How to Clean a Top Loading Washing Machine Filter

Top-loading washing machines need to be cleaned in the same way as standard front-loading machines. First of all, always pay attention to the trash filter, which in a short time collects a huge amount of different trash that can clog the drain and create additional problems for the user. Let's take a closer look at how to find and properly clean the filter of a top-loading washing machine.

Find and clean the filter

In most modern "home helpers" with vertical loading, the dust filter is located inside the drum. You can find it if you open the drum flaps and examine the insides. The lint filter is located inside a small plastic hatch with a latch.

There are also varieties of household appliances in which the hatch or decorative panel is located at the bottom of the body. Then the filter plug will be hidden behind this hatch or panel, which makes such models very similar to standard front-loading washing machines.

Regardless of where the waste filter is installed, it is important to clean it correctly. Proper cleaning of the drain pump filter should be done according to the instructions.

• First of all, turn off the power to the washing machine and disconnect it from all communications in the house.
• Place a basin or any other deep container under the device body, and cover the floor with rags or towels.
• Now you can open the hatch or decorative panel.
• Remove the debris filter.
• Rinse it thoroughly under a strong stream of hot water.
• Additionally, you can clean the seat from dirt that has accumulated during the time without cleaning the filter.
• Place the element back in place.

It is very important to check whether the part is installed correctly after cleaning. To do this, you should conduct a test work cycle, which will show whether the machine has started to leak during operation. During the test, do not go too far from the washing machine so that in case of an emergency you have time to eliminate the consequences.

What happens if you don't touch the filter?

A thorough cleaning of the drain pump filter takes no more than ten minutes, but many housewives still prefer not to do it in order to save time. What will happen to the machine if the filter remains clogged for a long time?

• An extremely unpleasant smell may start to emanate from the "home assistant" and freshly washed clothes. The fact is that the garbage and dirt in the filter is an ideal environment for the formation of harmful microorganisms.
• The waste liquid will start to drain poorly into the sewer after the working cycle. At some point, the filter may become clogged to such an extent that water simply stops flowing out of the tank.
• If the filter is completely clogged, the washing machine pump will pump out liquid with great effort. Due to the increased load, the pump may burn out, and then it will have to be replaced with a new one.

Therefore, it is worth not being lazy and cleaning the filter at least once every few months, because this will extend the service life of the washing machine and also help to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Filter cleaning frequency

For quality work, the waste filter must always be clean. Check it regularly and clean it if necessary, if you do not want the water to start to drain from the tank with difficulty at first, and then stop doing so altogether due to the failure of the drain pump.

Experts recommend cleaning the filter element at least once every few months. This period may vary, because it directly depends on how often you wash dirty clothes and what materials you wear. It is also worth noting that if there are pets in the house, then the drain filter gets clogged much faster due to the pets' hair, since the hair always settles on the owners' clothes, gets into the drum of the washing machine, and then onto its key components. In such a situation, it is worth cleaning the garbage filter at least once a month.

To prevent the drain filter from clogging, you can shake things out a little before loading them into the drum. It is better to pre-soak heavily soiled clothes in a basin and only then clean them in the washing machine. Finally, do not forget to remove small items from your pockets before washing, because keys, coins, paper clips, etc. can damage the machine if they get into the tank or the waste filter.