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. Check your washer's manual for specific instructions on how to access the filter.
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).
“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 find the washer filters at the bottom of the washer drum underneath the agitator,” Maytag describes.
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 top-loading washer should be cleaned at least twice a year and before you start, make sure there is no laundry inside the drum, no fabric softeners or detergents in any of the trays. You'll need to have a completely empty washing machine before you begin cleaning.
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.
Most front-load washers have the filter behind a small panel on the bottom front of the machine. Look for a designated access panel, often hidden behind a kickplate or covered by a cap. Top-load washers often have the filter inside the machine, accessible through the agitator or under a panel in the back.
“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.
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.
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. Lint and debris can then be removed by hand before replacing the filter.
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.
To clean a top-loading washing machine without an agitator, run a cleaning cycle with hot water and a cleaning agent like vinegar or baking soda.
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.
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.
Many newer HE washing machines don't have a filter or lint trap, instead using a self-cleaning pump to remove lint and other debris during the wash and cycle.
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.
The Cons: Lower water efficiency: Top-loaders typically use more water compared to front-load washers. This can lead to higher utility bills and a larger environmental footprint over time. Smaller capacity: Drum capacity is frequently lower for top-load washing machines compared to front-loaders.
For a front-load washer, put 2 tablespoons of borax or oxygen bleach and 2 tablespoons of washing soda in the tub of the washing machine. For a top-loading machine, put 1/2 cup of each of the powders into the wash tub. Run at the hottest temperature or use the “clean tub” setting on the washer.
The lifespan of a standard top-load washer is 14 years while a high-efficiency washer is only 11 years.