How to Clean Lint From Washing Machine

Lint buildup in washing machines can affect performance, efficiency, and fabric care. Regular maintenance helps keep clothes soft, loads balanced, and energy use down. This guide covers practical steps to remove lint and keep your washer running clean.

Readers will find a concise quick overview, a complete list of tools, a safe prep plan, step-by-step instructions, and troubleshooting tips to avoid common issues. The focus stays on practical, American-use cases and compatible products.

Quick Answer

Remove lint filters or screens, use a drum brush or cloth for interior surfaces, clean hoses if needed, run a hot wash with vinegar or washing machine cleaner, and finish with a monthly maintenance cycle. This routine helps prevent fiber buildup and keeps the drum and inlet screens clear.

What You’ll Need

Washing machine lint filter screen replacement
Inline lint filter for washing machine
Washing machine drum cleaning brush

	KOME Washer Lint Catcher, Lint Traps For Washing Machine, Lint Removal, Floating Hair Filter, Replacement Parts Built-in Filter, For Black Decker/Comfee Washer（Confirm size before buying.）
	24 Pieces Lint Traps Washing Machine Stainless Steel Lint Snare Traps Laundry Mesh Washer Hose Filter with 24 Pcs Cable Ties
	Palksky Washing Machine Cleaning Brush Set, Front Load Washer Machine Cleaner Accessories with 1PCS Drum Slot Cleaner Brushes and 5PCS Crevice Cleaning Brush for Washer Rubber Seal

Before You Start

Unplug the machine and turn off the water supply before beginning any interior cleaning. Check the manual for model-specific guidance and safety cautions. Prepare a clean workspace and have towels ready for spills. Typical time for a standard cleaning session is 20–40 minutes, with longer cycles if you include hoses or filter replacement. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage seals and always dry surfaces thoroughly after cleaning.

Step-By-Step: How To Clean Lint From Washing Machine

Remove the lint screen or filter from the door or rear panel and inspect it for clogs.
Rinse the screen under warm water; use a soft brush to dislodge fibers.
Reinstall the screen and run a short cycle to confirm proper seating.
Open the access panel to inspect the drum edges for lint buildup and wipe with a damp cloth.
Wipe around the door seal (gasket) and the inside lip to remove trapped lint.
For internal buildup, run an empty hot wash with a cup of white vinegar or a dedicated drum cleaner.
If your model has an inline lint filter, remove and rinse it according to instructions, then reinstall securely.
Clean the inlet screens by turning off water, detaching hoses, and brushing the screens with a small brush.
Check the drain pump filter if your machine has one; remove any debris with a towel and tweezers.
Wipe the drum with a dry microfiber cloth after the cycle to prevent new lint from sticking.
Run a second hot cycle with an empty drum to ensure all residues are flushed out.
Schedule monthly lint maintenance to reduce buildup and keep efficiency high.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Likely Cause	Fix	Prevention
Laundry still coming out linty	Loaner lint from previous wash or clogged filter	Clean filter and drum; run empty hot cycle	Clean screens monthly
Lint on clothes after wash	Gasket or drum buildup	Wipe gasket, run cleaner cycle	Perform regular drum cleanings
Drum shows visible lint after cycles	Inline filter not seated properly	Re-seat or replace inline filter	Verify filter alignment
Unusual odors with lint buildup	Stagnant lint in hoses	Clean hoses and drain pump filter	Keep hoses clear and dry after use

Common Mistakes

Forgetting to unplug the washer before maintenance
Using abrasive brushes that scratch the drum or gasket
Neglecting to clean the inlet hoses and screens
Rushing the rinse cycles and skipping the cleaner step

Tip: Consistent, gentle cleaning prevents stubborn lint buildup and extends the life of seals and hoses.

Tips For Best Results

Use a drum cleaning cycle monthly or every few months depending on usage.
Maintain a lint-removal routine alongside regular detergent and softener scheduling.
Replace worn lint filters promptly to maintain airflow and filtration efficiency.
Place the machine in a ventilated area to minimize humidity and mold growth around lint-prone parts.

Call A Professional

Seek a pro if you notice persistent odor, leaks, unusual alarms, or electrical concerns that arise during maintenance. If the drum cannot be rotated freely, or the inlet and drain lines show signs of damage, a licensed technician should inspect the unit.

FAQ

How often should I clean the lint filter?

Check and clean the lint filter monthly or after every few loads if you notice buildup.

Can I use any cleaner for drum cleaning?

Use manufacturer-approved drum cleaners or a mild white vinegar rinse for most machines.

What if lint still appears after cleaning?

Inspect the inline lint filter and inlet screens; consider a professional inspection if the issue persists.

Is it safe to use a stiff brush on the drum?

Avoid harsh brushes; use a soft brush to prevent scratching the drum surface.

Buying Guide

When choosing replacement parts and tools for lint removal, consider size compatibility with your washer model, the filtering capacity of inline lint filters, and the ease of installation. Look for durable materials, straightforward maintenance, and clear instructions. Noise level and energy efficiency are less about the lint itself but are important when selecting a replacement filter or brush. Consider whether you prefer a combined kit or individual components to match your current setup, and verify compatibility with front-load versus top-load configurations. Evaluating these factors helps ensure the best performance and longevity for your washing machine.