The Hidden Washing Machine Filter You Probably Need to Clean

Have you ever pulled a fresh load of laundry out of your front-load washing machine, only to find that it smells... well, not so fresh? Or maybe you've noticed that your washer seems to be taking longer to drain, or it's leaving your clothes a little too wet at the end of the spin cycle. Before you start looking up the cost of a repair technician, there is one crucial maintenance task you should check first.

Most front-loading washing machines have a hidden feature that a surprising number of people don't know exists: the drain pump filter.

This little filter is the unsung hero of your laundry routine. Its entire job is to catch all the loose debris that gets washed out of your pockets and clothes before it can reach the actual drain pump and cause a massive clog. We're talking about loose change, bobby pins, lint, pet hair, and that mysterious tissue you forgot to take out of your jeans.

Over time, all that soggy debris builds up. If left uncleaned, this damp, dark collection of lint and hair becomes a breeding ground for mold and mildew. That mildew is exactly what causes that sour, musty smell that ruins a clean load of laundry. Furthermore, a heavily clogged filter restricts water flow, which means your machine has to work much harder to drain properly.

Cleaning it is incredibly simple and should ideally be done every couple of months.

First, you need to find it. Look at the very bottom front of your washing machine. You will usually see a small, rectangular or circular access panel. Some of them pop open if you press on one side, while others might require a coin or a flathead screwdriver to gently pry open.

Once you open that little door, you'll see a round dial (the filter itself) and often a small rubber hose tucked in next to it. Stop right there. Do not unscrew the dial just yet!

The filter cavity is holding water, and if you just unscrew it, a flood of dirty, smelly water will gush out onto your floor. This is where the little rubber hose comes in. Pull the hose out slightly, place a shallow baking dish or a few old towels directly underneath it, and remove the little plug at the end of the hose. Let all the trapped water drain out into your dish.

Once the water stops dripping, put the plug back into the hose and tuck it away. Now it is safe to unscrew the main filter dial. Turn it counter-clockwise and pull it straight out.

Be prepared: if it has been a while (or if you've never cleaned it), it might look pretty gross. You might find coins, keys, or just a thick layer of grey slime. Take the filter over to your sink, pull off any large clumps of lint, and scrub it clean with warm water and an old toothbrush.

Before you put the clean filter back in, take a flashlight and peek inside the hole in the washing machine. Sometimes a stray coin or a clump of hair can get stuck in the chamber itself. Once it's clear, simply slide the filter back in, twist it clockwise until it is completely tight, and close the access door.

Taking five minutes to do this simple maintenance trick can save you from a costly repair bill, extend the life of your washing machine, and most importantly, ensure your clothes actually smell clean when they come out of the wash.