by Emmie Anderson

Created on: February 15, 2011   Last Updated: February 20, 2011

Few people would realise that it is relatively easy to clean the filter on a front loading washing machine. When the filter on a washing machine is blocked the pump then fails to drain the washing machine leaving the laundry inside of the drum soaking wet. Some washing machines are temperamental and the tiniest bit of fluff or debris can be enough to block the filter. Cleaning a filter on a front loading washing machine is not too difficult. Before attempting to remove the filter ensure that the power to the washing machine is turned off.

Take a close look at the face of the front loading washing machine. At the bottom of the machine there is usually a removable plastic panel. This plastic panel is only about four inches deep and it is more often than not held in place with spring clips. Place one hand at either end of the plastic panel and gently coax the panel away from the front of the washing machine. At first it may appear difficult to remove because the springs are holding it firmly in place. This plastic panel covers the washing machine filter.

The washing machine filter is usually quite easy to spot. The filter is round and one is able to see that the front of the filter can be unscrewed. Remember the washing machine filter needs to be cleaned because it is blocked. The blocked filter will have failed to allow the water to drain from the drum so one needs to make sure that the floor and surrounding area is covered with towels before the filter cap is unscrewed.

When the towels are in place then begin to unscrew the filter cap. As the washing machine filter cap is unscrewed the water that is trapped in the drum will start to flood out. Allow all of the water to drain, this water will be soaked up by the towels that are on the floor. Remove the filter completely, hold it up and examine it. If the filter is blocked with fluff or debris then hold it under the tap and wash it off. Dry the filter and then screw it back into place. Ensure that the clean washing machine filter is screwed in securely. Take the plastic panel that was removed to allow access to the washing machine filter and then press it back into place. The filter is now clean and clear and the washing machine should drain.

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