Most top load washers made after 2001 do not have washer filters in their drainage system. Instead, newer models utilize a more powerful drain pump and larger drain holes. If you have a model made before 2001, you can usually find the washer filters at the bottom of the washer drum underneath the agitator.
No, not all washing machines have filters. Many modern, high-efficiency machines use a self-cleaning pump to remove lint instead of a traditional lint trap. Look for a symbol shaped like a whirlpool with a lowercase “he” inside the symbol.
Clean the Lint Filter
The lint filter in a top-load washer with a center agitator is inside the agitator. Newer washers with the agitator in the bottom of the drum may or may not have a lint filter. Some models rely on the water pump filter to do the work, while others have a mesh filter near the top rim of the drum.
The filter is usually located at the bottom front of the washer. In front load washers, the filter is often hidden behind a small panel or cover. For top load washers, the filters are often inside the center agitator or along the top rim of the drum.
“The drain trap is typically located at the bottom of the washing machine, near the drain hose, and is designed to prevent lint and debris from entering the plumbing system and causing blockages or damage,” says Smith.
Top-loading washing machine
In most top-loaders, the lint filter is either positioned along the top rim of the washer drum or at the end of the drainage hose. You may also find it inside the center agitator, which you can unscrew and remove. Check your owner's manual if you need help. Remove the filter.
All modern Maytag washers have filters that should be regularly cleaned every 3-6 months to prevent harmful lint buildup or clogs. In top-loading machines the filters are in the center of the agitator tube. They can be removed by taking off the agitator cap and pulling the filter upward.
Ensure to clean the lint filter, if your washer has one, after every load. Additionally, run a cleaning cycle or use a washing machine cleaner once a month to remove detergent residue and other materials that might contribute to lint build-up.
Inspect the Filter
Another common cause of drainage issues is a clogged filter. Your washing machine's filter is designed to catch debris and prevent it from entering the drain. However, this can become blocked over time. To check for obstructions, remove the filter and clean it thoroughly, removing any debris or lint.
Many front load washers have a drain trap that catches items like socks or coins before they reach the main drain. This helps limit complex clogs. However, if the drain trap itself is getting pretty full, it can cause drain issues in the washer too. Not every washer has a drain trap.
What happens if you don't clean your washing machine filter? A dirty or clogged washing machine filter will prevent your appliance from running as well as intended, meaning your clothes won't get as clean as they should. They also might smell badly and have residue on them.
Top-loading washing machines usually have a drain filter hidden behind a flap visible on the front side of the machine casing (example 1), or hidden in the threshold of the drum (example 2 - in this case the threshold of the drum has a special recess that allows it to be lifted up).
It's possible your washing machine does not have a filter at all. Most newer, high-efficiency washers rely on a filter in the pump that self-cleans, meaning that there's no need for maintenance on your end.
How often do you need to clean the drain on a washing machine? This largely depends on usage but on average, it's recommended to take care of it every 3 to 6 months.
Open the dispenser drawer by pulling on the handle at the base of the washer. This will reveal the drain pump filter.
Your washer's lint filter may be within the center agitator of a top-loading washer. Remove the cover and check for a lint trap that can be cleaned. A removable lint screen may also be located along the washer drum's top rim. Mesh lint traps are also commonly found in washer drain hoses.
Run an empty cycle with detergent or vinegar to remove buildup. Lint can collect and be deposited on the inside of your washing machine and in the internal filters. Run a normal cycle using detergent with any clothes inside.
On top-loading machines, your filter is likely under the panel on the bottom right of the front of the machine. On a front-loader, the filter is probably behind the dispenser drawer. If you can't find your filter on an older model, remove the back panel and look underneath the drum for it.
"The drain trap is usually easy to access and can be cleaned out periodically to ensure it continues functioning properly.” Although most modern washing machines do have a drain trap or similar mechanism, Smith suggests checking your owner's manual if you aren't sure.
A clogged or kinked drain hose can prevent your washer from draining. First, disconnect your water. Then, check for any bends in the hose or blockages from items like lint, clothing fibers or debris that may be stopping the water flow. Simply straighten any kinks or detach the hose and flush it out to clear the debris.
Find the drain hose
Your machine will either have one drain pump filter by itself or a drain pump filter with a separate drain hose. In either case, these will be behind a panel on the front of your machine.