Washing machine: How often should you actually clean the lint filter?
Created: 05/11/2022, 08:37
By: Andrea Stettner
A lot of dirt and foreign objects accumulate in the lint filter of the washing machine over time.
You can find out how to clean it and where to find it here.
In order for the washing machine to function properly for many years, it must be cleaned and serviced regularly.
Many people like to forget the
fluff filter in the washing machine
.
In the following, we will show you where to find this and how the cleaning works.
What is the function of the lint filter in the washing machine?
The lint filter is very important for washing machines because it
catches loose small parts such as coins, screws or hair ties
that are sometimes still in the laundry.
Professionals therefore often refer to this as a foreign body trap or small part trap.
These then end up in the fluff filter so that the
drain pump
is not blocked.
But lint, cords or hair also collect in it.
If the fluff filter is not cleaned, the washing machine will eventually no longer be able to pump out the suds properly.
The result: the freshly washed laundry smells and gives off an unpleasant smell.
The lint filter in the washing machine should be cleaned regularly.
© nordpool/Riediger/Imago
Where is the washing machine lint filter?
Depending on the model, the fluff filter is
usually located on the front of the washing machine, on the right or left below the drum
.
It can be easily identified by the round cover that you need to open.
The fluff filter is then hidden behind it.
Cleaning the lint filter of the washing machine - that's how it works
Before you start cleaning, have a few utensils ready: a
shallow container
or bowl and a floor
cloth
to catch or wipe up any escaping water, and a
cleaning cloth
for the lint filter itself. Then you can get started:
Open the flap of the lint filter.
Place the provided
container under the opening
.
This catches the remaining water that escapes from the washing machine.
It is best to place the floor cloth underneath in case something goes wrong.
If there is a drain hose, place it directly over the container (remove cap if present).
Depending on the model, residual water may already escape.
Then let the water run completely into the container and then empty it out.
Then place the empty container back under the lint filter.
Now slowly unscrew the fluff filter
and pull it out completely.
A lot of water flows out of the fluff filter or the drain hose.
Catch this with the container provided.
Now remove small parts and
foreign objects from the fluff filter
.
By the way, you won't find lost socks here, they end up somewhere else in the washing machine.
Hair that has wrapped around it can be loosened with scissors.
Now clean the fluff filter with a cleaning cloth under running, lukewarm water.
The rubber seal should also be cleaned.
Cleaning agents are usually not necessary for this.
You can only remove stubborn dirt or odors with washing-up liquid and a soft brush.
Next , use a rag to
clean the opening
from which you removed the lint filter.
Check whether there are any other foreign objects in it.
Then simply put the cleaned lint filter back into the washing machine and screw it on tightly.
Close the lid and you're done!
Finally, simply empty the container with the spilled water and wipe up any water that may have spilled with the floor cloth.
How often do I need to clean the washing machine lint filter?
The lint filter in the washing machine should be
cleaned
at least
twice a year .
If you do a lot of washing, such as families, you can check and clean the fluff filter every two to three months.
Heavily soiled laundry or pet hair also stress the fluff filter and make it necessary to clean it more frequently.
To ensure that the device always works properly and that no unpleasant odors settle, it is necessary to clean and descale the washing machine from time to time.
A few simple home remedies will suffice.
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