How to Clean a Washing Machine Filter Safely: Pump Filters, Lint Filters, and What Your Washer Actually Has

Before you clean a washing machine filter, make sure you know which filter you actually have. That sounds obvious, but it clears up the biggest source of bad advice: there is no single “washing machine filter” shared by every washer. Many front-load machines have a user-serviceable drain-pump filter behind a small lower access panel. Some top-load machines have removable lint filters inside the tub. Other models may have no user-serviceable filter in either location.

Current manufacturer guidance confirms those differences. LG’s U.S. support page for front-load washers says its drain-pump filter is present on front-load washers and combo units, not its top-load washers, while LG separately documents removable lint filters on certain top-load designs. Samsung likewise states that its U.S. front-load pump-filter procedure does not apply to top-load pump filters, while Samsung Australia notes that some top-load models do have removable lint filters and that not every top-loader has one. The practical action is simple: look up your exact model before opening a panel or pulling on a filter.

You can verify model-specific examples in LG’s drain-pump filter guidance, Samsung’s U.S. washer-cleaning guide, and Samsung’s top-load lint-filter guide.

First question: what kind of filter are you trying to clean?

Misconception: “Every washer has a drain filter I can unscrew”

What is verified: this is not true. Samsung’s U.S. guide labels its pump-filter procedure “front load only,” LG says its drain-pump filter guidance applies to its front-load washers and combo units, and Whirlpool says the pump filter is cleanable on some models and tells owners to check the manual.

What depends on the washer: filter location, access-panel design, whether there is a small emergency drain hose, and even whether the filter is intended for owner service.

Action: find the model number and confirm the filter location in the official manual before proceeding. If the manual does not show a user-removable filter, do not force a cap or panel.

How to clean a front-load drain-pump filter

The steps below describe the common pattern documented by LG, Samsung, and Whirlpool. Your washer may differ, so treat the manual as the final authority.

1. Turn the washer off and let hot water cool

Empty the drum, turn the machine off, and disconnect power if your manual directs you to do so. Do not open the filter immediately after a hot wash, sanitize cycle, or other high-temperature program. Samsung specifically warns that the water can be very hot after a hot cycle and tells users to allow it to cool before pump-filter service.

Action: if the washer was recently hot, wait. A clean filter is not worth a scalding injury.

2. Put down towels and a shallow container

A common surprise is how much residual water can still be inside the washer even when the drum looks empty. LG, Samsung, and Whirlpool all tell users to prepare a container before opening the filter area.

Action: place a shallow pan directly in front of the service opening and keep one or two absorbent towels nearby. If the machine sits on wood or laminate flooring, take extra care to contain spills.

3. Drain residual water before removing the filter

Many front-load designs include a small emergency or residual-water hose beside the filter. Pull it out only as far as the instructions allow, remove the cap, and let the water drain into the pan. LG warns not to pull its hose too far because it can kink and stop draining.

Action: empty the pan as needed, then recap and secure the hose before moving on. If your model has no small drain hose, follow its manual rather than assuming the filter can be opened without water release.

4. Remove the pump filter slowly

On many models, the filter turns counterclockwise to come out. Samsung notes that some of its filters use a push-and-turn action similar to a medicine-bottle cap, which is another reason not to force an unfamiliar design.

Action: turn the filter only in the direction specified in the manual. Keep the pan and towel in place because additional water may escape as the filter loosens.

5. Clean the filter with water and a soft brush

Remove loose debris by hand, then rinse the filter. LG and Samsung both describe using a soft brush or toothbrush for buildup. LG’s current troubleshooting guidance also says not to wash the pump filter in a dishwasher.

Action: use warm or running water and a soft-bristle brush. Avoid knives, wire brushes, and aggressive scraping that could damage the plastic screen or sealing surfaces.

6. Clean the filter opening and inspect the pump area

Debris can remain in the filter housing even after the filter itself is clean. Samsung tells users to inspect the pump impeller area, and LG documents cleaning the filter opening/base with a soft brush. The goal is to remove reachable debris, not to disassemble or force the pump.

Action: wipe or softly brush the accessible housing. If an impeller is visible, check only that there is no obvious foreign object blocking it. Do not force it, remove screws, or push tools deeper into the pump.

7. Inspect the filter and reinstall it securely

Check the filter body and its sealing surfaces before putting it back. A cracked filter, damaged seal, or distorted part can create leaks. Reinsert it in the correct orientation and tighten it as the manufacturer specifies. Samsung and LG both instruct users to turn the filter clockwise until it is secured; Whirlpool likewise says to reinstall it fully.

Action: reinstall the cleaned filter, recap the residual-water hose, place the hose back in its holder, and make sure nothing is pinched or loose.

8. Test draining and check for leaks

Do not assume the job is finished because the panel closes. Improperly seated pump-filter caps or drain-hose plugs can leak. LG specifically warns that incorrect reassembly after filter cleaning can cause water to leak from the access area.

Action: run the shortest appropriate drain, rinse/spin, or manufacturer-recommended test cycle for your model and watch the lower access area. Stop the machine if water appears around the filter compartment.

Misconception: “A tub-clean cycle cleans the pump filter too”

What is verified: manufacturers treat these as different maintenance tasks. Samsung’s washer-cleaning guide has separate sections for Self Clean/Pure Cycle and for the front-load pump filter. A cleaning cycle can address residue inside the tub, but it cannot physically remove a coin, button, hair clump, or other object trapped in the pump filter.

What depends on the machine: some troubleshooting sequences may tell you to run a tub-clean or rinse cycle after clearing the filter. That does not mean the cycle replaces manual filter cleaning.

Action: if your model has a serviceable filter, clean the filter itself when the manual calls for it; use Tub Clean/Self Clean separately for the washer interior.

How often should a washing machine filter be cleaned?

There is no one interval that is correct for every washer. Current examples make the variation clear:

• Samsung U.S. recommends cleaning its front-load pump filter at least once per month or about every 40 washes, whichever comes first.
• LG U.S. recommends monthly cleaning for the front-load drain-pump filter covered by its current guide.
• Whirlpool says the filter pump on applicable models can be cleaned every few months or as needed, depending on use and debris.
• LG documents certain top-load lint filters that should be cleaned every time laundry is washed.

Action: use your model’s schedule, then clean sooner if drainage slows, you hear unusual pump noise, or the machine reports a drain-related error.

What if you have a top-load lint filter instead?

A removable top-load lint filter is a different component from a front-load drain-pump filter. Samsung’s current Australian guide says not every top-loader has one. Where present, its basic procedure is to release the filter case, open it, clean the filter with running water and a brush, close it, and reinstall it securely; Samsung also says the filter should be dry before reinsertion. LG’s top-load support likewise documents removable lint filters on some models.

Action: if the filter is inside the tub, do not use the front-load procedure above. Follow the top-load manual for the exact release tabs, cleaning frequency, and reinstallation orientation.

Misconception: “Slow draining always means a dirty filter”

What is verified: a clogged pump filter can cause slow or failed draining. LG links a clogged drain-pump filter to OE drain errors, and Samsung includes filter cleaning in drain/spin troubleshooting.

What is not guaranteed: cleaning the filter will not fix every drainage problem. LG also lists a kinked or compressed drain hose, frozen hose, excessive suds, or pump problems as possible causes.

Action: after cleaning, test the washer. If it still drains slowly or shows the same error, inspect the drain hose for kinks and follow the manufacturer’s troubleshooting tree. If the pump does not operate or the problem persists, arrange service rather than repeatedly opening the filter.

What should you do if the filter will not turn?

Do not immediately use pliers. The cap may be tight because of its seal, but it may also be blocked by an object inside or use a model-specific locking design. Samsung notes that some pump filters require a push-and-turn motion.

Action: stop, recheck the manual, confirm the correct release direction, and make sure residual water has been drained. If the filter still will not move with reasonable hand pressure, contact the manufacturer or a qualified service provider.

How do you know the filter cleaning worked?

• The filter is free of lint, hair, coins, buttons, and sludge.
• The filter housing has no obvious reachable debris.
• The residual-water hose is capped and clipped back into place.
• The pump-filter cap is correctly seated and secured.
• No water leaks from the access compartment during the test.
• The washer drains at its normal rate.
• A previous drain warning or error does not return during the next appropriate cycle.

If those conditions are met, the maintenance was successful. If the filter is clean but the machine still cannot drain, that is useful diagnostic information: the fault is likely elsewhere in the drainage path or pump system.

Official references worth checking

• LG USA: How to Clean the Drain Pump Filter
• Samsung USA: How to Clean Your Washer
• Whirlpool: Cleaning the Pump Filter — Front Load Washer
• Samsung Australia: Cleaning a Top-Load Lint Filter
• LG USA: Top-Load Washer Cleaning and Maintenance

The key lesson is not “clean the filter every month” or “unscrew the cap at the bottom.” It is more precise: identify the filter your model actually has, remove residual water safely, clean only user-serviceable parts, reassemble carefully, and use the result of the test cycle to decide whether the job is finished or whether the washer needs deeper troubleshooting.