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In this article, you will discover the location plus how to clean the filter in your whirlpool washer
It is important to keep your Whirlpool washing machine running smoothly and efficiently through regular maintenance.
One crucial component of the washer that often goes unnoticed is the filter. It is responsible for trapping lint and debris that can clog the machine and hinder its performance.
So, let’s see where you can find it inside your Whirlpool washing machine.
Whirlpool washer filter location
Typically, a whirlpool washer has two or three filters depending on the model.
These filters are:
- Two mesh filters – available in all washers.
- One drain filter – available in select models only.
The mesh filters are responsible for trapping any debris that might be in the water before it enters the washer.
You will find these filters behind the washer where both water hoses connect to the inlet valve.
On the other hand, the drain pump filter is responsible for trapping lint and other debris from the clothes during a wash cycle.
Usually, you can locate this filter inside the wash tub or next to the drain pump.
This all depends on whether the model is a top-loading or front-loading washer.
Since we are more interested in the drain/lint filter, let’s see its location in both front and top load models.
Whirlpool frontload washer drain filter location
In frontload models, you can find the drain filter either at the front or at the back of the washing machine.
To access and remove the filter (in some models), open the dispenser drawer by pulling on the handle at the base of the washer.
This should reveal the drain filter.
To remove it, release the tabs on each side of the washer by pushing them up or down as shown:
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However, in a few other models, you will remove the whole front panel to access the filter.
In other models, you will find this filter at the back of the washer.
In such models, you will first remove the back panel before locating the drain pump at the bottom part next to the drain pump.
Typically, the drain pump filter looks as follows:
Top load whirlpool washer drain filter location
Before we go too far, let me mention that in Whirlpool top load washers, the drain filter is commonly known as the lint filter.
Another thing worth mentioning is that not all top load washers have this filter.
This is especially so with the newer washer models. Instead, these models have a self-cleansing mechanism that will automatically get rid of the lint.
Now, if your model has an agitator, then, this section is for you (for agitator-less models, refer to the next section below).
In most models, you will locate the filter by removing the ¼” nut that holds the agitator plate in place.
Once the nut is off, lift the agitator and you will see the filter sitting at the bottom of the wash basket.
To remove the filter, wedge a putty knife underneath the edge of the filter and gently push up the filter all way round.
Quick tip: while doing this, be gentle to avoid damaging the filter.
In other models, you will locate the filter inside the agitator itself – simply remove the upper cuff of the agitator and voila!
You can proceed to simply take it out.
Now that you have succeeded in removing the filter, how do you go about cleaning it?
Well, hang on tight as we shall be seeing that in a moment…
But, before that, let us see where to locate this filter in agitator-less models.
Drain filter location in Whirlpool top load washer with no agitator
In models that have this filter, you will locate it as a hanging net-like structure along the drum’s top rim.
And to be clear, it will look like the one below:
Now that you have the general idea, below is where you can locate the drain filter in a few specific Whirlpool washer models…
Whirlpool duet washer drain filter location (Whirlpool duet drain pump filter location)
For the most part, duet washers are front-loading models.
Now, depending on the model, you can locate the drain filter either at the back of the washer or behind the front panel.
For a better guide on how to access and remove the filter, refer to the section above – whirlpool frontload washer drain filter location.
Whirlpool wfw94hexw2 drain pump filter location
This is yet another duet series washer model.
When it comes to accessing the drain pump filter in the Whirlpool wfw94hexw2 washer model, all you need to do is remove the front panel.
You can proceed to turn the filter cap counterclockwise to remove the filter.
Whirlpool wfw85hefw1 drain filter location
To start with, this is a front load model.
Bearing that in mind, you will locate its drain pump filter at the back of the unit next to the drain pump.
You can refer to the section above – Whirlpool frontload washer drain filter location – for more instructions on how to access it.
Now that we know how to access the drain filter, let’s see how to go about cleaning them.
How (and when) to clean/wash the drain filter
Since the procedure is different for both front and top load models, we shall look at them separately…
How to clean Whirlpool front load washer drain filter
In general, we recommend you wash the drain pump filter every 6 months.
However, if you note that your washer is not draining, taking longer to drain or not spinning at all, the drain filter is likely full of clogs.
In such a scenario, it will be good to wash the drain filter as it could be to blame.
With that in mind, here’s how to clean the drain filter in your front load washer:
- Place a basin beneath the drain filter.
- Release the black hose from the hose clip and remove the plug to drain any trapped water into the basin.
Empty the basin and repeat until no more water comes out of the hose.
- Reinsert the plug into the hose and put the hose into its clip.
- Lay a dry towel beneath the drain filter (to absorb any water that might be trapped inside the filter) and turn the pump filter counterclockwise.
- Discard any debris in the filter and proceed to remove the residue by rinsing the filter under running water.
- Reinsert the filter and turn it clockwise as far as it can go.
- Close the back (or front) panel of your washer.
How to clean Whirlpool top load washer drain filter
Cleaning the drain filter in top load models is an important maintenance procedure that you should perform frequently.
This is because once the filter is full, it might result in clothes coming out of the washer with stains/lint on them.
With that in mind, make a point of cleaning the filter every six weeks or once you see stains on your clothes.
To clean the filter, start by removing it from its housing.
Next, discard any trapped lint/debris into a trash can.
For a better clean, take a soft brush and gently scrub the filter under running water.
Using a warm cloth, gently wipe any lint that might be trapped inside the filter housing.
Finally, reinsert the filter back into its housing. While doing so, listen for a “click” indicating the filter has connected fully in its position.
Whirlpool washer filter location – final words
As we had earlier mentioned, not all washers have a lint filter. Instead, some have a self-cleaning mechanism.
In such models, Whirlpool recommends your run a clean cycle once per month or after every 30 wash cycles.
For a detailed procedure on how to run the wash, check out Whirlpool’s washer cleaning instructions.
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