How to clean ge top load washer filter

Q: Where is the filter pump on a GE top load washer?

If theres a small oblong panel on the lower front corner, your washer has an accessible pump filter. If not, youll have to remove the large lower inspection panel to access the pump.

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Does GE top load washer have a filter?
Do top loading washing machines have filters to clean?
Where is the filter pump on a GE top load washer?

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Problems with your washing machine can be infuriating, especially when your clothes are soaking wet after the final spin. Luckily, checking and cleaning your washing machine filter is a quick and easy process. By locating and removing your filter, cleaning it, and taking steps to prolong your filter’s life, you can save yourself hundreds of dollars in repairs. Washing machine filters should be cleaned every 3-4 months.

1
Turn off and unplug your washing machine. Before trying to locate and remove your filter, it is important that your machine is disabled. Start by turning all of the buttons to a neutral position or hit the ‘off’ button, if your machine has one. Switch the power off from the wall socket and unplug your washer.[1]
- Make sure that you leave the plug in a safe location where it cannot get wet during the cleaning process.
- You should also put down old towels in front of your washer to soak up any possible water build up that may come free once the filter is removed.
2
Find your washing machine filter. For front-loading machines, the filter will be in the bottom right corner on the outside of the washer. If you have an older top-loading washer, your filter will also be in the bottom right-hand corner of the machine. However, most top-loading washers, such as Siemens, have self-cleaning filters located underneath the agitator.[2]
- The agitator is the device located directly in the center of the machine that rotates back and forth during the wash cycle.
- Self-cleaning filters still need to be cleaned every 3 to 4 months.
- If the filter is located in the bottom right-hand corner of the machine it will have a rectangular or circular cover over it.
- If you are unable to locate your filter, consult the owner’s manual.
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3
Remove the cover of your filter. Most covers can be removed by pulling it away from the machine. However, some washers come with childproof covers, which can be harder to remove. To remove these covers, use a thin object, such as a screwdriver, to pry the cover off. Once you can grab the cover, turn it counter-clockwise until you can remove it completely.[3]
- If your filter is located underneath the agitator, remove the agitator first. Take the cap off of the agitator and put your hand inside the shaft until you feel a wing-nut screw. Twist the screw counter-clockwise until it is removed and you can lift the agitator out of the machine. After you have removed the agitator, lift the filter cover out of position.[4]
4

Take out your filter. Once you have removed the cap to the filter, it will easily pull out of place. If it gets stuck, try to manipulate it by moving it around as much as you can. This should loosen up any lint or detergent that may be causing it to stick.[5]
- As you remove your filter, you should see a layer of wet lint mixed with detergent.
- In some washers, the draining hose will be located directly in front of the filter. If the drain hose blocks the filter from coming out, remove it and then pull out the filter.

1
Use a paper towel to remove any lint from the filter. Residue on the filter is caused by a build up of excess detergent mixed with lint. To remove it, use a clean paper towel to wipe the screen.[6]
- If the layer of lint is on the thicker side, you can use a small brush, such as an old toothbrush, to remove the debris.
2
Remove the screen from the filter and soak it in hot water for 10 minutes. If you can remove the lint screen, take it off and place it in a bowl of hot tap water. Allowing it to soak will remove any lingering lint, fabric softener, or detergent that couldn’t be cleared with the paper towel.[7]
- If you cannot remove the screen from the filter, hold the filter under hot running water until all of the residue is removed.[8]
3
Inspect the inside of the machine for excess lint. Before replacing the filter check the inside of the machine for any loose lint. If there is lint in the drum of the washer use a paper towel to remove it or scrub it with a wet sponge.[9]
- If the filter was in the bottom right-hand corner of the machine, inspect and remove any lint from the drainage hose. The hose will be located either in front of where you removed the filter or directly next to it.
4
Replace the filter and the outer cover. Once you are certain your filter is free from all residue, go ahead and put it back in the machine. If you removed the drainage hose, make sure to put it back before securing the cover.[10]
- If the filter was under the agitator, begin by placing the filter back in its spot and secure the cap. Place the agitator back over the filter and secure the wing-nut and the cap of the agitator.
5
Run your empty washer to test for leaks. Before resuming your regular washes, check to make sure that you have placed the filter and cover back on correctly by running it through a small cycle. Keep your washer empty while you run the cycle. If your washer is leaking, the filter is not on correctly.[11]
- If you had to remove the draining hose, check that it is properly secured, as the leak could also be coming from there.

1
Clean your filter at least 4 times a year. It is recommended that you clean your filter every 4 months. The filter will collect hair, coins, and tissues, so it is important to it clean regularly. Even if you don’t have time to do a thorough clean every few weeks, it’s not a bad idea to check your filter for any possible build up.[12]
- Cleaning your filter regularly will also prolong the life of your washing machine.
- A dirty filter can also cause your washing machine to start smelling.[13]
2
Identify problems right when they occur. Don’t wait until your washer decides to stop working mid-cycle to figure out what’s wrong with it. There are many signs you may be missing that indicate the filter needs to be cleaned.[14]
- If you notice excessive vibrations, wet clothes after the final spin, or problems with the water draining, the filter may be clogged and you should check it right away.
3
Wipe the door seal out after every use. If you neglect the door seal, even if you clean your filter regularly, anything stuck in the seal may get trapped in your filter during the next wash. Depending on how long it has been since you last cleaned the seal, the residue can clog your filter making it harder to clean and potentially reduce the life of your filter. Use a rag to wipe the exposed area of the seal.[15]
- The door seal is a rubber piece that is located right inside the washer door. It is the part that keeps water from escaping when the washer is full.

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Whether you have a semi-automatic or automatic washing machine, you should ensure that the filter is cleaned at regular intervals.
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Article SummaryX

Before cleaning the filter on your washing machine, power the machine down and unplug it. Lay some old towels down on the floor in front of the machine in case any water leaks out when you remove the filter. If you have a front-loading or older top-loading washer, the filter is usually located in the lower right corner of the machine. However, many newer top-loading models have a filter inside the machine, underneath the agitator. Once you locate the filter, take the cover off. You may need to pry it off with a screwdriver. Then, grab the handle on the filter and pull it out. Wipe any excess lint and residue off the filter with a paper towel, then remove the screen from the filter and soak it in hot water for 10 minutes. Look inside the washing machine for any loose lint and wipe it out before sliding the filter back into place and replacing the cover. Run the washing machine on a regular cycle without any laundry in it and check for leaks to make sure that you put the filter back in correctly. To learn how to prolong the life of your filter, keep reading!

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Reader Success Stories

Vicky Hendrick
Aug 15, 2021
"These random tips were so interesting! Makes me want to get all my books out and reread up on all my appliances."

Did this article help you?

Does GE top load washer have a filter?

There are 2 crescent-shaped Fine Mesh plastic lint filters in the bottom of the wash basket under the agitator. Water flows through the filters from the bottom of the tub, accumulating any lint on the bottom of the filter screens.

Do top loading washing machines have filters to clean?

“Top loaders tend to have filters on the valves,” said Amber Peabody, Service Manager at Dunnett Inc. The valve filters sift the water going in and out of the pump and hoses. If you do happen to have a removable filter, consult your owner's manual on how to properly remove it.

Where is the filter pump on a GE top load washer?

If there's a small oblong panel on the lower front corner, your washer has an accessible pump filter. If not, you'll have to remove the large lower inspection panel to access the pump.

clean ge top load washer filter