How often should you clean a washing machine filter?

Every 1-3 months depending on usage. More often if you wash a lot of pet hair or lint-producing items.

Why does my washing machine smell?

Trapped lint and detergent buildup in the filter is the most common cause. Clean the filter and run a hot cleaning cycle.

No. Hand wash with warm water and dish soap.

Some top-loaders don't have user-accessible filters. Run hot cleaning cycles with vinegar regularly instead.

Household

A clean washing machine filter makes a bigger difference than you'd think. Here's the most effective method, plus the mistakes most people make.

1
Locate the filter
Front-loaders typically have a filter behind a small access door at the bottom front. Top-loaders may have one in the agitator or under the rim.
2
Place towels and a bowl
Lay towels on the floor and place a shallow bowl under the filter to catch water that may drain out.
3
Unscrew the filter
Twist the filter counterclockwise to remove. Some have an emergency drain hose to empty water first.
4
Clean the filter
Rinse the filter under warm water. Use a toothbrush and dish soap to scrub away lint, hair, and debris.
5
Reinstall and run cycle
Screw the filter back in firmly. Run an empty rinse cycle to test for leaks.

TIPClean the washing machine filter every 1-3 months to prevent odors and improve drainage.
TIPUse mesh laundry bags for delicates to prevent small items from clogging the filter.
TIPRun a hot cleaning cycle with vinegar monthly to clean the entire washing machine.

XNever cleaning the filter, which causes drainage issues, smells, and reduced cleaning performance.
XForgetting to drain water before opening the filter, causing flooding.
XNot securing the filter tightly when reinstalling, which causes leaks.

Front-loaders: behind a small access door at the bottom front. Top-loaders: under the rim or in the agitator.