Where is the drain filter on my washing machine?

On front-loaders, it's usually behind a small door at the bottom front of the machine. Top-loaders may have it under the agitator, inside the drum, or not have an accessible filter at all.

How often should I clean my washing machine drain filter?

Clean the drain filter monthly, or more frequently if you wash pet bedding, heavily soiled items, or notice slow draining or odors.

What happens if I don't clean my washing machine filter?

A clogged filter causes slow or incomplete draining, odors from trapped debris, strain on the drain pump, error codes, and eventually pump failure requiring costly repair.

Why does water come out when I open the drain filter?

Some water always remains in the filter area between cycles. Place towels and a shallow container to catch this water before removing the filter—it's normal.

Can a clogged drain filter cause my washer to smell?

Yes, debris trapped in the filter decomposes and creates foul odors. Cleaning the filter is often the solution to washing machine smell problems.

What items typically clog washing machine drain filters?

Common items include coins, hair ties, tissue paper, small buttons, pet hair, lint, and sand. Always check pockets before washing to prevent clogs.

My washing machine doesn't have a visible filter door. Where is it?

Some top-loaders filter through the agitator or have no user-accessible filter. Check your manual. These machines may require professional cleaning or have self-cleaning systems.

Is it hard to clean a washing machine drain filter?

No, it's one of the easiest maintenance tasks. It takes 10-15 minutes and requires no tools—just towels to catch water.

How to Clean Your Washing Machine Drain Filter

Hidden at the bottom of your washing machine is a small filter doing a big job. The drain filter catches coins, lint, hair ties, and debris before they can damage the pump or clog your drain system.

The catch? You need to clean it regularly—and most people never do.

What the Drain Filter Does

Every time you wash clothes, small items escape:

Coins from pockets
Hair ties and bobby pins
Tissue and paper fragments
Lint and fabric fibers
Pet hair
Sand and dirt particles

The drain filter traps these before they reach (and damage) the drain pump. But when the filter gets clogged, water can’t drain properly—and problems begin.

Signs Your Drain Filter Needs Cleaning

Slow draining or water remaining after cycles
Musty or foul odors from the machine
Error codes related to drainage
Clothes wetter than normal after spin
Drain pump making unusual noises
It’s been more than a month since you last checked

Finding Your Drain Filter

Front-Load Washers

Look for a small access door or panel at the bottom front of the machine. It might be:

A flip-open door
A panel that pulls or pops off
Behind a removable kick plate

Top-Load Washers

Top-loaders vary more:

Under the agitator – Lift or unscrew the agitator cap
Along the drum rim – A small trap on the top edge
No accessible filter – Some models self-clean or filter through the drain hose

Check your owner’s manual if you can’t find it.

How to Clean the Drain Filter: Step-by-Step

What You’ll Need

Old towels or rags
Shallow pan or container
Flashlight (optional)
Old toothbrush (optional)

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Water will come out when you open the filter—sometimes a lot. Have towels and a container ready before you start.

Step 2: Locate and Open the Access Panel

Find the filter door and open it. Some have a push-release mechanism; others require sliding or pulling.

Step 3: Drain the Water First (If Applicable)

Many machines have a small drain hose next to the filter for controlled draining:

Pull out the small drain hose
Point it into your container
Remove the cap and let water drain
This minimizes mess when removing the filter

If there’s no drain hose, just be ready with lots of towels.

Step 4: Remove the Filter

Turn the filter counterclockwise and pull it out. Water will drain—this is normal.

Step 5: Clean the Filter

Remove all debris (coins, lint, hair, etc.)
Rinse under running water
Use an old toothbrush for stubborn buildup
Check for damage or cracks

Step 6: Clean the Filter Cavity

Look inside the filter housing with a flashlight:

Remove any trapped items
Wipe away sludge and residue
Check that nothing is stuck deep inside

Step 7: Replace the Filter

Insert the filter and turn clockwise until snug
Don’t overtighten—hand-tight is sufficient
Make sure it’s fully seated

Step 8: Close the Access Panel and Test

Close the door, run a short cycle, and check for leaks around the filter area.

What You Might Find

Common filter discoveries:

Coins – The most frequent finding
Hair ties and bobby pins
Bra underwires – A frequent front-loader issue
Tissues and paper – Check those pockets!
Pet hair clumps
Sand and grit
Unidentifiable sludge – That’s the smell source

Tip: Whatever you find, it would have eventually damaged your pump.

How Often to Clean the Filter

Monthly is the general recommendation. Clean more often if:

You have pets (pet hair clogs filters quickly)
You wash heavily soiled items regularly
You notice any drainage issues
Your washer develops odors
You find lots of debris each time

Winnipeg-Specific Filter Tips

Hard Water Buildup

Winnipeg’s hard water can leave mineral deposits in the filter area. If you notice white crusty buildup:

Soak the filter in white vinegar for 30 minutes
Wipe the housing with vinegar solution
Rinse thoroughly

Winter Considerations

Cold basements can make filter cleaning less pleasant—but don’t skip it. Clogs don’t take winters off.

When Filter Cleaning Isn’t Enough

If you’ve cleaned the filter but still have drainage problems:

Check the drain hose for clogs or kinks
Inspect the standpipe for blockages
The drain pump may be failing
Internal clogs beyond the filter may exist

These issues may need professional diagnosis.

Preventing Filter Clogs

Check pockets before every wash
Use mesh laundry bags for small items
Remove pet hair from items before washing
Shake out sandy or dirty items outside first
Zip up zippers to prevent snagging loose items

Professional Filter Service in Winnipeg

If your filter is stuck, damaged, or cleaning doesn’t solve drainage issues, our technicians can help. We clear stubborn clogs, replace damaged filters, and diagnose deeper drainage problems.

Contact us today for professional washing machine repair in Winnipeg—don’t let a clogged filter become a major repair bill.