How to Clean Your Washing Machine's Lint Trap (and Why It's So Important)

Even if you have your laundry routine down to a science, you might not even know that your washing machine has a lint trap—much less that it requires regular cleaning. But, much like your dryer’s lint trap, this component of your washing machine can become hazardous if not properly maintained.

“A washing machine filter acts as a lint trap to remove fuzz, hair, and other debris from your clothing and linens,” explains Scott Thomas, field training manager at Dryer Vent Wizard. “The trap is there to keep lint off your clothes and ensure good water drainage.” 

Below, learn how to keep your washing machine’s lint trap pristine.

Why It's Important So to Clean Your Washing Machine’s Lint Trap

“While most people are familiar with a dryer lint trap and know how to clean it frequently, many are surprised to find out that their washing machine also has one, which is just as important to clean,” notes Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean.

Regular cleaning of the washing machine lint trap is essential in maintaining the functionality and longevity and your washing machine, as well as the quality of your laundered clothing.

Here's what you can expect from attending to your washing machine's lint trap regularly:

• Less Lint Buildup: Cleaning your lint trap prevents a buildup of lint, detergent residue, and moisture, which creates a breeding ground for bacteria and mildew that can transfer to your clothes.
• Fresh-Smelling Laundry: “Removing the lint prevents it from clinging to your clean fabrics,” says Sokolowski, meaning your clothes won't smell musty from being covered by a film of residue.
• A Well-Maintained Washing Machine: Cleaning the washing machine’s lint trap will help to maintain the performance, efficiency, and longevity of your washing machine. “A clogged lint trap can strain the pump, causing slow draining, longer wash cycles, reduced spin effectiveness, and even leaks that can damage the machine,” Sokolowski explains.
• Lessen Risk of Electrical Hazards: Though dryer lint is the more common cause of fires, don’t neglect your washing machine lint trap, as it could also cause electrical hazards. “Lint trapped in the pump or motor can cause overheating, posing a fire risk that can be reduced with regular cleaning,” notes Sokolowski.

How Often to Clean Your Washing Machine's Lint Trap

How often you clean your washing machine’s lint trap depends on several factors. Sokolowski recommends cleaning the trap every 2 to 4 weeks to prevent buildup and avoid expensive washing machine repairs.

However, if you frequently wash more than two loads a day, have pet hair in your household, or often run heavy loads, cleaning your lint trap every two weeks is recommended. 

How to Clean Your Washing Machine’s Lint Trap

Different types of washing machines have different lint trap placements, so it is important to first consider your particular type of washer in order to locate the filter. Only then can you begin the process of removing and cleaning your machine’s lint trap. 

Refer to the owner’s manual for specific instructions on your exact model, says Thomas. If you don’t have the manual handy, the following guidelines will help you to locate your lint trap to begin cleaning. 

Materials Needed:

• Toothbrush or other small, soft brush
• Dish soap
• Vinegar
• Warm water
• Vacuum nozzle attachment
• Old towel 
• Dish or bucket
• Clean cloth
• Tweezers (optional) 
• Screwdriver (if needed)

For Top-Load Washers:

There are two options for lint trap placement in top-load washers: The lint screen can either be found inside the agitator, or along the tub rim or under the lip, explains Sokolowski.

If the lint screen is inside the agitator (which is more common on older models), follow the instructions below.

1. Unplug the washer or switch off the circuit breaker.
2. Remove the agitator cap by pulling straight up or twisting, depending on your model.
3. Remove the inner cylinder (the tube inside the agitator spindle). Locate the lint screen inside or clipped to the side. Pull the screen out by its tab.
4. Remove the lint by hand and use a toothbrush to scrub away any residue, then rinse with warm water. 
5. Soak the screen in warm soapy water or equal parts water and vinegar, then rinse to remove the cleaning solution.
6. Use a vacuum nozzle to pick up stray lint inside the agitator cavity and wipe it down with a damp cloth.
7. Reinstall the screen and agitator, securing the cap.
8. Run a short empty rinse cycle to ensure everything was installed correctly and that there are no leaks.

If the lint screen is located along the tub rim or under the lip, adhere to the following guidelines.

1. Unplug the washer or switch off the circuit breaker.
2. Search the top inner rim of the drum or under the lip for a long, narrow plastic screen or rectangular slot. Once found, pull the screen's tab out.
3. Remove lint by hand, rinse under warm water, and scrub the screen with a toothbrush.
4. Soak for a few minutes in warm soapy water, or a 1:1 water and vinegar solution, then rinse to remove the cleaning solution.
5. Vacuum the empty slot with a nozzle attachment and wipe with a damp cloth.
6. Reinsert the screen until it clicks into place.
7. Run a short empty rinse cycle to ensure that all was installed correctly and that there are no leaks.

For Front-Load Washers:

1. Unplug the washer or switch off the breaker. 
2. Locate the lint trap either behind a small hatch in the lower corner of the front of your machine or at the end of the drainage hose. “The cover may have a push-to-release latch or require a thin tool like a coin to wedge open the door,” says Thomas. Note that if your front loader has a mesh filter on the drain hose, you do not need to remove it.  
3. Place a dish or bucket underneath the drain hose, and lay down a towel.
4. Drain any remaining water from the emergency drain hose. If your dish fills quickly with water, replace the cap and empty the dish, instructs Thomas. Repeat this process until the water stops flowing.
5. Unscrew or slide the filter out of its compartment. “Look for debris and damage,” advises Thomas. “Any buildup will be obvious, but be sure to check for cracks or broken parts thoroughly.”
6. Pull out the filter. “Remove lint and debris with your hand or tweezers,” says Sokolowski.
7. Soak the screen in a mixture of warm water and dish soap for 10 minutes to dissolve built-up residue, then rinse.
8. Vacuum the cavity to remove any remaining lint and wipe it down with a damp cloth.
9. Reinstall the lint trap and close off the access panel by sliding or twisting the filter back into place and returning the cap or shutting the hatch.
10. Finish off by wiping down the rubber gasket around the door with a damp cloth and thoroughly rinsing the detergent drawer.
11. Make sure to double-check that you’ve secured the emergency drain hose back to its position before closing, if applicable.
12. Run an empty wash cycle using hot water. “If your machine has a pre-programmed cleaning cycle, you can run this instead,” says Thomas.

Pro Tips for Caring for Your Machine's Lint Filter

For best results and to keep your machine's lint filter cleaner for longer, consider the tips below from our experts.

• “To extend the time between deep cleans, regularly wipe down the detergent drawer, door seal, and filter to prevent build-up,” advises appliance repair expert Ian Palmer-Smith.
• For secured filters, clean away the lint with a soft brush. If the lint trap is disposable, make sure to replace it when it becomes clogged, says Thomas.
• Empty your washing machine promptly at the end of every cycle to prevent bacteria growth and smelly odors from developing in your damp clothes, advises Palmer-Smith.
• If you can’t find the lint trap, your machine might not have a user-accessible lint trap. Consult your machine’s manual or ask a technician if unsure, says Sokolowski.