It often happens that the washing machine stops or does not perform high-quality washing for no apparent reason. This may be caused by a malfunction or contamination of the device. But if the cause is incorrect water supply or drainage, then there is no need to disassemble the entire washing machine. It is enough to know how to clean the washing machine filter. In the process of cleaning, the input and drainage blocks are allocated.
The inlet unit is responsible for supplying water to the washing machine. When the water comes from the water supply, the inlet filter ensures the retention of dirt, sand and other particles that can enter the system. If the filter is dirty, it can restrict the flow of water and cause problems with the washing machine.
The drainage unit, for its part, is responsible for draining water from the washing machine after the washing cycle. It also has a filter that traps tissue residue, hair and other debris to prevent it from entering the drain system. If the drain filter is clogged, it can lead to incorrect water drainage and problems with the functioning of the washing machine.
So, understanding how to clean your washing machine filter is an important step in solving water supply and drain problems. In the following sections, we will take a closer look at the process of cleaning the inlet and drain blocks, as well as provide some useful tips for maintaining the efficiency and longevity of your washing machine.
Input filter
A signal that it is time to clean the inlet filter can be the following signs:
- Water enters the washing machine with low pressure.
- The duration of the washing cycle has increased significantly.
- When filling the machine, you hear a buzzing sound, but the liquid does not pour properly.
All these symptoms indicate that there is a blockage in the water supply system, namely, the inlet filter is dirty, which must be cleaned in time.
The cleaning process is carried out as follows:
- Disconnect the fill tube from the washing machine to gain access to the inlet filter. It is usually located at the place where the filler tube joins the car.
- Using the pliers, carefully pull out the filter mesh. Be careful as the mesh can be quite fragile.
- Clean the pulled filter. You can use a toothbrush or other soft brushes for this. Clean the mesh and rinse it under running water.
- Put the cleaned filter back in place, inserting it the same way you removed it.
After cleaning the inlet filter, make sure that all connections and tubes are properly secured. This will help ensure the normal operation of the washing machine and prevent future problems with the water supply. Regular cleaning of the inlet filter will contribute to the long-term and efficient functioning of your washing machine.
Drainage filter
The drain filter can also be easily cleaned at home. It is designed to filter the water discharged through the drain hose from various unwanted objects. Usually these are coins, buttons and other things that can fall out of pockets or clothes. However, this may not be the only reason for cleaning. The filter can quickly become dirty if the water contains impurities and heavy particles.
Each washing machine has its own characteristics, therefore, before carrying out this procedure, it is important to read the instructions carefully.
Cleaning is carried out in the following steps:
- Removal: open the false panel (on most washing machines it is located at the bottom near the right edge on the front panel). Prepare a container into which the water will flow when the drain hose is disconnected.
- Now pull out the filter by carefully unscrewing it and taking it out of the slot. Turn it clockwise with little effort. Sometimes the filter can get stuck, especially if it hasn’t been cleaned in a while. In this case, work especially carefully, as excessive force can lead to damage to the part.
- Cleaning: After successfully removing the filter, clean it thoroughly and rinse it with clean water. Also clean the filter housing. Additional lighting may be required for better visibility of darkened areas of the nest. Remove scale that may accumulate on the filter impeller.
- Installation: Once the filter and seat are completely clean, you can start putting everything back together. Replace the filter by turning it counter-clockwise. Check that all connections and hoses are properly secured. To check the operation, you can start the test washing mode.
Remember that each washing machine model may have its own characteristics. Therefore, before cleaning the drain filter, you should carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions. Regular cleaning of the drain filter will contribute to the efficient operation of your washing machine and prevent possible drainage problems.
Cleaning without difficulty
There are some models of washing machines where the drain filter is fixed with a special screw. Therefore, before starting cleaning, it is recommended to unscrew this screw and then start removing the filter for cleaning.
Sometimes the filter can be stuck due to the presence of scale on the threads. In this case, it may be necessary to completely remove the fragile part in order to resort to various tools and try to pull it out. In the worst case, the filter may break, and it will have to be replaced with a new one.
If your washing machine does not have a drain filter, you can remove the machine body and check the auger itself, the hoses and the drain pump.
Cleaning the inlet and drain filters is a task that you can handle yourself. The main thing in this process is to be especially careful with fragile parts and to have some knowledge about the model of your washing machine.
Differences of washing machines
When choosing a washing machine, you should pay attention to the location of the main elements in order to avoid difficulties with their cleaning in the future, if you plan to perform this procedure yourself.
In some models, such as Indesit, Ariston and Samsung, the drain filter is usually located at the bottom of the front panel. In Bosch and LG models, it can be located at the bottom right behind the decorative cover.
The inlet filter is easy to find in most car models, it is located next to the water supply valve to which the filling hose is connected. However, some models may not have an input filter.
Knowing about the location of the filters in specific models of washing machines and reading the instructions will help you clean them easily without much effort.