How to clean a washing machine filter

In short

Unplug the machine, put towels and a shallow tray down, and open the small flap at the bottom front. Drain the water slowly through the emergency hose or by easing the filter cap, then unscrew the filter, clear fluff, coins and hair grips, check the pump blade turns, and screw it back in tightly.

How often

Whenever the machine drains slowly or shows a drain code, and as your manual recommends. Bosch says a clogged filter can cause vibration and noise, longer cycles, random stops and wet laundry.

Step by step

Stop and call an engineer instead if:
  • Water is leaking from inside the appliance or is near the plug or socket. Don’t touch the plug with wet hands or while standing in water. Switch off at the consumer unit instead.
  • The next step would mean removing a cover or panel, or working on the pump, valves, heater, motor, door lock or wiring. That is a job for a qualified engineer.
  • The code or problem comes back after you’ve done the safe checks on this page.

Clean the drain pump filter Take care

Before you start
  • Switch off and unplug the appliance at the wall socket before you touch hoses, filters or the back of the machine. Make sure your hands and the plug area are dry.
  • Water inside can be hot after a hot wash. Wait for it to cool before opening a filter.
  • Expect water to come out. Put towels and a shallow tray or baking dish down first.
  • Never force a locked door, a stuck filter cap or a seized part. Forcing it usually causes more damage.
Where the drain pump filter usually is Filter flap bottom front, one side Shallow tray + towels drain slowly, a bit at a time Filter cap turn anticlockwise slowly Some models have a small emergency drain hose here too
Where the drain pump filter usually is. Positions vary by model — check your manual.
  1. Find the small flap at the bottom front of the machine. Your manual shows the exact location and whether there is a small emergency drain hose.
  2. With towels and a tray in place, release the water slowly, using the emergency hose if there is one, or by turning the filter cap a little at a time. Expect more water than you think, and empty the tray as often as you need to.
  3. When the water has stopped, unscrew the filter fully and remove fluff, coins, hair grips and other debris. Rinse it under the tap.
  4. Look into the opening to check the pump blade can turn freely. If you can see it, manufacturers suggest turning it gently with a pencil, never with your fingers.
  5. Refit the filter firmly in its locked position and close the flap. Check for drips the next time the machine runs.

Don’t reach in with fingers past the filter opening.

Don’t open the filter while the machine is running or the water is hot.

Problems this helps with

Questions people ask

Where is the filter on my washing machine?

On most front loaders it is behind a small flap at the bottom front, usually on one side. Some models have no user-accessible filter. Your manual shows where yours is.

How much water will come out?

More than you expect, especially if the machine stopped with water in the drum. Use a shallow tray and towels, and drain a little at a time.

Sources

Last checked against these sources: .

We write every page in our own words from manufacturer guidance and check it against the sources above. If your manual says something different, follow your manual. How we check.