Cleaning the filter of a top-loading washing machine

Top-loading washers need cleaning just like standard front-loading machines. First of all, always pay attention to the garbage filter, in which a huge amount of different debris accumulates in a short time, which can clog the drain and create additional problems for the user. We will analyze in detail how to find and properly clean the filter of a top-loading washing machine.

Find and clean the filter

In most modern top-loading home cleaners, the garbage filter is located inside the drum. You can find it if you open the drum doors and examine the insides. The lint filter is located inside a small plastic hatch with a latch.

There are also varieties of household appliances in which the hatch or decorative panel is located at the bottom of the case. The filter plug will then be hidden behind this hatch or panel, making these models very similar to standard front-loading washing machines.

Regardless of where the debris filter is installed, it is important to clean it properly. Proper cleaning of the drain pump filter should be carried out according to the instructions.

• First of all, turn off the power to the SM and disconnect it from all communications in the house.
• Place a basin or any other deep container under the device body, and cover the floor with rags or towels.
• Now you can open the hatch or decorative panel.
• Remove the debris filter.
• Rinse it thoroughly under a powerful stream of hot water.
• Additionally, you can clean the seat from contaminants that have accumulated during the time without cleaning the filter.
• Reinstall the element.

It is very important after cleaning to check that the part is installed correctly. To do this, you should conduct a test work cycle, which will show whether the machine begins to leak during operation. During the test, do not move too far from the washing machine so that in case of an emergency you have time to eliminate the consequences.

What happens if you don't touch the filter?

Thorough cleaning of the drain pump filter takes no more than ten minutes, but many housewives still prefer not to do this to save time. What happens to the machine if the filter remains clogged for a long time?

• An extremely unpleasant odor may begin to emanate from your “house help” and freshly washed clothes. The fact is that debris and dirt in the filter are an ideal environment for the formation of harmful microorganisms.

The more dirt there is in the filter, the stronger and smellier the smell will be.

• The waste liquid will begin to flow poorly into the sewer system after the operating cycle. At some point, the filter may become clogged to such an extent that water simply stops flowing from the tank.
• If the filter becomes completely clogged, the washing machine pump will pump out the liquid with enormous effort. Due to increased load, the pump may burn out, and then it will have to be replaced with a new one.

Therefore, you should not be lazy and clean the filter at least once every few months, because this will extend the service life of the SM, and will also help to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Filter washing frequency

For high-quality work, the garbage filter must always be clean.Check it regularly and clean it if necessary, if you do not want the water to begin to flow out of the tank with difficulty, and then stop doing so altogether due to the failure of the drain pump.

Experts advise cleaning the filter element at least once every few months. This period may vary, because it directly depends on how often you wash dirty clothes and what materials you wear. It is also worth noting that if there are pets in the house, then due to pet hair, the drain filter becomes clogged much faster, since the hairs always settle on the owners’ clothes, end up in the drum of the washing machine, and then on its key components. In such a situation, it is worth cleaning the garbage filter at least once a month.

If you have pets, it is very important to always remove hair from clothing before washing it in the machine.

To prevent clogging of the drain filter, you can shake things out a little before loading them into the drum. It is better to soak seriously soiled clothes in a basin first, and only then clean them in the washing machine. Finally, do not forget to remove small items from your pockets before washing, because keys, coins, paper clips, etc. can damage the machine if they get into the tank or garbage filter.

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