How to clean the filter in a washing machine

In ancient times, when people washed dirty clothes in the river, all the garbage in the basin did not bring any discomfort.

Today, technology has reached the point where you only need to select clothes by color, load them into the washing machine, add detergent and press a few buttons to get clothes, home textiles and other things clean.

But it’s only at first glance that everything looks so rosy; in fact, the principle of uninterrupted, successful operation of an automatic washing machine depends on many indicators. These include water quality, detergent effectiveness, and filter cleanliness.

Description of filter part

Since the washing device is a complex household appliance, its care must be professional. For safe and efficient operation of an automatic washing machine, two filters are needed - at the inlet (fill) and outlet (drain).

There are additional filters. They are main (introduced into the water supply of the entire apartment), polyphosphate (soften the water before washing), magnetic (remove heavy metal particles from the water) and filters for deep cleaning (remove large particles).

Where is the filter located

The inlet filter for purifying running water is located at the junction of the machine and the inlet hose through which water enters the drum. The drain filter is located at the very bottom of the device, it is covered with a lid.

In different models of washing machines, this part is located in its place - on the left or on the right. Special water purifiers are installed in the water supply pipe.

What functions does it perform?

The main function of inlet or drain cleaners in a washing machine is to prevent malfunctions of the device due to debris. Special additional filters are designed to soften water, which reduces the amount of scale on parts. They are relevant in rural areas, where the water is oversaturated with calcium and magnesium salts.

Features of the procedure for removing debris from cleaning parts of different brands of washing machines

Manufacturers of washing machines recommend that if the filter is clogged, contact a service center for help. But users who have long been accustomed to complex technology can do this on their own.

The inlet filter in all models is cleaned the same way. First you need to disconnect the unit from the power supply, turn off the water tap and gain access to the back of the machine. Then you need to unscrew the hose through which the water enters it.

Then remove the filter (it looks like a thimble in appearance) using pliers or tweezers. Next, you need to rinse the metal mesh of the cleaner under running warm water, using a toothbrush to remove limescale., then carefully place the part in place and screw on the hose.

Different brands of washing appliances are slightly different in structure, and the drain filters are also different. For example, in an Indesit washing machine, the drain filter is cleaned as follows: you need to open the false panel located on the front panel of the unit on the left or right, unscrew the cleaner plug counterclockwise and remove the inner part.

After removing dirt and debris, you need to tighten the plug tightly clockwise until it stops. Before cleaning, you need to place a rag under the device - water may leak out of the filter. In Samsung household washing appliances, the sequence of the cleaning process is identical to Indesit.

Attention! The only caveat when cleaning the filter of Samsung washing machines is that you need to pay attention to the location of the screw handle. In some models, for tight fixation, it must be in the correct position. Otherwise, when collecting water for washing, it will involuntarily flow out of the drain filter.

The drain cleaner in LG washing machine models is located at the bottom of the appliance. To clean the compartment, you need to disconnect the machine from the electricity, open the decorative panel, and pull out the plug. After pulling out the protective plug, water will flow out of the hole, after which you need to carefully unscrew the filter counterclockwise. After carefully washing the part from dirt and debris, you need to tighten it clockwise.

Reference! To check the tightness of the drain cleaner screw, you need to pour a small amount of water into the drum. You need to place a thick cloth under the machine in advance.If water flows out of the opening, then you need to look for the correct position of the screw.

To clean the drain filter of a Bosch washing machine, you need to remove the round hatch located at the bottom of the product. If it is not there, then you need to remove the lower decorative panel. Then unscrew the screw counterclockwise, remove the cleaner, remove the debris and rinse the part.

After this, you need to insert the oblong part and tighten the screw tightly clockwise. In modern models of the manufacturer, a thin drain hose is located next to the screw. Through it you can drain water from the drum in case of emergency shutdown of the device. If such a part is not provided in the model, then you need to place a rag under the device before unscrewing the screw.

To determine that the reason for stopping or insufficient operation of the washing machine is a clogged filter, the following signs indicate:

1. Slow drainage of water after washing or rinsing.
2. The device stops working and does not continue even after restarting the program.
3. The display displays a fault code (it varies from manufacturer to manufacturer) or generates a fault signal.
4. One of the programs does not start: rinse, spin.

An unusual sound accompanying the operation of the device may also indicate that the filter is clogged. Even women can correct an error on their own; the main thing is to figure out how and with what to do it.

Accessories for cleaning filter parts

Large particles caught in the cleaner can be carefully removed by hand. It could be hair, buttons, metal money, etc. To wash the part, you will need a long-handled brush - a toothbrush, for dyeing hair, or cleaning a hair clipper.You can achieve maximum filter cleanliness by wiping it with a fine-lined cloth.

What happens if you don't clean the filter in the washing machine?

The slightest disturbance in the operation of the device is the first path to its failure. The most harmless consequence of ignoring the systematic cleaning of filters is the stopping of the washing machine. In the worst case, if you do not clean the filter even if malfunctions occur, the unit may break down irreparably.

Useful tips

Even if you have detailed user instructions and an online assistant at hand, the first cleaning of the drain filter may end in an unpleasant ending. To avoid trouble, you can use these tips:

1. Before unscrewing the cleaner cap, place a thick cloth under the bottom of the washing machine. This must be done to prevent water from flowing under the device.
2. Do not wipe the inside of the filter with a cloth with large lint.
3. Before you begin cleaning the parts of the device, it must be disconnected from the power supply.

These rules are common to all models of washing machines. To rid yourself of the problem of clogging of purifiers, you need to follow preventive measures.

Operating rules to prevent the filter from becoming clogged

You can avoid the problem of drain filter clogging if you follow the rules of its operation. First: wash the part regularly so that dirt does not accumulate. If you wash 1-2 times a day or 1 time every other day, then it is enough to carry out such measures once every 3 months. Second, you need to carefully check pockets and other recesses in dirty laundry to avoid dirt and small parts getting into the drum. And the third rule: do not use untested detergents.It is best to test them by hand washing, because large accumulations of the components of these products may not dissolve well in water and clog the filter (for example, during low-temperature washing).

Important! The presence of beads, rhinestones and other decorations on clothes and linen is not a reason to wash them by hand. You can use a washing machine for this, but before washing, put the items in a special bag and put them in the drum in this form.

Conclusion

Even such a procedure as cleaning washing machine filters is not a problem for a competent and dexterous housewife. Knowing how to act correctly when the purifier is clogged, you can solve the problem without outside help. If difficulties arise (for example, the screw is stuck to the thread), it is better to seek help from a specialist.