How to Clean Your Washing Machine Filter

So, Your Washing Machine Smells… Weird

Ever pull a load of laundry out and it just doesn’t smell… clean? Or maybe your clothes are still a bit too wet after the final spin. There’s a good chance the culprit is a dirty little filter you didn’t even know existed.

Don’t worry — this is one of the easiest fixes you can do. We’re talking 15 minutes, tops.

This little guide on washer filter cleaning will walk you through finding it, cleaning it, and getting your machine running like new. No special tools required.

 

 

Step 1: Find That Sneaky Filter

First, you have to find the thing. On most front-loading washing machines, the filter is hiding behind a small door on the bottom-front corner. It might be a little square or a small rectangle.

Pop that little door open with your fingers or a flathead screwdriver. Behind it, you’ll see a round cap, probably with a little handle or grip on it. That’s your target.

If you have a top-loader, your life might be even easier. Many top-loaders, especially newer ones from 2026, don’t have a filter you need to clean manually. Check your manual to be sure, but this job is mostly for the front-loader crowd.

 

 

Step 2: Prep for a Puddle (Seriously, Don’t Skip This)

I learned this the hard way and ended up with a mini-flood in my laundry room. There’s always some water trapped in there, and it’s going to come out when you open the filter.

Grab a couple of old towels and a shallow dish. A baking sheet with a rim or a casserole dish works perfectly. Shove the towels right up against the machine under the filter door and place your dish there to catch the water.

 

 

Step 3: Drain the Little Emergency Hose

The trick nobody tells you is that there’s usually a small rubber tube right next to the filter cap. This is the drain hose. It’s there so you can drain most of the water in a controlled way instead of having it gush everywhere.

Pull out the little tube, unhook the plug at the end, and aim it into your shallow dish. Let it all drain out. It won’t be a ton of water, but it’s enough to make a mess if you skip this step.

 

 

Step 4: Unscrew and Clean the Filter

Time to Face the Gunk

Okay, brace yourself. Lay a towel down on the floor for the filter itself. Now, slowly turn the round filter cap counter-clockwise. It might be a little stiff.

As you pull it out, a little more water will spill out. You’ll likely find a lovely collection of hair, lint, maybe a button, a coin, or that missing sock you’ve been looking for since last month. It’s usually pretty gross.

 

 

Get it Squeaky Clean

Take the filter to the sink. Pull off any big clumps of lint or hair and toss them in the trash (not down the sink!).

Then, just use an old toothbrush and some warm, soapy water to scrub it clean. Get into all the little grooves. While you’re at it, take a paper towel and wipe out the inside of the filter housing on the machine itself.

 

 

Step 5: Put It All Back Together

This part is easy. Just slide the clean filter back into its spot. Make sure you line up the threads correctly.

Turn it clockwise until it’s snug and secure. You don’t need to crank on it like a maniac, but it should be tight enough that it won’t leak. Pop the little drain hose plug back in, tuck it away, and close the access door.

I always run a quick “Rinse & Spin” cycle on the empty machine just to check for any drips. If you see water, you just need to tighten the cap a little more.

 

 

A Few Pro Tips for Washer Filter Cleaning

How often should I do this?

A good rule of thumb is to check it every 3-4 months. If you have pets that shed a lot or wash a ton of fluffy blankets, you might want to check it more often. Put a reminder in your phone for next time!

 

 

Help! The filter is totally stuck!

If it won’t budge, don’t force it so hard that you break the plastic handle. Try wrapping a towel around it for a better grip. If that fails, you can gently use a pair of channel-lock pliers over the towel to give you some extra torque.

 

 

Signs Your Filter is Begging for a Cleaning

Not sure if it’s time? Your machine will give you hints. Look out for lingering bad smells (like mildew), clothes that are still soaked after a cycle, longer-than-usual wash times, or weird error codes on the display.

 

 

You’re Officially a Pro

That’s it! See? Not so bad. You just did a piece of home maintenance that saves you from smelly clothes and expensive repair calls.

Now go enjoy your fresh-smelling laundry. You’ve earned it.