How to Clean Washing Machine Lint Filters

Remove the agitator to find the washing machine's lint trap.

Most people know to clean lint from a dryer but don't think to do it in a washing machine. Lint is small fibers from clothing, towels and sheets that naturally comes loose during a wash. Not removing washing machine lint causes it to build up. The built-up lint can then attach to other clothing during the wash cycle, leaving dark lint on whites, or towel lint or delicates. Additionally, the built-up lint contains dirt and water. This mixture can cause mold and mildew, which can then transfer to clothing during a wash cycle.

Things You'll Need

• Cloth

Instructions

1. Wet a cloth and squeeze to remove excess water. Open the washing machine. If there is lint along the plastic agitator, wipe it clean. The agitator is the large, plastic piece in the center of a washing machine.

2. Remove the agitator tube from the washer. Look at the bottom of the washing machine, where the agitator was. There should be a small lint filter. Peel away any lint built up on this, just as you would peel away lint from a dryer lint filter. Look inside the agitator tube for lint, mold or mildew. Remove any lint with a wet paper towel or rag.

3. Look along the drain hose for any lint. Wipe the lint down with a clean, damp cloth.

4. Examine the the top and rim of the washing machine. Remove any lint that has built up by wiping it away with a clean, damp cloth.

References

• Smelly Washer: Cleaning Lint From a Stinky Washer
• Rustic Girls: Lint Problems