Cleaning the washing machine filter: rules and step-by-step instructions, methods and features

All household appliances require timely care and certain technical inspection measures. The washing machine is one of the devices that should be inspected more often than others for the presence of scale or blockages. This article will tell you how to clean the filter in a washing machine without the help of a specialist. It is this unit in the machine that causes breakdowns and frequent repairs, as it is subject to severe clogging.

Causes of clogging

There are several main reasons for clogged filtration systems in a washing machine. The most basic ones are:

Limescale. Contact of the insides of the filter with waste water results in a build-up of mineral deposits, which impedes the flow of water. Such problems occur with the drain filter. The inlet filter is less susceptible to such problems, but it all depends on the quality of the tap water.
Rust.As a result of contact with water, layers of rust appear, which, when peeled off, clog the filtration system. For this reason alone, it is worth checking the entire system at least once every 2 months. This type of blockage occurs near the filler filter. If not properly maintained, the threads begin to become rusty, which will lead to difficulties in removing the unit.
Details of clothing, wool, hair. The biggest problem is with items made of wool and with small fittings, all of which clog the filter. When washing, it is best to check your pockets for debris and small items. Buttons and balls of wool are most often removed from the filter. By checking the drain filter at the proper time, the problem of poor drainage and blockage is eliminated.

Hard water forms plaque much faster. If the water in the region of use is hard, then technical inspection should be carried out more often. Such measures will make it possible to serve the washing machine longer and eliminate difficulties with replacing the cleaning filter.

How can you tell if there is a blockage in the filtration system?

If you do not pay due attention to the cleaning system of the washing machine, then the first signs of problems will not be noticed immediately. Over time, you may notice the following:

An unpleasant smell from the drum, which will become stronger over time. Because of this, the clothes will no longer smell good after washing, but will begin to smell like stagnant water. Stagnant water will result in the appearance of fungus, which is very difficult to remove with improvised means.
On modern machines, the warning system itself will indicate a blockage problem. The display will show an error code. The only caveat is that the error code is the same for a clogged filter, pump malfunction and clogged hoses.
Some wash programs will not run because the water is not clean enough for them. Modern machines add program time when washing, as the sensor indicates dirty water. Such a sensor will repeat the process until the water reaches an acceptable quality.
Problem with rinsing. Since the filter does not purify the water well enough, the machine will no longer clean at the proper level. Some stains cannot be removed even at high temperatures.
The spinning of things is not high enough, since the machine cannot completely drain the water. The rinsing process will be poor, leaving traces of powder and soapy water on your clothes.
Difficulty draining or its complete absence. Water stagnates in the hoses and does not drain away. In this case, you will have to drain the waste water manually. The hoses will become covered with mucus and plaque.

How to clean the drain filter at home?

To clean the filter with your own hands, you do not need to have serious knowledge; it is enough to know the location of the filter and the sequence of work performed. Following the instructions can save money and allow you to provide high-quality care for the machine without any problems.

Filter location

Each washing machine has two water purification filters: one drains waste water, and the other purifies tap water for washing. For each manufacturer, the location of the units is different, so it is worth finding out in advance where each element is located. So, most often the location is like this:

Fill filter - located on the rear wall, on the right or left side. A hose from the water supply system is connected to the filter.
Drain filter - located at the bottom of the machine, next to the pump. For convenience, it is closed with a removable lid, which can be seen from the front in the lower corner.

As for well-known brands, you can find the drain filter cover:

LG - the cover is located in the lower left corner and can be removed without the use of additional tools.
Indesit, Ariston - you can find the cover in the lower right corner.
Candy - located in the left corner under the drum door.
Bosch, Siemens - the designers hid the lid; to find it, you will need to lift the washing machine a little.
Electrolux, Zanussi - located on the front panel, easy to remove and install.
Samsung - the lid is hidden by decorative parts; to open it you will need to remove the plastic cover at the bottom of the machine.
Machines with a vertical loading type - always located in the lower left corner due to the type of construction.

It is also worth studying the instructions, because there are models without removable covers. In such samples, removing the filter with your own hands is difficult and you will need to call a specialist. If removing the cover or checking the filter causes difficulties, then it is better to call a specialist, since components for such household appliances are expensive, and replacement will cost money.

Instructions for cleaning the filter

If the required element is found, then, following the instructions, you can carry out all the necessary technical work without any problems. You will need a small set of tools and careful handling of small parts. In some cases, the filter becomes very clogged, and simple cleaning will not help; you will need to purchase a membrane mesh, which can be found in any specialized store. What steps will be followed when cleaning the unit?

Prepare everything you need: a small knife, a screwdriver, a brush (an old toothbrush is best), a membrane mesh (if necessary).
Shutting off the water supply and de-energizing the washing machine.
Finding and removing the filter cover. It is important not to break the protective element.
Draining water from the machine and hoses, you will need a container for this. When unscrewing the filter, residual water may run out onto the floor, so it is better to put a cloth under it.
Careful removal of the filter.
Cleaning the unit from wool, hair, small parts and dirt, it is also worth cleaning the threads from plaque. Carry out all actions under warm water.
Cleaning contaminants from the pump.
Wiping and cleaning the filter seat.
Installing the unit into place. It is necessary to tighten it slowly so as not to damage the thread.
Turn on the rinse mode to check the machine for leaks. If problems arise, it is better to repeat all the steps and try to tighten the filter more tightly.

Problems with filter removal

There are times when it is not possible to remove the filter without problems, since due to poor water with increased hardness, plaque forms faster, and the filter becomes clogged with a large number of exfoliated particles. In such a situation, it is impossible to remove the filtration device. What to do?

You need to tilt the washing machine on its side, unscrew the fixing bolts and remove the pump, then try to unscrew the filter. Under heavy load, the thread may break, so you need to act carefully.
If removing the pump does not help, you will have to disconnect the entire water drainage system and carefully inspect it for large fittings or other foreign elements.
Rocking it a little, pull the filter towards you.Perhaps the problem lies in rust or plaque on the threads.
In a situation where the actions taken did not produce results, it is better to call a specialist, because damage to the filtration system as a result of repair work by yourself can result in a large amount of money for the purchase of new units.

Method of cleaning the filter through a pump

It is possible to clean the filter through a pump. For this operation you will need to remove the back and front panels of the washing machine. Then remove the iron clamps that hold the hose to the pump. The pump is removed and access to the filter is opened. You can clean it using this method without any problems, carefully removing all third-party elements. With such timely cleaning there will be no problems with unscrewing the filter. With this approach, you need to act carefully so that water does not get on unprotected electronic devices. Oddly enough, cleaning through a pump is very effective and allows you to not completely remove the desired element.

Cleaning the fill filter at home

The inlet filter in the machine plays an important role, as it prevents rust and dirt from the pipes from entering the drum during washing. Since this component of the washing machine is most susceptible to rust, some features need to be taken into account when removing it. Finding the inlet filter will not be a problem, since it is always located directly at the point of water supply to the washing machine. The sequence of actions for removal is similar to that of the drain filter, but there are some features:

Shutting off the water supply from the water supply system.
Disconnecting the hose from the filter. There will be residual water in it that needs to be drained.
Removing the filter.Since the filter quickly becomes covered with rust, you need to remove it by tilting it slightly in different directions, but not too much. For convenience, you can use pliers.
Removing the membrane mesh to remove rust and small debris. It is worth cleaning all the holes with a toothpick or thin wire.
Clean the filter housing with a brush or thick cloth in warm water. It is necessary to clean all parts without traces of plaque and dry thoroughly.
Installing the unit into place. When gaps form, you can use a specialized sealing tape.
Attaching a hose to the filter and then opening the water supply. It is better to immediately check all joints for leaks.
Check the washing machine for functionality; the rinsing mode is best.

Removing the filler filter is much easier, since it clogs less often, which means it can be easily unscrewed. This cleaning is considered necessary, but it is not necessary to do it too often because all parts of the filter are made of plastic, so the threads may deteriorate over time. Unlike the drain filter, almost no mineral deposits from chemicals form on the fill filter.

Folk tips for caring for your washing machine

Over many years of using household appliances, people have found effective methods for caring for household appliances. Various means are used for this, both our own production and specialized ones. High-quality additives for washing powder have been advertised for a long time, but the use of folk remedies continues successfully. How can you clean the filter in a machine, and how to extend its service life?

To properly clean the filter and membrane mesh, you need to mix 40 g of baking soda with 1 liter of water and stir.After this, the parts are placed in the vessel for 30 minutes. As soon as the filter and mesh are removed from the solution, they must be wiped with a sponge and allowed to dry. In this way, dirt, plaque and rust are removed very well.
Dilute 1 glass of acetic acid in 1 liter of water and place the parts in the solution for 8 hours. Thus, rust and mineral deposits come off easily and leave no traces.
Buy citric acid and pour the packaging into a powder container. Put the machine in washing mode at a temperature of 70 degrees. This method cleans the drum and all adjacent elements well, leaving a shine and a pleasant smell. Limescale deposits on the heating element are peeled off and removed, and the hoses are also cleaned of mucus and dirt.

Some experts advise cleaning using traditional methods, because this way the amount of chemical deposits is significantly reduced. All these methods perform their tasks perfectly, but in the store for such purposes you can purchase specialized components for adding to the powder or soaking the washing machine units:

Pemolux. A means for soaking the filtration system or other elements. Cleans away plaque and rust.
Alphagon. Added to powder tray. Creates a small film on the internal parts of the washing machine, which protects against plaque and rust.
Comet. Fights severe rust and traces of dirt, corrodes scale and plaque.
Domestos. The effect is similar to acetic acid. Cleans elements from traces of interaction with tap water.
Silit. Added to powder. Removes traces of rust on the filter and cleans the hose system.
Colgone. Chemical additive for powder.Softens water, which prevents the formation of plaque and traces of rust on metal elements.

These chemicals work very well to combat the consequences of contact between machine parts and water, but an excess amount greatly harms the heating element, because sedimentary and mineral scale forms, which is then difficult to remove. Third-party formations on the heating element lead to insufficient heating of the water and the appearance of traces of lime on clothes.

What do washing machine repair experts advise?

If the consumer wants the washing machine not to break down and work without problems, performing its intended function, then experts advise following some simple rules. It is enough to carry out technical inspection and maintenance on time so that the household appliance does not break down, but serves its intended purpose. What actions should you take to avoid wasting money on buying a new household appliance?

Clean the inside of the machine every 2 months: remove the filter and pump to remove small parts and blockages, wash the drum with antibacterial agents, clean the hoses, do a quick wash with the addition of specialized products.
When washing heavily soiled items or daily use, it is worth cleaning the filters once a month.
In winter, it is necessary to clean the filter more often due to the large amount of wool and lint. Such blockages are the most common and form very quickly.
It is important to remember that down bedding, as well as pillows and down jackets, have a very strong impact on the cleaning systems in the washing machine. If it is not difficult, then after each wash it is better to look at the condition of the drain filter.
Always check your pockets for small items, debris, and coins.
Items with external decorations, buttons, rhinestones and beads should be turned inside out. In this way, unwanted elements will not get into the filters.
As soon as an error message appears, you need to check the system for blockages. Further washing in this mode may be harmful and cause damage.
After each wash, remove the powder tray to wash in warm water. The drum should be left open so that the remaining water evaporates and does not cause an unpleasant odor.
It is better to disconnect the machine from the water supply when idle; such actions will prevent the occurrence of large amounts of rust and clogging of the filter.
It is worth finding out what kind of water flows in the pipes; if it is hard, then you need to add softening agents in small quantities.
Use a high-quality powder that dissolves well. Anything that does not dissolve will settle on the filter membrane mesh and cause difficulties in draining the water.

Conclusion

We can say that for the durability of the washing machine and high-quality washing of clothes, it is necessary to carry out technical inspection and maintenance on time. Following these tips and steps to remove blockages will give results very quickly: things will be washed well, and you can forget about the unpleasant smell from the drum. With the right approach to caring for a household appliance, there will be no need to call a specialist who demands a high price tag for his services. Monitoring the cleanliness of the filter does not require a lot of time, but it solves many problems in the future.In conclusion, we can conclude that you do not need to be a specialist or technician to troubleshoot a filtration system; it is enough to know the sequence of cleaning steps and the exact location of the required unit. It is also always worth remembering that failure of the washing machine occurs as a result of clogged cleaning filters. It’s enough just to treat household appliances responsibly, and they will last for a long time.