Your washing machine is currently running, everything sounds normal, but suddenly it stops mid-cycle. An error message is flashing. No repair appointment is available, but your laundry is wet in the drum.The good news:You can fix this problem yourself in 5–10 minutes and it’s even much easier to prevent proactively.
Our blog article shows you step by step how to prevent washing machine and pump problems with a regularly cleaned lint filter, thus avoiding costly defects, energy waste, and in the best case, the need for a service technician from the start.
What exactly does the lint filter do in a washing machine?
The lint filter, or more precisely the pump filter, also known as the foreign trap or small parts trap, is located between the washing drum and the drain pump, usually hidden behind a flap in the lower right corner. It catches everything that comes off the clothing during a wash cycle, such as lint, hair, tissue remnants, coins, but also hair ties, buttons, screws, or sand from the last beach trip. Without this component, all these items would reach the drain pump and block it over time. And if the lint filter is clogged, the machine can no longer drain the water.
The corresponding consequences range from unpleasant to expensive:
- Laundry smells musty after Laundry and is not clean.
- Lint settles on freshly washed clothing.
- The spin cycle no longer completes fully.
- The machine stops the wash cycle with an error message.
- In the worst case, water leaks out and the drain pump or the device itself is damaged.
Good to know:
Newer washing machines often no longer have a classic mesh filter, but use a so-called separation process. Small lint doesn’t affect their pumps, they are simply flushed through. The filter area only retains larger foreign objects. If you open the lint filter and don’t find a fine mesh, don’t panic:The principle is the same, cleaning works identically.
Where is the lint filter located on my washing machine and how do I open it?
The washing machine’s lint filter is located at the bottom front of almost all front loaders, behind a small flap. Depending on the model, it is either left or right below the porthole. For top loaders, on the other hand, the lint filter is often located in the base area or even inside the machine. For most washing machine models, this flap opens easily with your finger, while others require a flathead screwdriver. If in doubt, check the operating instructions, which are often also available digitally via the manufacturer and model name, as some manufacturers even include a special tool for the flap.
Special case for some models:With some newer washing machines, there are two flaps. The larger one holds the liquid detergent compartment, the smaller one houses the lint filter.
Important note:
Never use a sharp knife or a screwdriver with too much force. The covers are mostly made of plastic and break easily.
How to clean the washing machine lint filter: simple & quick step-by-step guide
A clogged lint filter happens quickly.Therefore, you should clean your washing machine’s lint filter regularly to prevent clogs, drainage issues, and unnecessary defects. The cleaning usually takes only 5 to 10 minutes and can be done without specialized knowledge.
Below, you will learn how regularly cleaning the lint filter reliably prevents washing machine and pump problems.
Step-by-step guide: Cleaning the washing machine filter
What you should have ready to clean your washing machine filter (you probably already have most things at home):
- Shallow dishordeep baking tray to catch water
- At least one old, thick towel
- An absorbent cloth
- An old toothbrushorhand brush
- Scissors, if hair or threads are wrapped around the filter
- If necessary, a flathead screwdriver depending on the modelorthe manufacturer’s included tool
- Gloves if needed, the water is often dirty and can be hot
Our practical tip:
Have everything within reach before you start. As soon as the filter comes loose, water will run out – there is no time to look for something later.
This is how to clean the lint filter in 10 easy steps:
- Safety first:First, please turn off the washing machine and also unplug the power cord.
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Open flap:Either fold it out or hook it sideways with your fingernail.
➤ Some models require a flathead screwdriver for this - Make preparations:Lay out the towel and place the shallow dish directly under the opening.
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Empty the drain hose first:If a small drain hose is next to the filter, first remove it from its holder, open the cap, and let all the water run into the dish.
➤ This greatly reduces the water surge when unscrewing the filter. Skipping this step often causes bigger problems. - Unscrew the lint filter:Slowly turn the filter counterclockwise. The moment the filter is no longer tight, water will leak out.
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Clean the lint filter:Remove large foreign objects by hand. If hair or threads are wrapped around the filter, use the scissors. Then rinse the filter under running lukewarm water. Remove stubborn deposits with the toothbrush.
➤ A drop of dish soap speeds up cleaning for greasy deposits. - Wipe out the filter cavity:Also clean the hollow space in the washing machine where the filter sits with a cloth. A flashlight may help to better recognize foreign objects inside.
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Check the seal ring:Carefully check the black rubber ring around the filter for cracks, notches, or gaps. This ring ensures no water leaks out. If it is damaged, you must replace the lint filter, not just clean it.
➤ Replacement parts are usually available at specialized stores or online for a few francs. - Insert and tighten the lint filter:Put the clean filter back in, turn it clockwise until it is secure, then close the flap.
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Check for leaks:Plug the power cord back in, start a short rinse cycle without laundry, and then briefly check the flap afterward.
➤ No water leaked? Then everything is fine.
Emergency: The machine stopped mid-wash cycle
If the lint filter becomes clogged during an ongoing wash cycle and the machine stops, there is still water in the drum.
- Prepare a large basin and proceed slowly.
- Before opening the lint filter, be sure to use the drain hose (emergency drain hose) to completely empty the remaining water. If the machine does not have such a hose, open the lint filter very slowly, as the water will come out directly. A full machine can hold up to 8 liters of water and thewater can be hot.
- Then manually unlock the drum. The operating instructions show where the small emergency lever is located (usually next to the lint filter itself).
- After cleaning, always run a test cycle before loading new laundry.
How often should you clean the washing machine lint filter?
The clear answer is: It depends on the household. The general rule is to clean the washing machine’s lint filter every 3 to 6 months. If you prefer a fixed schedule: twice a year when the clocks change is an easy-to-remember marker.
Every six months is enough if:
- the machine runs once or twice a week
- mainly normal everyday laundry is washed
- there are no pets in the household
Every two to three months is recommended if:
- the machine is used frequently and intensively, for example in families with children
- you have dogs or cats in the household – pet hair clogs the filter much faster
- you regularly wash textiles that shed a lot of lint, such as towels, blankets, or wool items
- people with long hair live in the household
Clean immediately after the wash cycle if:
- you washed cleaning cloths, garden clothes, or heavily soiled workwear
- you had laundry with oil stains in the machine – oil clumps hair and small items together and can clog the pump during the next wash cycle.
- there was sand, dirt, or other coarse particles in the laundry
The basic rule:
Better to clean too often than too rarely. The effort is minimal, but the damage from a damaged device is significant. Repair costs for a clogged drain pump range between 150 and 400 francs depending on the model and region.
What happens if you don’t clean the lint filter?
What many don’t know: According to an evaluation by a leading washing machine manufacturer, up to 70% of all washing machine breakdowns are due to insufficient maintenance. A clogged washing machine lint filter is the most common single cause.
Tedious lint filter Cleaning doesn't have to be a chore: You can prevent this long-term with just a few simple steps
If you want to clean the lint filter as rarely as possible, you can do a few things to help.
- Empty pockets: Before every wash cyclecheck all pants and jacket pockets for coins, tissues, hair ties, and other small items. That alone prevents a large part of possible clogs.
- Using Mesh Laundry Bags: Underwired bras, clothing with sequins, rhinestones, or loose parts should always be put in a laundry bag. This way, small items stay in the bag even if they come loose.
- Remove pet hair:Remove pet hair before Laundry with a lint roller or by briefly shaking out clothing. Especially during shedding season, the filter will otherwise clog up within weeks.
- Don’t overload the laundry:A too-full drum increases fiber stress and loosens more lint. A 2/3 full load is optimal here.
This benefits the drain pump and also reduces your daily effort noticeably.
OUR TIP: This is how you reduce the effort required for Cleaning your washing machine lint filter:
In addition to regular washing machine filter Cleaning, it is also worthwhile to properly maintain your washing machine. This effectively prevents residue buildup and unpleasant odors.
A special washing machine cleaner like our highly effective and easily biodegradablebluu calcbustersnot only removes limescale and dirt deposits in the drum, hoses, and drain area, but also reliably and long-term protects the device from odors and performance losses.
What the lint filter cannot catch & what still ends up in wastewater during Laundry
Many people assume that the lint filter also retains even the smallest particles. That is not true. The claim that washing machine lint filters filter out microplastics is unfortunately still a widespread misconception. The mesh or separation devices are not fine enough for microfibers that come loose during Laundry from synthetic textiles. These particles are smaller than a millimeter and flow unfiltered into wastewater. Anyone washing synthetic clothing can use a special laundry bag to retain a large portion of the microfibers.
While different approaches are fundamentally needed for microplastics in clothing, such as consciously choosing natural fibers, you can still easily reduce the care effort for your washing machine in everyday life.
At the same time, you can also improve your ecological footprint by using plastic-free and enzymatic laundry solutions like ourbluu snO₂ white - Oxi White Booster against odors and persistent Stains on white laundry or for example on our environmentally friendly One-for-all bluu Laundry Detergent Sheetsfor all temperatures and textiles. These are not only sustainable, but also particularly practical: They are easy to use, already pre-dosed, take up little space, and save you the tedious hauling of heavy laundry detergent bottles.
CONCLUSION: Washing machine lint filter cleaning: 5–10 minutes that save you a lot of trouble & money
As you have now learned, Cleaning the washing machine lint filter is truly no complicated or difficult task. It is however one of the few maintenance jobs that is absolutely worth doing. Anyone who invests just five minutes every three to six months will noticeably extend the lifespan of their machine by following our step-by-step guide, our Tips, and accompanying guidance. A clean lint filter keeps laundry fresh and prevents unnecessary repairs that can quickly become very costly.
With the right routines and suitable care products, your machine will stay reliable for a long time.
Explore more smart TIPS & LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS
FAQ about the washing machine lint filter
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01How do I properly clean the washing machine lint filter?
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02How often should you clean the washing machine lint filter?
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03What happens if you don’t clean the lint filter?
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04Where is the lint filter located on the washing machine?
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05Can the lint filter filter microplastics from the water?
