Fluff filter washing machine ❤ cleaned in 10 minutes with these tips

Your washing machine is running, everything sounds normal, but suddenly it stops in the middle of the program. An error message flashes. No handyman appointment available, but your laundry is wet in the drum. The good news: The problem can be solved in 5-10 minutes and is even easier to prevent. Our blog article shows you step by step how you can avoid washing machine and pump problems with a regularly cleaned lint filter and thus avoid expensive defects, energy and, in the best case, the need for a service technician right from the start. What does that Lint filter in of the washing machine exactly? The lint filter or, more precisely, the pump filter, also known as a foreign body trap or small parts trap, is located between Washing drum and drain pumpusually hidden behind a flap in the bottom right-hand corner. It catches everything that comes out of the clothes during a wash cycle, such as lint, hair, handkerchief remnants, coins, but also hair bands, buttons, screws or sand from the last day at the beach. Without this component, all these things would reach the drain pump and block it over time. And if the lint filter is blocked, the machine can no longer pump out the lye water. The consequences range from unpleasant to expensive: The laundry smells musty after washing and is not clean. Lint accumulates on freshly washed clothes. The spin cycle no longer runs completely. The machine cancels the wash cycle with an error message. In the worst case, water may leak out and damage the drain pump or the appliance itself. Good to know: Newer washing machines often no longer have a classic mesh screen, but a so-called Separation process. Small pieces of fluff do not bother their pumps, they are simply flushed through. The filter area only retains larger foreign bodies. Whoever Lint filter and does not find a fine sieve mesh, there is no need to be alarmed: The principle is the same, the cleaning process is identical. Where is the lint filter located on my washing machine and how do I open it? The washing machine's lint filter is fitted in almost all Front loaders at the bottom front, behind a small flap. Depending on the model, it is located on the left or right under the porthole. In top loaders, on the other hand, the lint filter is often located in the plinth area or even inside the machine. On most washing machine models, this flap can simply be opened with a finger, others require a slotted screwdriver. If in doubt, take a look at the operating instructions, which can often be called up digitally by manufacturer and model name, as some manufacturers even supply their own tool for the flap. Special case of some models: Some newer washing machines have two flaps. The larger one houses the liquid detergent supply, the smaller one the fluff filter. Important note: Never use a sharp knife or a screwdriver with too much force. The covers are mainly made of plastic and break quickly Cleaning the washing machine lint filtersimple & fast step by step explained A clogged lint filter can happen quickly. You should therefore clean the lint filter of your washing machine regularly to avoid blockages, pumping errors and unnecessary defects. Cleaning usually only takes 5 to 10 minutes and can be carried out without specialist knowledge. Find out below how you can reliably avoid washing machine and pump problems with a regularly cleaned lint filter. Step-by-step instructions: Cleaning the washing machine filter What you should have ready to do if you want to clean your washing machine filter (you have most of it in your household anyway): Flat bowl or Deep baking tray for collecting water At least one old, thick towel An absorbent cleaning cloth An old toothbrush or Hand brush Scissors in case hair or threads are wrapped around the sieve Depending on the model, a slotted screwdriver if necessary or the enclosed manufacturer's tool Gloves if necessary, the water is often dirty and can be hot Our practical tip: Before you open the lid and unscrew the sieve, always place an old, thick towel directly under the lid. Even if you put a bowl underneath, you will often miss a sip. The towel saves you having to wipe the floor afterwards and also catches small particles of dirt that run along the flap. This makes cleaning the Lint filter in 10 simple steps: Safety firstFirst switch off the washing machine and disconnect the mains plug. Open the flap: Either fold it out or hook it in at the side with your fingernail.➤ Some models require a slotted screwdriver for this Make preparations: Spread out a towel and place a shallow dish directly under the opening. Empty the drain hose first: If there is a small drain hose next to the sieve, first remove it from its holder, open the cap and allow the water to drain completely into the bowl. ➤ This considerably reduces the water surge when unscrewing. Those who skip this step often have the bigger problem. Lint filter unscrew: Slowly turn the sieve counterclockwise. The moment the sieve is no longer tight, water runs out. Clean the lint filter: Remove large foreign bodies by hand. If If hair or threads are wrapped around the sieve, use the scissors. The sieve Then rinse under lukewarm running water. Stubborn Remove deposits with a toothbrush.➤ A drop of washing-up liquid speeds up the cleaning process for greasy deposits. Wipe out the strainer channel: To do this, clean the cavity in the washing machine where the sieve is located with a cloth. A flashlight may help to better identify foreign objects inside. Check sealing ringCheck the black rubber ring that runs around the strainer carefully for cracks, nicks or breaks. This ring ensures that no water escapes to the outside. If it is damaged, the lint filter must be replaced and not just cleaned. ➤ Spare parts are usually available from specialist dealers or online for just a few francs. Lint filter and tighten: Reinsert the strainer cleanly and turn it clockwise until it is securely in place, and then close the flap. Check for leaksRe-insert the plug, start a short rinse cycle without laundry and then briefly check the flap.➤ No water leaking? Then everything is fine. Emergency: The machine stopped in the middle of the wash cycle If the Lint filter clogs during a wash cycle and the machine stops, there is still water in the drum. Prepare a large tub and proceed slowly. Before opening the Lint filter Always use the drain hose (emergency drain hose) to completely drain the residual water. If the machine does not have such a hose, only open the lint filter slowly as the water will come out directly. A full machine can contain up to 8 liters of water and the Water can be hot. Then unlock the drum manually. The operating instructions show where the small emergency lever is located (usually next to the Lint filter itself). After cleaning, always start a test run before loading a new wash. How often Washing machine lint filter clean? The clear answer to this is: it depends on the household. The rule of thumb is to clean the washing machine's lint filter every three to six months. For those who like to set a fixed rhythm: Twice a year to change the time is an easy anchor to remember. Every six months is sufficient if: the machine runs once or twice a week mainly normal everyday laundry is washed no animals live in the household Recommended every two to three months if: the machine is used frequently and intensively, for example in families with children Dogs or cats live in the household, animal hair clogs the sieve much faster heavily linting textiles such as towels, blankets or woolen items are washed regularly People with long hair live in the household Clean immediately after the wash cycle if: cleaning cloths, gardening clothes or heavily soiled work clothes have been washed The machine has been washing with oil stains, as oil causes hair and small items to clump together and can block the pump during the next wash cycle. Sand, soil or other coarse particles were in the laundry The basic rule: Better to do it once too often than once too little. The cost is low, but the damage caused by a faulty appliance is considerable. Repair costs for a blocked drain pump are between 150 and 400 francs, depending on the model and region. What happens if you don't clean the fluff filter? A clogged sieve is one of the most common causes of washing machine breakdowns. The machine can usually make a noticeable humming noise, stop pumping out water or stop in the middle of the program. What many people don't know: According to an analysis by a leading washing machine manufacturer, up to 70% of all washing machine breakdowns are caused by a lack of maintenance. The clogged lint filter of the washing machine is the most common single cause. Protracted Cleaning the lint filter doesn't have to be: How to prevent it in the long term with just a few simple steps If you want to clean the fluff filter as rarely as possible, a few habits can go a long way. ü Empty your pockets: Before every wash cycle Check all trouser and jacket pockets for coins, handkerchiefs, hair bands and other small items. This alone will prevent a large proportion of possible blockages. ü Use laundry nets: Underwired bras, clothing with sequins, rhinestones or parts that break off should always be placed in a laundry net. This way, small items stay in the net even if they come loose. ü Remove animal hair: Remove animal hair before washing with a lint roller or by briefly shaking out the clothes. Otherwise the sieve will become clogged within weeks, especially during the coat change period. ü Do not load the laundry full: A drum that is too full increases the stress on the fibers and loosens more lint. A 2/3 filling is optimal. The drain pump is happy and your own effort is also noticeably reduced in everyday life. OUR TIP: How to reduce the effort involved in cleaning the Washing machine lint filter: In addition to the regular Cleaning washing machine filters it is also worth taking good care of your washing machine. This effectively prevents deposits and unpleasant odors. A special Washing machine cleaners such as our highly effective and easily biodegradable bluu calcbusters not only removes limescale and dirt deposits in the drum, hoses and lye area, but also reliably protects the appliance against odors and loss of performance in the long term. What the Lint filter cannot & what still gets into the wastewater during washing Many people assume that the fluff filter retains even the smallest particles. This is not true. The statement that the lint filter in washing machines filters out microplastics is unfortunately still a widespread misconception. The meshes or separators are not fine enough for microfibers that are released from synthetic textiles during washing. These particles are smaller than one millimeter and enter the wastewater unfiltered. So if you wash synthetic clothing, you can use a special wash bag to retain a large proportion of the microfibers. While other approaches are needed to combat microplastics in clothing, such as consciously choosing natural fibers, you can still reduce the amount of care your washing machine needs in everyday life. At the same time, you can also improve your ecological footprint by switching to plastic-free and enzymatic washing solutions such as our bluu snO₂ white - Oxi White Booster against odors and stubborn stains on white laundry or our environmentally friendly one-for-all bluu wash strips for all temperatures and textiles. These are not only sustainable, but also particularly practical: they are easy to use, already pre-dosed, take up hardly any space and save you the hassle of carrying heavy bottles of detergent. CONCLUSION Cleaning Washing machine lint filter: 5-10 minutes that will save you a lot of trouble & money As you have now learned, cleaning the washing machine's lint filter is really not rocket science. However, it is one of the few maintenance tasks that is really worthwhile. If you invest five minutes every three to six months, you will noticeably extend the life of your machine with our step-by-step instructions, tips and advice. A clean lint filter keeps the laundry fresh and avoids unnecessary repairs that can quickly run deep into your wallet. With the right routines and suitable care products, your machine will remain reliable in the long term. Explore more smart TIPS & WASHING SOLUTIONS. FAQ about the washing machine lint filter 01 How do I clean the washing machine's lint filter correctly? The fluff filter can be cleaned in just a few steps: Switch off the machine, open the flap, drain the water, unscrew the filter and clean it thoroughly under running water. It is also important to check the strainer channel and the seal before putting everything back in. 02 How often should I clean the washing machine's lint filter? As a rule of thumb: every 3 to 6 months. For frequent use, pet hair or heavily fluffed laundry, cleaning every 2 to 3 months is recommended. You should clean the fluff filter immediately after heavily soiled laundry. 03 What happens if the fluff filter is not cleaned? A clogged lint filter can cause the washing machine to stop pumping properly, programs to stop or unpleasant odours to develop. In the worst case, the drain pump can be damaged, resulting in expensive repairs. 04 Where is the lint filter located on the washing machine? In most front-loading washing machines, the lint filter is located at the bottom front behind a small flap. Depending on the model, it is located on the left or right below the porthole. 05 Can the lint filter filter microplastics out of the water? No, the fluff filter only holds back larger foreign bodies such as fluff, hair or coins. Microplastics are too fine and continue to end up in the waste water. Special wash bags or the choice of natural fibers can help here.