Without this filter, those items would jam the delicate drain pump impeller, burning out the motor and leading to a repair bill that could cost as much as a new machine.

A washing machine filter, also known as a debris filter or lint filter, is a crucial component designed to catch lint, coins, buttons, and other small objects that can damage the machine or clog the drain pump. The filter is usually located at the bottom of the washing machine, behind a small panel or at the end of the drain hose.

When a filter is blocked, the drainage hose leading to the pump is often full of stagnant water. The moment you unscrew the filter cap, gravity takes over. If you haven't prepared, you will flood your kitchen or laundry room with up to a gallon of dirty, smelly, gray water.

Located behind a small kick-panel access door (usually on the bottom right or left of the machine), the filter protects the drain pump. Its job is to catch foreign objects that don't dissolve in water, including:

Slowly turn the filter cap counter-clockwise. Water will start to leak out—this is normal. Once the water stops flowing, unscrew it completely and pull the filter assembly out. Step 4: Remove Debris

A blocked filter can occur due to various reasons, including: