Why can't i find my washing machine filter?

Author: Neil Metz  |  Last update: Saturday, July 26, 2025

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.

Why does my washing machine not have a filter?

If you have a high-efficiency (HE) washer — whether front- or top-loading — your machine likely doesn't have a washing machine filter.

How do I know if my washing machine has a filter?

  • 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.

Where can I find a washer filter?

Typically, the filter will be located in one of these places:
  1. In the center agitator.
  2. In the drum's top lip.
  3. Behind a trap door on the front exterior of the machine.
  4. Near the water pump or at the end of the drainage hose.

Do all top load washers have a filter?

As it turns out, not all washing machines have filters like the one Costello showed. Maytag explains that most top-loading washing machines (the kind that opens from the top, not the front) do not have a filter.

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Does every washing machine have a filter?

DO ALL WASHING MACHINES HAVE FILTERS? Not all washing machines have removable filters and newer models often don't have filters that need to be cleaned by the consumer.

Where is my washing machine filter and do I really need to clean it?

Where is my washing machine filter?
  1. In the drum, along the rim at the top – top loaders.
  2. In the middle of the drum, underneath the agitator, under a cover – top loaders.
  3. On either the front or back of the machine, behind a hatch – front loaders.
  4. Situated near the drainage hose – front loaders.

Where is the lint filter on a top loader?

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.

Is a filter necessary for a washing machine?

Washing machine filters can combat the hard water effects on the machine, without compromising the machine's life and wash quality. Mineral Removal: These filters remove minerals such as calcium and magnesium from the water before they enter the washing machine.

What happens if you don't clean your washing machine filter?

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.

How do you clean a washing machine without a filter?

For a homemade option, you can try cleaning your washing machine with vinegar. Just pour two cups of distilled vinegar into your detergent drawer. You can also use soda crystals (or baking soda) to clean your washing machine. Sprinkle half a cup into your drum and then let your washing machine run on a hot setting.

How do I check if my washing machine is blocked?

This could be due to lint, debris, or even small items of clothing becoming lodged within the hose. To check for blockages, remove the drain hose from the drain outlet and visually inspect it. If you find any obstructions, remove them, and reattach the hose, ensuring it's securely in place.

Where is the filter located on my Whirlpool?

Locate your water filter cover in the upper right-hand corner inside your refrigerator or in the base grille. Lift the filter door up. Pull the filter out and discard it. Open your new filter and remove the protective coverings from the O-rings.

How to clean a top-loading washing machine?

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.

Does my top load washing machine have a 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).

Does my whirlpool washer have a filter?

Most modern Whirlpool machines (and almost all top-loaders) hide the filter under the small panel near the floor on the front of the machine. Simply reach under the seam of the panel and gently pull on it to remove the panel.

Where can I find a washing machine filter?

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.

Do all Maytag washers have filters?

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.

Where is the coin trap on a top-loading washing machine?

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.

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