Not all washing machines have a dedicated lint filter, but those that do — particularly older top-loaders and some front-loader models — rely on it to capture fibre debris, lint, and small particles shed from laundry during the wash cycle. A clogged lint filter reduces water circulation, impairs drainage, and allows lint to redeposit on clean laundry. In machines where the lint filter is part of the pump filter assembly, blockage also risks damaging the pump impeller.
Locating the Lint Filter
The location varies by machine type and model:
Top-loaders: Many older top-loaders have a lint filter mounted on or near the central agitator column, or inside the drum rim. Some have a removable filter on the water outlet pipe inside the drum. Consult your machine’s manual for the exact location.
Front-loaders: Most front-loaders do not have a dedicated lint filter — lint is small enough to pass through the drain system. However, the pump filter (coin trap) at the lower front of the machine catches lint accumulations before the pump. This serves a similar maintenance function and should be treated as the equivalent component.
Combination filters: Some models combine the lint and coin trap functions in a single filter accessible from a front panel.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Procedure
Step 1 — Locate and access the filter. On top-loaders, the filter is typically accessible directly from inside the drum. On front-loaders, the pump filter is behind a small access panel at the lower front — usually a rectangular snap-open panel or a hinged door.
Step 2 — Prepare for water. For front-loader pump filters, place a shallow tray and absorbent towels under the access panel before opening. When the filter cap is unscrewed, residual water from the sump will drain out.
Step 3 — Remove the filter. Slowly unscrew or pull out the filter. On front-loaders, turn the filter cap anti-clockwise — go slowly, allowing water to drain at a controlled rate.
Step 4 — Remove accumulated lint and debris. Pull out any lint, thread, hair, small fabric debris, or foreign objects caught in the filter. This material often comes out as a cohesive clump.
Step 5 — Rinse and scrub. Hold the filter under running water and scrub with a soft brush to clear the mesh or housing of any embedded particles. For foam or fabric filters, squeeze gently under water rather than scrubbing.
Step 6 — Inspect the filter housing. Shine a light into the filter cavity and remove any debris that has accumulated in the housing itself before reinserting the filter.
Step 7 — Reinsert and secure. Replace the filter, ensuring it seats and seals correctly. For front-loader pump filters, tighten the cap firmly to prevent leaks under pump pressure.
Frequency
Clean the lint filter every 2–3 months for regular household use, or monthly for large households with heavy washing loads. If your machine is leaving lint deposits on dark fabrics after washing, check the filter as a first step — it is the most common cause of this problem.