You’ve heard you’re supposed to clean the washing machine filter—but you’re standing in front of the washer and you have no idea where it is.

Here’s the short version: it depends on your machine. Not every washer has a filter you can reach, and where it is varies by brand and type. Maytag’s guide is clear: front-loaders often have a drain pump filter at the bottom front, behind a small hatch or panel; many top-loaders made after about 2001 don’t have a user-serviceable filter at all. So the first step is always: check your owner’s manual for your exact model. Below is a map of where to look and how to clean the filter when you find it—so you can keep the drain clear and avoid the odor and buildup that come from neglected maintenance.

Front view of a modern front-load washing machine, calm laundry aesthetic

What the washing machine filter does

  • Drain pump filter (common on front-loaders): A small screen or cage that sits in front of the drain pump. It catches lint, hair, coins, and debris so they don’t clog the pump or drain hose. When it’s full, the washer may drain slowly, leak, or show an error. Cleaning it regularly helps the machine drain properly and can reduce odor and residue buildup in the plumbing.
  • Lint trap / agitator filter (some top-loaders): On older or select top-load washers, a lint screen may live inside the center agitator or along the top rim of the drum. Not all top-loaders have one; many newer models use a more powerful pump and larger drain holes instead, so there’s no user-accessible filter. Your manual will say whether your model has one and where it is.

Bottom line: If your manual says your machine has a filter, it’s worth finding and cleaning it. If it says there isn’t one, you’re not missing something—focus on gasket, drawer, and tub cleaning instead.

Where to look: front-load washers

  • Typical spot: The drain pump filter on front-loaders is usually at the bottom front of the machine—often in a corner (left or right). Look for a small access panel or hatch that may be a separate door or part of a kick panel. Maytag and Whirlpool both note: front-load washer filters are often near the drain pump at the bottom; exact location varies by make and model, and not all front-loaders have an accessible filter—so your manual is the final word.
  • What you might see: A rectangular or round cover, sometimes with a small drain hose or symbol. Opening it may require a coin, flat screwdriver, or gentle prying per the manual. Before you open: unplug the washer and put a shallow tray or towel under the filter—water will come out when you loosen it.

Small access panel at bottom front of washer, where drain filter often lives

Where to look: top-load washers

  • Many newer top-loaders (post–2001): A lot of top-load washers don’t have a removable drain filter. They rely on a stronger pump and larger drain openings. Maytag states that most top-load washers made after 2001 don’t have a filter in the drainage system. If your manual doesn’t mention a filter, you’re not supposed to find one—stick to cleaning the drum, agitator, and dispensers as recommended.
  • Older or select models: If your model does have one, it’s often under the agitator (remove the agitator cap or agitator itself per the manual) or as a screen around the top rim of the drum. Some brands offer a “pet hair” or lint filter in the agitator that twists out for cleaning. Check your use-and-care guide for your specific model.

How to clean the filter (when you have one)

  • Safety first: Unplug the washer (or turn off the circuit) so the machine can’t start. Place a shallow container and a towel under the filter area—water will drain when you open it.
  • Drain before removing: On front-loaders, there’s often a small drain hose behind or near the filter panel; you may need to release it from a clip and drain into the container. That reduces how much water spills when you unscrew the filter. Follow your manual’s steps.
  • Remove the filter: Usually it unscrews counterclockwise. Turn slowly; more water may come out. If it’s very tight, the manual may suggest using a towel or filter tool. Don’t force it—check the manual.
  • Rinse and reinstall: Rinse the filter under warm water to remove lint and debris. Wipe the filter housing with a cloth to clear buildup, then screw the filter back in clockwise until snug. Close the panel and you’re done.

Cleaning the filter is one part of keeping the washer from smelling—along with wiping the gasket, cleaning the detergent drawer, and running a tub-clean cycle when your model has one.

How often to clean it

  • Follow the manual. Many brands suggest about once a month for the drain pump filter; others say every few months or when you notice slow draining or an error. If you wash a lot of linty or hairy loads (e.g. pet bedding, towels), musty towels or slow drains might mean you need to clean the filter and reduce detergent buildup more often.

Quick FAQ

“I don’t see a panel. Do I have a filter?”

Not every washer has one you can access. Check your owner’s manual or use-and-care guide (often available as a PDF on the manufacturer’s support site). If it doesn’t mention a filter, your model may not have a user-serviceable one—focus on gasket, drawer, and tub care instead.

“Water gushed out when I opened the filter. Is that normal?”

Yes. The filter sits in the drain path, so there’s often water trapped behind it. That’s why you unplug the machine and put a bowl and towel under it before opening. If a lot of water came out, you’ve just cleared that trapped water—good for the machine.

“My washer is slow to drain or shows an error. Could it be the filter?”

It can be. A clogged drain pump filter is a common cause of slow draining or drain-related error codes. Clean the filter first (per your manual); if the problem continues, check the drain hose for kinks or blockages, and refer to the manual or a qualified technician.

“Does cleaning the filter help with smell?”

It can. Lint and debris in the filter can hold moisture and residue and contribute to washer odor. Cleaning the filter, plus wiping the gasket, cleaning the detergent drawer, and using the right amount of detergent, all help keep the machine fresher.

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