Domakihub How to Clean Your Washing Machine Filter (and Why It Matters)
A blocked pump filter causes odours, slow draining, and spin failures — here's how to fix it in 10 minutes.
Reviewed by Domakihub cleaning pros · 2026-06-23 · 4 min read
A clogged washing machine filter is one of the most overlooked causes of bad smells, poor draining, and error codes — yet cleaning it takes less than 10 minutes and requires no tools. The video above walks you through the process visually, and the steps below give you everything you need in writing. Whether you manage a family home, a holiday rental, or a hotel laundry room in Greece, keeping this filter clear is basic appliance hygiene.
What the Filter Actually Does
The pump filter (also called the drain filter or coin trap) sits at the front base of most front-loading washing machines, behind a small access panel. Its job is to catch lint, coins, hair clips, and small fabric debris before they reach the pump. Without it, debris would block the drain pump and shorten its life considerably.
Most manufacturers recommend cleaning it every one to three months. In practice, holiday-rental properties and hotel laundry rooms — where machines run daily — should check it monthly. If your machine is leaving clothes wet at the end of the cycle, draining slowly, or showing an error code like E3 or F21, a blocked filter is the most likely cause.
What You Need Before You Start
Gather a shallow tray or baking dish to catch water, a large absorbent towel, and a soft brush or old toothbrush. That is all. No tools are needed for most machines — the filter cap unscrews by hand. Turn the machine off and unplug it before you begin. If the machine has just finished a cycle, give it 20 minutes to let the water cool.
How to Clean a Washing Machine Filter: Step by Step
- 1
Find and open the access panel
Look at the very bottom-front of your machine. There is usually a small rectangular or square flap — push it in or slide it open. Behind it you will see a short drain hose (often with a rubber cap) and the round filter cap. Some machines have only the filter, without a separate hose.
- 2
Drain the residual water
Place your tray on the floor directly below the panel. Pull out the small emergency drain hose, remove its cap, and let the water drain completely into the tray. This prevents a flood when you open the main filter. Empty the tray into a sink before proceeding.
- 3
Unscrew and remove the filter
Turn the filter cap anti-clockwise (counter-clockwise) slowly. A little more water will come out — your tray and towel will catch it. Once the cap is fully unscrewed, pull the filter straight out. Note how it sits so you can refit it the same way.
- 4
Clean the filter and the housing
Rinse the filter under a running tap, using your soft brush to remove lint, hair, coins, and any residue. Check inside the empty housing as well — reach in carefully and pull out any debris you can feel. If there is a bad smell, soak the filter in a cup of white vinegar for five minutes, then rinse.
- 5
Refit, test, and note the date
Push the filter back in firmly and screw the cap clockwise until it is hand-tight — do not over-tighten. Close the emergency drain hose cap and tuck it back in. Close the access panel, plug the machine back in, and run a short rinse cycle to confirm there are no leaks. Write the date on a sticky note inside the panel so you always know when it was last done.
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FAQ
- How often should I clean the washing machine filter?
- For a typical household machine, every two to three months is sufficient. In heavy-use settings such as holiday rentals or hotel laundry rooms, check it every four to six weeks. If you wash pet bedding frequently, check monthly — pet hair blocks filters quickly.
- What if the filter is stuck and won't unscrew?
- Do not force it with pliers, as you risk cracking the housing. Instead, pour a little hot water around the cap to loosen any mineral deposits (Greece has hard water in many regions), wait two minutes, then try again with a firm anti-clockwise turn. A rubber strap wrench gives extra grip without damaging the plastic.
- My machine still smells bad after cleaning the filter — what else should I check?
- A clean filter removes one source of odour, but the drum seal (the rubber gasket around the door) and the detergent drawer are common odour traps too. Wipe the seal folds with a cloth dampened with diluted white vinegar, and remove and rinse the detergent drawer monthly. Running an empty 60°C cycle with a machine-cleaning tablet once a month keeps the drum fresh.