How To Clean Ge Washer Filter

Coin trap filters similar this can be cleaned of whatever debris. | Photograph by Amber Peabody

Almost people know to clean the dryer lint filter between loads. Just did you know that some washing machine filters need to be cleaned as well?

If you have an older washer, this advice might just be for you.

"Top loaders tend to accept filters on the valves," said Amber Peabody, Service Manager at Dunnett Inc. The valve filters sift the h2o going in and out of the pump and hoses.

On a newer tiptop loading model, the valves and filters still look somewhat the same. | Photo by Amber Peabody

If you practise happen to take a removable filter, consult your owner'due south manual on how to properly remove information technology.

You can take a pair of needle nose pliers and gently remove the filter cap from the valve. | Photo by Amber Peabody

"On older washers, the screens aren't removable," said Peabody. "You can take a Q-tip, or a wire castor, and scrub at it through the port. If the screen is removable, yous can use some needle nose pliers to pull the niggling tab on the side, and pop the screen right out. Rinse information technology under the sink, and pop information technology back in."

What does the washing machine filter do?

Similar other filters, the washing machine filter siphons out the things you don't want to collect in your washer — like dirt and lint.

"The filter collects detergent, bits of dirt and soil from your dress," said Allan Elkin, owner of General Appliance Service in Brewer, Maine. "Generally hot water and a scrub brush will take care of it. It tin look bellicose, only generally everything is h2o soluble. The exception would be hard water issues — some CLR would be adept for that."

If your machine doesn't have a filter though, there's yet promise.

"If your motorcar doesn't have a filter, you tin change the washing temperature or detergent to forestall lint on your clothes," said Elkin.

How to clean a washing machine filter

Beginning, y'all demand to locate the filter.

"Front loaders can have a trap door on the front of the motorcar, usually bottom right," said Peabody.

With the compartment open, the coin trap can be pulled out. | Photograph by Amber Peabody

Have a towel or basin ready in case some h2o comes out before you remove trap door. This is totally normal if it does. It's a trap, with tiny holes that take hold of bigger things, like baby socks or small underwear, said Peabody. If likewise much gets in there, the h2o won't drain too. "It stinks subsequently a while," said Peabody.

Don't forget to clean the compartment of whatsoever leftover droppings, then replace the cleaned trap inside its compartment.

"If your car doesn't have a drawer on the front, you'd have to lean the washer against the wall and practice the cleaning process from underneath," said Peabody.

What else should exist cleaned in a washing machine?

To proceed your washing auto in tip top shape, there are other places in the washer that should be cleaned. Cleaning the drum and the inside of the washing machine helps preclude leaner, bad smells, mold and mildew.

"How often yous clean your washer depends on how ofttimes yous do laundry, and how much sediment is in your h2o," said Peabody.

About machines accept a tub clean cycle. Add some washer cleaner, Affresh works well, and allow it run, Peabody said. The cycle and the cleaner take care of soap build up and cleans up the hoses, which extends the life of the washer.

"You lot tin use vinegar, only it's non as effective," said Peabody.

Exit the washer door open afterwards use to keep it fresher for longer; it gives the door seal a hazard to dry out and prevents any leaner from breeding inside the drum.

The detergent drawer is another function of the washing machine that doesn't become cleaned as often every bit it should. Consult your owner'southward manual on how to remove the drawer. If it has a plastic insert, remove it and make clean it separately.

"Almost detergent drawers are removable, and should be washed," said Peabody. "They can get pretty nasty."

While you lot're cleaning the detergent drawer, don't forget to clean the compartment. Take a scrub brush and get the remainder off, then put the cleaned drawer back in.

What if I have a newer washing machine?

Every washing automobile model is congenital differently, and newer models tend to take coin traps instead of actual filters. A quick read of your owner'southward manual will let yous know how your washer works, and what kind of filter system it has.

"Some top loaders have no filters," said Allan Elkin, owner of General Apparatus Service in Brewer, Maine. "Forepart loaders generally take a filter in the bleed pump, which is external to the machine. You'd have to take it all apart to get to the filter. Y'all don't see washing machine filters very often now."

Maintaining a make clean washer extends its life, and keeps it working at top chapters. If you use it ofttimes, you should clean it more often, but commonly cleaning a washing machine once every 3 to iv months is sufficient.