Washing machines have several types of parts in them to maintain their working and wash clothes effectively. Filters are one of the critical parts of the safety and washing performance of a washer.
A filter in the washing machine helps to prevent particles from going inside the pump, and it also filters the inlet water supply. However, filters are found in different locations according to the washer model number.
Typically, washing machines have four filters, two attached to the ends of the inlet hose, a water pump filter, and a lint filter. It also depends on the model of the washer that how many filters it has. Since most unit models come in a unique design and technology, filter numbers and locations vary as newer HE washers have non-removable filters.
In this guide, we have described all about the number of filters in a washing machine.
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Does Every Washing Machine Have a Filter?
The answer to this question is yes and no, because not every washing machine has a filter, but most washing machines use lint, a drain pump(outlet), and an inlet filter.
In fact, it depends on the technology, brand, and model of the washer when it comes to knowing how many filters this or that washing machine has. It is best to locate all possible filter positions on your washing machine to know the number of filters it has.
Some latest technology washing machines don’t have a removable filter that the user should clean manually. These types of models have self-filter-cleaning features that clean out dirt, debris, and lint from drum water.
It is best to check the user manual to know all about the unit parts and their working. Some washing machines only have lint and water pump filters, but some models also have intel hose filters that filter incoming water.
Whatever type of filter is in the washing machine, its working purpose is the same, which is trapping large and small dirt particles, ensuring the device from blockage and maintaining the quality of the wash cycle. Some brands don’t provide too many filters to cut manufacturing costs.
Where is the Filter on my Washing Machine?
The filter is an important part of washing machines. Sometimes there are different types of filters in a unit, but sometimes you can’t find a washing machine filter. However, it depends on the model and the brand of your unit. Cleaning filters is an important task to maintain the working and performance of your washing machine. So, you must know where the filter is on your washing machine.
Here’re common washing machine filters locations:
- On the front exterior behind the hatch or bottom panel: Front loader washers usually have a filter in the bottom behind the hatch or front panel. This filter traps particles and prevents them from going inside the drain pump. Cleaning this filter once a month is necessary. If you have noticed that the drain pump of your washer is not working as usual, check out this filter.
- In washing drum: Some top-load washer has two filters inside the drum, one inside and one underneath the agitator cover. These filters are called magic or lint filters, and they trap the small dirt particles, lint, and debris from the water. Note that some models don’t have a filter inside, but have one under the agitator cover. On the other hand, some models have a lint filter on one side of the drum but have no filter at the bottom as these models are impellers.
- Underneath the back panel: Some top loader and front loader models do not have a filter in front, but they have a filter underneath the back panel connected to the pump mechanism. So, you have to remove the back panel to locate this filter. Rotate the filter cap counterclockwise to remove it for cleaning.
- On Inlet hoses connection and ends: Some old models of washing machines have inlet filters on both ends of inlet hoses that trap the dirt from going inside the drum. You have to remove both hoses to locate these filters, but ensure that the water supply is turned off from traps.
By checking all the above-described locations, you will know if your washing machine has filters or not. If it has, keep it clean.
What Does a Washing Machine Filter Look Like?
As there are different types of washing machine filters that we can find according to the model of the unit. If we talk about old washing machines made before 2010, their lint filter which is located on one side inside the drum looks like a mesh.
In impeller washer models the lint filter looks rectangular in shape connected in one corner of the washing drum.
In front loader models, the drain pump filter which is also a lint filter is round and cylindrical in shape. These filters mostly have a removable cap to access the inside of the mesh.
A filter that locates underneath the agitator cover looks round in shape made of plastic or metal. However, how a filter looks in a washing machine depends on its model, design, and brand. The above-described shapes are common in almost all types of washer filters that we have seen for decades.
My Washing Machine Doesn’t Have a Filter?
As we know, the cleaning filter of a washing machine is as important as power access to run. But, sometimes we can’t find a washing machine filter. This happens when we are using newer models.
Some newer high-efficiency washing machine models have an in-build pump filter, and the unit cleans it, meaning it is a non-removable filter that doesn’t require manual cleaning. Don’t worry if you can’t find any filter in your washer, just read the user manual given with the new unit to know about maintenance instructions.
Have you tried checking all the filter locations? Sometimes we just try to find a filter that we know about. For instance, If someone only knows about the drum filter, they will only check that, because some washers don’t have a lint filter, they might think their unit doesn’t have a filter. But they should also find other filters like pump filters, and inlet filters.
If your washing machine has no filter inside the drum, don’t forget to clean out the drum to keep it cleaner and mold-free. Still, you need to clean the drum, and outlet hoses to prevent blockage, unpleasant odor from debris buildup, and mold growth.
Some old washing machines have filters, but some have not which are made in 1920 when technology in washers was not updated yet.
The best is to make a schedule to periodically clean the washing machine once a week when you use it often. But, if you don’t use it regularly, then at least clean it twice a month.