Does your washing machine smell unpleasant, or leave clothes wetter than usual? If so, the problem isn’t your detergent - it’s often a blocked filter. Most people don’t even know their washing machine has a filter until water stops draining properly.

The best part?

You don’t need a plumber to fix it. All you need is a towel and a bowl to keep your machine running smoothly and your clothes coming out clean and fresh.

What Does a Washing Machine Filter Do?

A washing machine filter collects lint, hair, coins, and small fabric bits before dirty water drains out. This protects the drain pump and helps the machine release water smoothly after each cycle. But when the filter gets clogged, you might notice:

• The water doesn’t drain properly

• The wash cycle takes longer than usual

• Water collects at the bottom of the drum after the wash cycle

That’s why it’s important to clean the filter every few months to avoid blockages and drainage issues.

Recommended Reading:

Curious what makes hard water so damaging and how it differs from a normal supply? Check out our hard vs soft water guide. 

At RiverSoft, we offer washing machine filters that not only trap dirt and sediments but also prevent hard water salts from forming limescale inside your machine. The result? Cleaner washes and a washing machine that lasts longer.

How to Locate the Filter in Your Washing Machine

In most front-load machines, the filter is located behind a small panel at the bottom front (the kick plate). In top-load washers, the filter is usually inside the agitator (the central post).

Still can’t find it? Try:

• Searching“[your brand + model] filter location” online

• Check your washing machine user manual.

Note: Always unplug the machine before opening the filter and keep a towel handy to soak up any leftover water.

How to Clean a Washing Machine Filter at Home (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these simple steps to clean your washing machine filter at home:

1. Power Off & Prepare: Unplug the machine and put a towel or bowl under the access panel to collect leftover water.

2. Open the Access Panel: It should come off gently without resistance

3. Drain Residual Water: Use the small drain hose or let the water flow slowly into the bowl.

4. Remove the Filter: Gently twist or pull the filter out and set it aside for cleaning.

5. Scrub & Rinse: Rinse the filter with warm water and scrub it gently using a soft brush and mild soap.

6. Wipe the Housing: Clean the filter area and rubber seals with a soft cloth to remove residue and prevent odours.

7. Reinsert & Test: Refit the filter, close the panel, and run a quick rinse cycle to check drainage.

Pro tip: A quick filter clean every few months helps your machine drain better and keeps bad smells away.

3 Washing Machine Maintenance Tips Every Home Should Follow

Here are three easy washing machine maintenance tips every homeowner should know:

• Avoid using harsh chemicals or too much vinegar. These can damage the rubber seals and shorten your washing machine’s lifespan.

• Empty pockets before loading them in the machine. Small items like coins, tissues, and hairpins often get trapped in the drum or filter, causing clogs and drainage problems.

• Leave the washing machine door slightly open after each wash. The reason? It lets the moisture dry and prevents mould or musty smells from forming inside.

Speaking of protecting your washing machine, there’s one problem most people overlook: hard water. It forms a limescale inside the drum and heating coil. This buildup reduces wash efficiency, clogs parts, and damages the machine's internal components over time.

To tackle this, install a washing machine filter for hard water. RiverSoft filters offers a two-stage filtration system:

• Stainless steel mesh that blocks larger impurities like dirt, dust, sand, and rust from entering your washing machine.
  

• Anti-scaling silicon phosphate balls that reduce hard water salts and carbonates, stopping them from forming limescale.

This setup prevents limescale buildup and protects your washing machine’s internal parts. And the best part? Our filters fit all automatic machines and can be installed in under 10 minutes by following our installation guide.

Conclusion

Regular filter cleaning is the easiest way to keep your washing machine free from odours and drainage problems. But in regions with hard water problems, even a clean filter can’t fully prevent mineral deposits. 

That’s where the RiverSoft Washing Machine Filter comes in. It reduces hard water salts and prevents limescale buildup inside your machine, so it runs smoothly and lasts longer.