🧼 How to Clean Your Washing Machine Filter – Saki Corporation

Summary:
Cleaning the filter of your washing machine helps maintain good performance, reduces lint on your clothes, prevents odors, and avoids drainage issues. This guide walks you through how to locate, remove, clean, and reinstall the filter, including maintenance tips specific to Japanese-style machines.

🔍 1. Why Cleaning the Filter Is Important

A clogged lint filter can lead to excess lint or debris on clothes, as lint doesn’t get caught properly. Japan Guide+1
Build-up of debris can also lead to odor or mold growth inside the machine. regex.info
Proper maintenance helps prevent drainage or spinning issues — many Japanese guides emphasize the importance of the lint filter in everyday maintenance. Japan Switch+1

🧾 2. Step-by-Step: Cleaning the Filter

Step 1: Turn Off & Prepare

Power off the machine and unplug it (or switch off the circuit) to be safe.
Remove any laundry from inside.
If water may drip during removal, place a towel or small bucket underneath.

Step 2: Locate & Remove the Filter

Open the lid or door and look for the lint filter (Japanese term: 糸くずフィルター / くず取りネット).
Typical locations: front edge of the drum, side panel, or under a small lid/drop cover.
Gently pull out the filter or net.

Step 3: Clean the Filter

Remove large lint clumps by hand or with a soft brush.
Rinse under lukewarm water; if there’s visible build-up of residue or mildew, soak briefly.
Do not use overly harsh chemicals unless manufacturer allows — some sources warn against vinegar misuse for machine cleaning. Tom's Guide
After cleaning, make sure the filter is completely dry before reinstalling to avoid mold.

Step 4: Clean Around the Filter Housing

With the filter removed, wipe the surrounding area inside the drum or housing to remove trapped lint or residue.
Check for any signs of mold, odor, or heavy dirt.

Step 5: Reinstall the Filter & Test

Place the filter back securely.
Plug in the machine, run a short rinse or spin cycle without clothes to ensure everything is working.
Check after the cycle to ensure no unusual water pooling or drainage issues.

📅 3. Recommended Cleaning Frequency

If you do laundry daily, check the filter once a week.
For less frequent use, every 2–4 weeks is a good guideline.
If you notice lint all over clothes, strange odor, or slow drainage, clean the filter immediately even if earlier. Japan Guide

💡4. Tips & Additional Considerations

For front-loading machines, pay special attention to door seals and gaskets — mold may build up there. Reddit
If the filter is torn or very worn out (especially net-type filters), consider replacing it.
Use a laundry net (洗濯ネット) for items that shed or might produce a lot of lint (e.g., towels, futons) — reduces filter debris.
Avoid overloading the machine, as excess load increases lint release and puts more burden on the filter.
If you use a machine with hot soak or built-in cleaning programs, run a filter check right afterward.

📞 5. When to Contact Maintenance

If cleaning the filter does not resolve issues like:

Machine not draining
Clothes still covered in lint after wash
Persistent bad smell
Error codes or blinking lights

Please submit a maintenance request.