A lint trap is the part of your washing machine that usually has the greatest accumulation of lint. And it is generally located in the following places in your washing machine:
- Near the end of the drainage hose
- Under the cover of the center agitator
- The top rim of the drum of the washing machine
- In front of the washing machine behind a small hatch
Still can’t find where it is? Well, don’t fret. There are instances where some washing machines don’t have lint traps. These happen primarily in newer washing machines since they now are more sophisticated and rely mostly on a filter that self-cleans. This basically saves you time with having to clean the filters because your washing machine will do the cleaning for you.
We have come a long way with the evolution of washing machines, from manual types to automatic ones. Now, all you need to do is press a button, and your washing machine will do all the work for you. One thing doesn’t change, though, the lint accumulation. And everyone who has done laundry before knows this very well.
So, where exactly do you need to look so you would know where to clean your washing machine and remove the lint? Well, first, you need to find where your washer’s lint trap is.
Consult the Manual
Many of us don’t necessarily read the fine prints in things we buy. And this especially pertains to manuals, especially with appliances that we are used to, like dryers or washing machines. We think we are already very familiar with them as we have used them millions of times before, that we are pretty much aware of how they work.
However, there may be instances where you really need to take that dusty paper out of your drawer and begin reading away. The manual is especially important when you want to know if there is a lint trap or if your machine has a pump filter.
Pump filters usually are self-cleaning so that excess lint is automatically drained when you clean your washing machine.
To be sure, check your manual and see if you do have a lint trap and where you can find it to clean it easily. Your manual will typically describe where you can precisely find the lint trap.
3 Common Places Where The Washer Lint Trap May Be Found
We have already listed some of the most common places where you most likely will see the lint trap in your appliance if it has one. So right now, let’s delve into them in better detail.
I will include ways on how you can check for the lint trap yourself. So go ahead and check your washer and inspect it as we identify the possible places you can find your washer’s lint trap.
These are the places where you can generally find your lint filter or lint trap:
1. The top rim of the washer drum
Find your washer basin and slowly slide your fingers around the top of the basin. If your lint trap is located here, you will probably feel a screen. This is the filter, and you can just pull the screen out to clean the excess lint.
2. Inside the center agitator
For those who have top-loading washers, it is imperative to know what an agitator is. It is the ones you see spinning when you are washing your clothes. They are located in the middle of the washer and are usually spindle-like.
Washing machines that have their filters underneath the agitators are very common. The top can be unscrewed so you can easily clean the filter.
3. Near the water pump or end of the drainage hose
Some washing machines have their filters at the water pump or in the drainage hose. For you to check these places, you need to remove first the outer housing of the appliance. Then, you can find the filter located near the drain and attached to where the hose is inserted in the washer housing.
It can be tricky, but you can always consult your manual to check how your machine can be opened and identify its parts.
Can’t Find It? Double-check If Your Washer’s Model Actually Has a Lint Trap
When you have exhausted all your efforts in finding the lint filter, and you still cannot see it, well, it could certainly mean one thing: your washer does not have a lint filter. This doesn’t mean it’s broken or not manufactured correctly, though. So don’t worry.
A lot of modern washing machines are not equipped anymore with lint traps since they are now made with a self-cleaning pump. Let me explain how this works.
Traditional washers usually have removable filters (or lint screens) so that lint and sometimes hardened detergent and fabric softener would not accumulate. The lint screen allows the owner to have a way of removing them every so often. The washing machine’s only way of making sure it is clean and free of lint is for the user to use a brush or paper towel to clean the washer.
Nowadays, new and improved washing machines are manufactured in such a way that you only have to activate the self-cleaning feature of the device, and it will clean itself. This is particularly more efficient since the cleaning process is more thorough and based on the latest procedures on how to make sure every bit of the machine is clean and all extra fibers are drained.
How to Clean Your Washing Machine Lint Trap
If you have a lint trap, it is essential to know how to clean it well. This will ensure your washing machine’s life will be extended. Thus, saving you money and time for repairs and even replacements.
The following is a step by step guide on how you can effectively clean your lint filter:
- Find where your filter is – you can try to check the owners’ manual that came with the machine if you are unsure where the filter is. You can also consult the manufacturer’s website and find your machine’s model to see where you can find the washable filters.
- Remove, then soak the filter – Once you have found your filter, slowly remove it. Afterward, soak your filter in a detergent and water solution to clean it thoroughly. Be sure to do it carefully, as sometimes there may be sharp edges in the filter that may hurt you. Better wear gloves when doing this to be safe.
- Clean the area where you removed the filter – Some lint can be left behind upon removing the filter, so it is important to also clean the location of the filter.
- Don’t forget to put the filter back on.
Summary
An uncleaned lint trap is practically useless in screening lint. Therefore, as a responsible owner of your washing machine, it is imperative to know where your lint trap is and how to clean it. It will help you maintain your washer’s ability to filter lint and ensure good water drainage.
We hope you found this article helpful. If you want more helpful tips, feel free to bookmark this site and share it with your friends, too. Till next time!
Want to share this?
