleaning is infrequent, the filter may be difficult to remove. If it's difficult, it's important to control the force applied to avoid breaking the handle or the component itself. If the filter is so tight that no amount of force will remove it, you can access it from the pump side.

In particularly difficult situations, for example, if scale has formed on the threads of a part, you may not be able to unscrew it even from the inside. In such cases, it's easier to remove it along with the entire screw. Then, in a more comfortable position and with an additional tool, try to carefully remove it or break it off by force.

In the latter case, you'll need to purchase a new filter and replace the broken one. Incidentally, the snail may be damaged during the forceful removal process, which will then also need to be replaced.

To clean the filter, we'll need to tilt the machine, transferring its weight to the two rear feet. Then, place a small container underneath it. This will help drain the water as we unscrew the filter element. Then, slowly unscrew the filter. The water will flow into the container.

The removed part must be thoroughly cleaned and returned to its original place.

Sometimes debris can remain in the opening of the machine where we removed the element. Illuminate it with a flashlight or other light source and inspect it carefully. If any debris is found, remove it and clean the opening. Then, replace the filter element and test the washing machine by running a test wash.

Video instructions

Adviсe

If our filter is very dirty, there's a chance it won't unscrew easily. To solve this problem, we need to access it by removing one of the machine's walls.

Depending on the machine model, you'll need to remove different parts of the body. For Ardo, Whirlpool, Candy, LG, and Ariston, you can access it from the bottom; sometimes these machines don't have a bottom, while others have a removable one. For AEG, Bosch, and Siemens, you need to remove the front panel. For Zanussi and Electrolux, you need to remove the rear panel. You can read more about how to do this in the article "Replacing the Washing Machine Pump." There are also video instructions for various models.

If your washing machine simply doesn't have a filter, you'll need to open the casing and access the drain pump. You'll also need to check the hoses and the drain pump itself for blockages.

   

17 reader comments

1. January 26, 2015 at 1:07 PM

   Wlad:

   I can't get the lid off my Siemens washing machine.

   Answer
2. April 2, 2015 at 6:56 PM

   Nata:

   Where can I buy a filter for my Electrolux? We broke the filter.

   Answer
3. September 23, 2016 at 2:05 AM

   vladd:

   Everything is fine, of course. But you need a larger container for the filter. If there's water in the drum.

   Answer
4. February 24, 2017 at 12:18 PM

   Faith:

   Thank you, you helped.

   Answer
5. March 31, 2017 at 6:19 PM

   Valentina:

   Thank you, I hope it worked, it was rubbish.

   Answer
6. November 21, 2017 at 10:26 PM

   Lana:

   Thank you very much, it worked.

   Answer
7. February 26, 2018 at 7:14 PM

   Yuri:

   Thanks, it helped!!!

   Answer
8. March 7, 2018 at 12:53 AM

   Tanya:

   Where is the filter on the Zanussi 3.5 kg? I can't access it anywhere...

   Answer
9. April 18, 2018 at 11:34 PM

   Anastasia:

   It helped me with my LG Direct Drive too, thanks for the article! There was all sorts of junk in the filter, too.

   Answer
10. April 21, 2018 at 4:32 PM

    Jyliya:

    Can you tell me where the filter is on an Electrolux?

    Answer
11. June 16, 2018 at 2:59 PM

    Daria:

    I have an Electrolux Flaxcare. Unfortunately, I couldn't find the filter. I removed the lid from underneath, and it was completely clogged with plastic. So, with a 6 kg load, the machine doesn't have a filter. Is this some kind of defect?

    Answer
12. July 6, 2019 at 12:58 PM

    Svetlana:

    Thank you! You helped.

    Answer
13. June 5, 2020 at 9:52 AM

    Julia:

    My washing machine stopped working. It's a good thing they reminded me to check the filter first. I found a 25-kopeck coin in there. After removing it, everything worked again!

    Answer
    • December 6, 2020 at 6:28 AM

      Anonymous:

      And I have 24 kopecks.

      Answer
14. June 11, 2020 at 1:58 PM

    Irina:

    Thank you, it's all simple 🙂

    Answer
15. October 30, 2020 at 9:36 PM

    Vasily:

    Thanks, I cleaned it and everything worked!

    Answer
16. August 27, 2021 at 3:30 PM

    Natalia:

    Where is the drain filter located on an Electrolux machine?

    Answer