Washing machine lint filter: how to clean it effectively step by step

Your washing machine is running smoothly, everything sounds normal, when suddenly it stops mid-cycle. An error message flashes. No repair technician appointment is available, and your wet laundry is sitting in the drum. The good news: You can fix this problem yourself in 5–10 minutes, and it’s even easier to prevent it proactively.

Our blog post walks you step by step through how regularly cleaning your washing machine’s lint filter prevents washing machine and pump issues, so you can avoid costly breakdowns, wasted energy, and in the best case, never need to call in a service technician right from the start.

What exactly does the lint filter in a washing machine do?

The lint filter, or more precisely the pump filter—also known as a foreign object trap or small parts trap—is located between the washing machine’s drum and drain pump, usually hidden behind an access flap in the bottom right corner. It catches everything that comes loose from clothing during a wash cycle, including lint, hair, bits of tissue, coins, as well as hair ties, buttons, screws, and even sand left over from a recent trip to the beach. Without this component, all of these items would reach the drain pump and eventually clog it. If the lint filter becomes clogged, the machine can no longer pump out the dirty wash water.

The resulting consequences range from inconvenient to costly:

• After washing, the laundry smells musty and is not clean.
• Lint builds up on freshly washed clothing.
• The spin cycle no longer runs all the way through.
• The machine aborts the wash cycle with an error message.
• In the worst case, water will leak out, and the drain pump or the appliance itself will sustain damage.

Where is the lint filter located on my washing machine, and how do I open it?

On nearly all front-loading washing machines, the lint filter is located at the bottom front, behind a small access panel. Depending on the model, this panel sits to the left or right underneath the machine’s door porthole. For top-loading washers, by contrast, the lint filter is often found in the base compartment, or even inside the machine itself. Most washing machine models let you open this access panel easily with just your finger, though others require a flathead screwdriver. If you are unsure, check your user manual, which can usually be accessed digitally from the manufacturer using your machine’s brand and model number—some manufacturers even include a dedicated tool to open this panel.

Special case for certain models: Some newer washing machines have two flaps. The larger one holds the liquid detergent reservoir, while the smaller one houses the lint filter.

How to Clean Your Washing Machine Lint Filter: Simple & Fast Step-by-Step Instructions

It’s very easy for a lint filter to get clogged. That’s why you should regularly clean your washing machine’s lint filter to avoid clogs, drain failures, and unnecessary breakdowns. This cleaning process usually only takes 5 to 10 minutes and can be completed without any specialized technical knowledge.

Below, you’ll learn how to reliably avoid washing machine and pump problems by keeping your lint filter regularly cleaned.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Your Washing Machine Filter

What you should have on hand to complete this task if you want to clean your washing machine filter (you already have most of these items around your home anyway):

• Shallow Bowl or Deep baking tray for catching water
• At least one old, thick towel
• An absorbent cleaning cloth
• An old toothbrush or hand brush
• A pair of scissors, in case any hair or threads have gotten wrapped around the strainer
• Depending on your model, you may need a flathead screwdriver or the included manufacturer's tool
• Gloves may be needed, as the water is often dirty and can be hot

Here's how to clean your lint filter in 10 simple steps:

1. Safety first: First, please turn off the washing machine and unplug it from the wall outlet.
2. Open the flap: Either flip it open, or hook the side with your fingernail.
   ➤ Some models require a flathead screwdriver for this
3. Make preparations: Spread out the towel and place a shallow dish directly underneath the opening.
4. First empty the drain hose: If a small drain hose is located next to the filter, first remove it from its holder, open the cap, and let all of the water drain fully into the tray.
   ➤ This significantly reduces the water surge that occurs when unscrewing the component. Anyone who skips this step will often face a much larger problem.
5. Unscrew the lint filter: Turn the sieve slowly counterclockwise. The second the sieve no longer sits tightly sealed, water will run out.
6. Clean the lint filter: First, remove any large foreign objects by hand. If hair or threads have wrapped around the sieve, use a pair of scissors. Afterwards, rinse the sieve under running lukewarm water. Dislodge any stubborn buildup with a toothbrush.
   ➤ One drop of dish soap speeds up cleaning on greasy buildup.
7. Wipe out the filter channel: To do this, also clean the cavity in your washing machine that holds the filter using a cloth. If needed, a flashlight can help you spot foreign objects inside even more clearly.
8. Inspect the sealing ring: Carefully inspect the black rubber ring that runs around the strainer for any cracks, nicks, or gaps. This ring prevents water from leaking outside. If it is damaged, the lint filter must be replaced, not just cleaned.
   ➤ Replacement parts for this are usually available from specialty retailers or online for just a few Francs.
9. Insert the lint filter and tighten it: Reinsert the clean strainer, turn it clockwise until it sits securely, then close the flap.
10. Check for leaks: Plug the unit back in, run a short wash cycle without any laundry, then briefly check the door.
    ➤ No water has leaked out? Then everything is in order.

How often should you clean your washing machine's lint filter?

The straightforward answer to this is: It depends on your household. As a rule of thumb, you should clean your washing machine’s lint filter every three to six months. If you prefer to stick to a fixed routine, a simple, easy-to-remember marker is to clean it twice a year, when you change your clocks for daylight saving time.

Once every six months is sufficient, if:

• the machine runs once or twice a week
• regular everyday laundry is primarily washed
• no animals live in the household

Recommended every two to three months, if:

• the machine is used frequently and heavily, for example in households with children
• If you have dogs or cats living in your household, pet hair will clog the strainer much faster
• textiles that shed heavily, such as towels, blankets, or wool items, are washed regularly
• People with long hair live in your household

Clean immediately after the wash cycle if:

• cleaning cloths, garden clothing, or heavily soiled work clothes that were washed
• Do not put laundry with oil stains in the machine, as oil causes hair and small items to clump together and can block the pump during the next wash cycle.
• Sand, dirt or other coarse particles in the laundry were

What happens if you don't clean the lint trap?

What many people don’t know: according to an analysis from a leading washing machine manufacturer, up to 70% of all washing machine breakdowns stem from insufficient maintenance. A blocked washing machine lint filter is the single most common cause of these failures.

You won't need to spend hours tediously cleaning your lint filter: Here's how to prevent buildup long-term with just a few simple steps

Anyone who wants to clean their lint filter as infrequently as possible can achieve that goal with a few simple habits.

• Empty your bags: Before every wash cycle Check all pants and jacket pockets for coins, tissues, hair ties, and other small items. This alone prevents a large portion of potential clogs.
• How to use laundry bags: Underwired bras, clothing decorated with sequins, rhinestones, or parts that may break off must always be placed in a laundry bag. This ensures small pieces stay contained in the bag even if they happen to come loose.
• Remove pet hair: Remove pet hair from clothing before washing using a lint roller or by briefly shaking out the items. Otherwise, the filter will become clogged within weeks, especially during shedding season.
• Do not overload when loading laundry: An overfilled drum increases strain on fabric fibers and releases more lint. A 2/3 load is the optimal amount here.

The lye pump runs perfectly, and your own daily effort is noticeably reduced in everyday use.

What your washing machine’s lint filter can’t do & what still ends up in wastewater when you do laundry

Many people assume that a washing machine’s lint trap catches even the smallest particles. That is not true. The claim that a washing machine’s lint filter can remove microplastics remains an unfortunately widespread myth. The mesh or collection devices in these appliances are simply not fine enough to capture the microfibers that shed from synthetic textiles during washing. These particles are smaller than one millimeter and pass unfiltered into wastewater. Anyone who washes synthetic clothing can use a special laundry bag to trap the vast majority of these microfibers.

While fundamentally different solutions are needed to tackle microplastics in clothing – such as consciously choosing natural fibers – you can still easily reduce your washing machine’s daily maintenance workload.

At the same time, you can also improve your ecological footprint by opting for plastic-free, enzymatic laundry solutions like our 1 bluu SnO₂ White - Oxi White Booster against odors and stubborn stains on white laundry, or on our eco-friendly One-for-all bluu Laundry Strips suitable for all temperatures and all fabrics. These are not only sustainable, but also exceptionally practical: they are easy to use, pre-portioned, take up barely any space, and save you the tiresome work of hauling heavy laundry detergent bottles.

BOTTOM LINE Cleaning your washing machine's lint filter: 5–10 minutes that will save you a lot of hassle & money

As you’ve now learned, cleaning your washing machine’s lint filter really isn’t any kind of black magic or rocket science. That said, it is one of the few maintenance tasks that is absolutely worth the effort. Anyone who sets aside just five minutes every three to six months, and follows our step-by-step guide, tips, and notes, will noticeably extend their machine’s lifespan. A clean lint filter keeps your laundry fresh and prevents unnecessary repairs that can quickly take a big chunk out of your wallet.

With the right maintenance routines and suitable care products, your machine will remain reliably operational long-term.

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