Cleaning tips: Shock washing machine find prompting hundreds to check forgotten part

By Rachael Gavin| 3 days ago

One woman has reminded hundreds of the need to clean washing machine lint filters, after finding them bursting with a grimy black mess.

She shared photos of the gunk built-up in her filters on the Facebook page Mums Who Clean, along with an image of the gadget after it had finally been cleaned.

"Just your casual reminder that no matter how busy you are, you're never too busy to clean your filters," she captioned the post alongside several emojis that included the face melting, laughing tears and shocked face.

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To get the filters clean again, she used dishwashing liquid "and then blasted them outside with the hose on high pressure".

However, running them under the tap and scrubbing with a toothbrush also works.

Other cleaning methods suggested in response to the Facebook post include putting them in the dishwasher, soaking them in a bucket of water and laundry power and using a toothpick to get into the crevices.

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Some members of the Facebook group said they clean them as frequently as weekly or fortnightly, while some do them after every wash.

"I have the same and I check/empty them after every load. Then once a fortnight I scrub them over with a toothbrush and dishwashing liquid to prevent the build up in the mesh sections as the mesh holes are so tiny," one commented.

"I have the same machine and filters… I was slack at first… Then when I saw this on mine earlier this year, I gagged! It's now done weekly when I mop my floors, as the texture and smell ruined me," another said.

The woman who made the Facebook post explained in the comments why the filters had become so dirty.

"I was unaware what they were as this is [mother-in-law's] machine (currently living with her haha) I've got three kids and I've been almost daily washing, her poor machine is getting a huge workout," she said.

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These particular filters are from an LG washing machine and located on the inside edges of the drum.

Those with a front loader tend to have a trap filter at the front of the machine, which also needs cleaning occasionally.

You're not alone if this is the first you've ever heard of a washing machine filter, as several in the Mums Who Clean group were stunned by the revelation.

"OMG, I just googled my machine to see if I had any, and discovered this," one said alongside an image of a dirty filter in her model of washing machine.

"I've never cleaned a washing machine filter ever. Never seen one," another said.

"Only did mine for the first time this year... gag worthy smell," a woman wrote.

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From personal experience with the same washing machine lint filters, I find it best to check them after every wash.

This is because they can fill up quickly, especially with a full load of towels, and even if they're not full I'd like them to be empty to catch whatever they can from the next wash.

These filters also collect bits of tissue or receipts that have accidentally been left in pockets or reusable shopping bags (they need washing occasionally too), and even bits of dirt and food that may have ended up on a tea towel or cloth.

To remove the lint, I simply take it out with my fingers and pull out the grey section from the blue cover to get any fibres that are stuck underneath. I also lift up the edges of the frame on the cover to get any bits stuck there.

If the lint doesn't come off by hand I'll give it a brief rinse in cold water, and a light scrub with a toothbrush.

Every now and then I do a deeper clean with vinegar or dish soap.

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Once the lint has been removed I leave it to sit on the laundry sink or bench next to the machine to dry out before going into the bin. This is because it has a terrible smell if it stays wet, so if you're not taking out rubbish daily then let the lint dry out first.

In addition to removing lint after every wash, I also sit the emptied lint filters on the bench to dry out between washes, as I do with the detergent dispenser drawer and the machine itself by leaving the lid open to prevent mould and bad odours.

Cleaning the lint filter regularly will ensure your clothes and washing machine smell fresh, prevent mould and mildew and helps the machine works efficiently and effectively by removing the lint that could otherwise remain on your clothes, sheets and towels.

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