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In this article, we will answer the question: where is washing machine filter (for a top loader)?
Have you noticed that your top-loading washer is not cleaning clothes as well as it used to? It’s possible that its filter is full(clogged) and needs cleaning.
But wait, where is the filter on a top loader washing machine?
Well, you are not alone in asking this question- As a matter of fact, many people are unaware that their top load washers have filters, let alone their location.
With that in mind, we will tell you where to find the filter in your top load washer in a minute…
Where is washing machine filter top loader?
Top load washers typically come with two or three filters depending on the model:
- Two mesh filters – located at the back of the washer where the water hose connects to the water valve.
- One drain/lint filter.
Side Note: All modern-day washers have mesh filters
Of course, we are more interested in the drain/lint filter in this article- as its name suggests, the main function of this filter is to trap lint from the water during a wash cycle.
So, let’s start by seeing where this filter is located.
Generally speaking, the filter is located inside the wash tub.
However, the exact location will differ depending on the brand and model of the washer.
To be clear, it is located on the side of the drum’s top rim in some models while in others, it is located inside the agitator.
Indeed, it is on the side of the washer tub in selected models.
How to locate the filter depending on the brand and model of your washer
Just before I tell you how to locate the filter depending on the brand and model of your washer, let me mention that not all top load washers have this lint filter.
This is especially so in HE washers and other newer washer models.
Instead, these models have a self-cleaning mechanism that automatically gets rid of the lint.
Also, top load washers manufactured before 2001 had a lint filter either inside the agitator or beneath the agitator plate.
And to access the filter inside the agitator, all you need to do is remove the agitator’s top cuff.
Concerning the filter beneath the agitator plate, all you need to do is to remove the agitator by taking out the bolt that holds it in place and you should see the lint filter screen beneath it.
In a nutshell, it is the top load washers with no agitator that have the filter located in different positions depending on the brand.
With that out of our way, let us now speak about where this filter is located in some of the common household washing machine brands with no agitator…
Where is washing machine filter – Whirlpool top loader?
On most Whirlpool models that do not have an agitator, the filter is located on the drum’s top rim as a hanging net.
Yeah, only in a few models will you find it on the inside wall of the wash tub.
Where is washing machine filter – Maytag top loader?
Again, when it comes to Maytag top load washers with no agitator, the filter is located on the top rim of the drum as a hanging net.
As regards models that do have the agitator, it is located either inside or beneath the agitator as we have seen with Whirlpool washers above.
LG top load washer filter location
In LG washers, this filter is known as the magic filter.
And you will, for the most part, find it on the wall of the wash tub as a disc-shaped object with a blue cover.
GE top load washer filter location
Before everything, remember that most GE washers made after 2000 do not have the lint filter.
Instead- and we had already seen this- they have a self-cleansing mechanism that takes advantage of the larger holes in the hub which do a good job in getting rid of the lint.
Now, the only models that stand out are the GE Spacemaker/Space-saving series washers.
These models have removable lint filters that you can find inside the wash basket.
And like LG’s magic filter, this filter has a characteristic blue cover that makes identifying them easier.
Also, they are disc-shaped.
Quick Tip: Spacemaker models manufactured prior to June 2018 have an additional pump filter located at the bottom back of the washer. This filter is similar to the drain pump filter located in front load washers.
When it comes to models made between 1994 and 2000, they have Fine Mesh Filters built into the draining mechanism or below the agitator.
These filters are non-removable and do not require cleaning.
Finally, on the rare occasion that you move into a house with a GE top load manufactured before ’94, the lint filter pan sits on top of the agitator.
So in these models, you remove the pan and discard the lint and reinsert the pan at the end of every wash.
Where is my Samsung top loader washing machine filter?
Again, in Samsung washers, this filter is known as the magic filter.
And you’ll also find it on the wall of your washer’s wash tub.
Don’t forget that in models that have this filter, it is a rectangular plastic box that has a mesh-like appearance.
Now that we have located the water pump filter, let us speak a little about the right way to clean it.
How to clean water pump filter on top load washing machine
- Start by pressing the tab on top of the filter and pull the filter out of its housing.
- If it is a magic filter, pop open the back cover to remove the lint.
- On the other hand, if it is a net, turn it inside-out to remove the lint.
- Next, discard this accrued lint into a trash can.
- Using a toothbrush, gently scrub the inside of the filter under running water.
- Using a damp cloth, wipe off any lint that might be trapped inside the filter housing.
- Finally, reinsert the filter into its housing – you should hear a “click” once the filter properly sits in place.
Quick Note: For best results, you should wash the filter every four to six weeks. However, if your clothes start coming out of the washer with lint on them, it is a sign that the lint has over-accrued and the filter will require cleaning.
So always keep a close eye on the state your clothes are leaving the washer.
Washing machine filter location top loader – Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Where is the filter in my top loading washing machine?
In general, top load washers come with two or three filters depending on the washer’s model.
There are two mesh filters located at the back of the washer where the water hoses connect to the water inlet valve.
Also, some models (with no agitator) have a lint/drain filter that you can find inside the wash tub or along the drum’s top rim.
On models that have an agitator, this filter is located either inside the agitator or below the agitator plate.
Where is washing machine filter top loader? – wrapping it up
Bear in mind that most modern top load washers do not have a drain filter as they have a built-in self-cleaning mechanism.
Therefore, you do need to worry about accessing or cleaning filters in such models.
However, manufacturers recommend that you run an empty clean cycle once every month to get rid of any lint that might still be trapped.
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