How Does a Washing Machine Filter Work?

RiverSoft | 06 November 2025


Is your washing machine not cleaning clothes the way it used to?

Perhaps the water drains slowly, your clothes don’t smell fresh, or lint sticks to your clothes after every wash. You’ve cleaned the drum and changed detergents - but the problem never goes away. You know why? Because the real issue is your water.

Washing Machine Filter Explained: Why It’s Key to Prevent Blockages

Every washing machine comes with a small built-in lint filter at the bottom of the drum, designed to trap lint and small debris from clothes during washing. However, this filter alone cannot block sediment particles or protect against hard water deposits.

Over time, sand, rust, and hard water minerals present in the water can pass through and gradually build up inside the inlet valve, drum, and internal pipes. This can cause blockages, reduced water flow, and scaling, which affect washing performance and the machine’s lifespan

However, even a clean filter cannot protect your washing machine from another common problem: hard water.

Recommended Reading:

Not sure whether you need a separate filter? Find out how to recognize the signs with our quick guide on when to install a hard water filter for washing machines.

Hard Water Problems in Washing Machines & How to Fix Them

Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. Most Indian cities like Noida, Bangalore, Pune, and Hyderabad commonly face hard water problems. Though hard water isn’t harmful to your health, it affects your washing machine’s health, as it:

  • Forms limescale on the drum and heating coil.

  • Reduces washing efficiency and makes clothes feel stiff and dull.

  • Damages internal parts, leading to frequent repairs.

The solution? Install a washing machine filter designed for hard water. 

Recommended Reading:

Want to know if your home water is hard without a test kit? Here’s a quick guide to spot the signs of hard water.

Washing Machine Filter for Hard Water: How It Works and Why It Matters

A regular washing machine only catches lint; however, it isn’t designed to handle hard water. That’s where a washing machine filter for hard water comes in. It filters the water before it enters the drum, preventing limescale buildup and protecting the machine’s internal parts.

At RiverSoft, we offer a washing machine filter for hard water that has a two-stage filtration process:

  • Stainless Steel Mesh (Stage 1): Blocks visible particles like sand, dust, and rust from entering the washing machine. This keeps sediment from entering and damaging your washing machine.

  • Anti-Scaling Silicon Phosphate Balls (Stage 2):  Neutralises minerals like calcium and magnesium that cause hard water deposits, preventing limescale buildup on heating coils and inside your washing machine.

Our washing machine filter connects directly to the water inlet and fits all automatic models. Plus, it’s DIY-friendly, which means you can install it by following a simple installation guide.

Recommended Reading:

Curious about how multi-layer filters like this improve overall water quality? Read about how multi-stage filtration transforms your water.

Conclusion

If you live in an area with hard water, it’s worth adding a layer of protection to your washing machine. A hard water filter for your washing machine helps prevent limescale, improves wash quality, and extends your machine’s life with every cycle. It’s a simple fix that saves you from frequent repairs and dull laundry.

Check out RiverSoft solutions to keep your washing machine clean, protected, long-lasting, and performing at its best.

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