Do top-loading washing machines have a filter that needs to be cleaned? Yes, most top-loading washing machines have filters that need regular cleaning to ensure optimal performance.
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.
Front loading washers usually have filters accessible from the outside. Look for a small hatch at the bottom corner of the machine, where a filter may be hidden. Additionally, check the end of the drainage hose for a small mesh screen that can trap lint and debris.
If your top-loading washer has a lint trap, it is likely inside the central agitator. To access it, remove the cover on the top of the agitator. This exposes the hollow center of the agitator and the lint trap. Other top-load models may have lint traps along the rim of the washer drum.
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.
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 usually a removable filter that you can access by lifting or pulling it out. The lint filter is usually positioned inside the front door on front-load washing machines. You can locate it by opening the door and inspecting the bottom-right corner.
Start a hot wash cycle and allow the drum to fill completely with water. Once full, add a quart of chlorine bleach to the machine and allow the cycle to complete. Run a second cycle through the machine, adding a quart of distilled white vinegar to the drum after it's filled with hot water.
Do Maytag Washing Machines Have Filters? 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.
It's also important to be aware that some of the more modern washing machine models do not have a filter at all. These high-efficiency washers rely on the machine's self-cleaning functions and this ultimately means that you do not need to perform any maintenance yourself.
Your top load washing machine is an integral part of your household and cleaning routine and probably one of the appliances you use the most often. Using your washer frequently can eventually lead to the accumulation of dirt, grime, residue and buildup, which in turn can impact the quality of your washer's performance.
How Do I Get Rid of the Smell in My Washing Machine? To eliminate odors in your washing machine, run a hot cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar to kill bacteria and break down odors. Then, run another hot cycle with 1/2 cup of baking soda to neutralize any remaining odors.
Models made since 2014 have lint filters in the wash basket that are consumer removable for cleaning. For information on cleaning these filters, please check out our Spacemaker Washer - Cleaning Lint / Pump Filter article.
Run the wash cycle on the hottest setting your machine offers with a cup of bleach or vinegar. If using bleach, pour it into the compartment designated for bleach. If using vinegar, pour it into the detergent slot. If your machine has a self-clean cycle, you can use that setting.
Run the washing machine on a hot cycle
It's recommended then to run a hot water cycle without any clothes. Add a cup of white vinegar or Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner to the detergent compartment. The hot water and vinegar combination will help remove any scum or buildup inside the machine, including the rubber seal.
In models without an access door, the coin trap is found deeper in the drainage system by the drain pump. There may be a lower access panel or one on the top of your water, but usually, you will need to remove shell of your washer in order to reach it.
Clothing That Feels Heavy After a Cycle: When your clothes are unusually damp even after a spin cycle, it's a sign that the machine isn't draining effectively, which usually points to the filter! Water Leakage: Unexpected puddles around your washing machine might indicate pressure buildup caused by a clogged filter.
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.
Remove the drain hose attached to the back of the washer and check if it's clear. If you find any obstruction, you can rent an air compressor to blow air into the hose and clear the clog. But if the hose is worn or badly kinked, you may need to replace the hose.