If you find that your washing machine is not working properly, you should check each of its elements to rule out any failure due to lack of maintenance. The washing machine filter is one of the most necessary parts, so it must be cared for and cleaned properly to avoid unpleasant odors in the laundry. The washing machine is one of the most used appliances daily. Therefore, it is necessary to keep it in good condition and excellent working order.
The function of the washing machine filter is to retain all the dirt that is released from the clothes during the washing process. Lint, paper, bags, coins, among other objects, are some of the things that are left in the pockets of garments before they are put in the washing machine. In that sense, you must maintain clean the filter if you intend to extend the life of your washing machine, avoid low performance and prevent any clogging caused by excess waste, keep in mind that this element needs to be cleaned regularly.
Step by step for cleaning your washing machine filter
Do not think that keeping the washing machine clean is a difficult task to accomplish; on the contrary, it is very simple and necessary to prevent any damage or to clog of the filter itself. If you do not know your washing machine well, the first thing to do is to find the filter, which in most of these appliances is located behind a cover on the lower right side. You must remove the baseboard to find the filter cover if it is an integrated washing machine. Now, the best way to maintain this element is by following these steps:
Step 1
Disconnect the washing machine from the electricity and turn off the water tap.
Step 2
Use a thick cloth when removing the filter to prevent water from falling on the floor or spilling under the washer.
Step 3
Remove excess water that accumulates in the drain hose and then return it to its position before cleaning.
Step 4
Open the washing machine’s filter using the lid and remove it by carefully unscrewing it.
Step 5
Once you have the filter in your hands, remove the dirt and small objects inside the filter. For more thorough maintenance, clean the plug and filter under the faucet with soap or detergent until it is free of dirt.
Step 6
Use a cloth to remove any remaining dirt from the washing machine filter until it is completely clean.
Step 7
Verify that everything is in order and that there are no residues. Screw the filter back on, close the lid, and you’re done.
Final recommendation
As mentioned above, cleaning of the washer filter should be done regularly. Two to three months is recommended, but it all depends on the use and the type of clothes you wash. For example, if the clothes are usually very dirty, check and clean the filter more frequently. The filter must be free of dirt. Otherwise, the garments risk being damaged during the wash cycle and leaving a bad odor.
If the clothes are thread-loose or full of sand, cleaning the filter after washing is necessary. Make sure that the clothes come out completely clean, that no water accumulates inside the drum after the end of a cycle and that you have not left any object or accessory inside any garment. If the opposite is true, filter maintenance is also required. As well as the total replacement of the filter, i.e., a new one every six to twelve months.