Step1 Find your lint trap. Lint traps in washing machines can be in the agitator (the large plastic piece in the center of the tub), at the top of the washer on the rim of the tub, or attached to the washing machine's drainage hose.
Step2 Pull out the agitator tube to check for the lint trap. Peel any loose lint from the filter. Scrub away lint that doesn't peel off easily with a heavy-duty paper towel or a wet sponge.
Step3 Feel your way around the top rim of the washing machine's basin. If you locate a trap, pull it straight out of the machine. Peel away loose lint and follow up with a wet sponge or heavy-duty paper towel.
Step4 Check your machine's drainage hose for an attached lint trap. Gently remove the trap and peel the top layer of lint off. Rinse the trap in low-pressure, warm water. Reattach to the drainage hose.
Step5 Check for and remove any lint or debris that may have dropped into the washing machine basin during the cleaning process. ____________________
Clean your lint trap every few loads or at least once a week to preserve the life of your washing machine.
Consider purchasing a lint trap if your washing machine doesn't already have one. They can add years to the life of your washer.
Make sure you have reattached the lint trap properly. Loose lint traps, especially those in the agitator, can lead to a broken washer.
Once a week? That seems like a lot, considering I haven't cleaned it at all in the nearly 2 years I've had it...
Post by PinkSquirrel on Jan 11, 2013 11:42:13 GMT -5
My H has informed me I do not have this filter nonsense. Our washing machine is so old we don't even have a lint trap. You crazy people with washing machines younger than you are.
Post by mamasaurus on Jan 11, 2013 11:43:49 GMT -5
Oh, there is? How do you get to it? My machine has no panels you can pull out or anything. Do you have to unscrew the side panel or something? Pull out the drum?
ETA: I have a front load machine and no lint trap that I can see.
Post by tripleshot on Jan 11, 2013 12:03:56 GMT -5
I never knew this either! We just got a new washer in August. I just googled it and it doesn't seem like mine has this. I'll have to check the manual tonight.
I have a front loader...I don't know if there is one on the other kind.
Uh oh. I have a front loader. We got it 4 years ago. The only "manual" that came with it was a laminated diagram that suctions to the side of it and I sort of glanced at it. ::Off to see about a washing machine filter::
Post by gnomesweetgnome on Jan 11, 2013 12:26:41 GMT -5
I have a cheap-o top loader that we bought new when we got married in 2006. I've never seen anything remotely resembling a lint trap or filter in that washing machine, and it has given us no problems whatsoever. However, I guess I'll be pulling out the manual tonight to see if there is one that may need to be cleaned.
Post by sawyerthedestroyer on Jan 11, 2013 12:28:45 GMT -5
Okay, I went and checked our top loader and couldn't find any filters. I'm not pulling it away from the wall to check the hose. That's just not going to happen. Nope.
OMG- I need to google when I get home to see if my top loader from 2003 has this shit. We've been in the condo for 5 years now and the W/D came with the place.
I did this recently for the first time. It's really gross. I also haven't been good at wiping out the rubber seal and I need to take some bleach to it. Gross.