- There are a couple of types of lint traps currently in use with washing machines. Typically, a washing machine lint trap fits on the end of the discharge hose leading out of the washing machine. A nylon strap secures the trap to the end of the hose. This type of washing machine lint trap is messy to clean up or replace. The Aquarian lint filter works a bit differently than typical washing machine lint traps. The nylon hose is secured to the discharge hose with a pair of O-rings. This type of lint filter separates lint into six areas inside of the hose.
- A washing machine lint trap works like a dryer lint trap, in that both kinds of lint traps collect debris from clothing. It is less known that washing machines have lint traps, and many of people tend to be ignorant of the proper maintenance for their washing machine lint trap. Lint traps from washing machines have to be removed and cleaned just like dryer lint traps. The lint catcher is removed from the end of the drain hose by loosening a pair of O-rings, or by removing a nylon strap from the drain hose.
- Washing machine lint traps can be located in the agitator in the center of the drum. The lint trap can be located at the top of the washing machine near the controls or the lid switch. Some models have the lint trap attached to the end of the drain hose (discharge hose). Models designed to have the lint trap attached to the end of a drain hose will have a stand pipe fitted to the end of the drain hose. The lint trap is removed by pulling the hose out of the stand pipe.
- A typical lint trap is placed at the end of the drain hose. A series of processes occur before any lint reaches the lint trap. A motor turns a pulley, which then rotates the agitator in the center of the washing machine's drum. As water moves through the water supply hoses, the inlet valve releases water into the drum. Water whirls around in the drum. After washing, the water is moved through a drain hose where the lint trap picks up debris. The lint trap has very tiny holes that allow only water to pass through. All other debris are caught inside of the lint trap.
