Washers and dryers need different care. A top-load or front-load washer does not necessarily have a lint screen you can remove.
Why it matters: Residue can smell; trapped dryer lint can burn. Slow drying can mean a blocked exhaust.
Written guidance reviewed: September 17, 2026 · Sources and equipment assumptions are below.
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Understand the job before starting
The manual identifies which parts are meant for user cleaning.
A common mistake to avoid
Removing an unfamiliar panel is different from cleaning an accessible filter.
Words used in this guide
Rent
The amount paid to use someone else’s property for an agreed time. Read the example
Use what you already have. Check each item when it is ready.
Before you begin
Unplug before approved cleaning. Do not open service panels, move a gas dryer, disconnect gas, or reach into energized equipment. Dryer exhaust repairs belong to maintenance.
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Do it with me
Your step position saves on this browser. Use the picture when available, then check the written result.
STEP 1 OF 5
Find the correct filters
Start here: Locate the correct filters.
Example: Locate the correct filters. Follow the written step.
Read-aloud is available in supported browsers; the written steps always remain available.
Find the dryer lint screen and clean it before/after each load as directed.
A washer may have a drain pump filter, an agitator filter, or no user-serviceable filter.
A front washer’s small lower door is not permission to unscrew a wet pump filter without its draining instructions.
Before moving to the next step
Check this specific result: I identified the user-serviceable parts for both machines.
If that result is not true yet, leave the box unchecked. Write what is missing in your notes; use the official instructions below when the equipment or situation differs.
STEP 1 OF 5
Find the correct filters
Start here: Locate the correct filters.
Example: Locate the correct filters. Follow the written step.
Find the dryer lint screen and clean it before/after each load as directed.
A washer may have a drain pump filter, an agitator filter, or no user-serviceable filter.
A front washer’s small lower door is not permission to unscrew a wet pump filter without its draining instructions.
Before moving to the next step
Check this specific result: I identified the user-serviceable parts for both machines.
If that result is not true yet, leave the box unchecked. Write what is missing in your notes; use the official instructions below when the equipment or situation differs.
STEP 2 OF 5
Wipe the washer’s accessible parts
Start here: Wipe the washer’s accessible parts
Illustration: Clean reachable washer surfaces. Read the steps for your exact task.
With it off, remove loose items.
Wipe the door, gasket folds, and dispenser according to the manual.
Do not peel off the gasket.
A top loader may need its tub rim and approved removable dispenser cleaned.
Keep hands away from sharp hidden objects.
Before moving to the next step
Check this specific result: The accessible gasket, rim, and dispenser are clean.
If that result is not true yet, leave the box unchecked. Write what is missing in your notes; use the official instructions below when the equipment or situation differs.
STEP 3 OF 5
Run the specified empty clean cycle
Start here: Run the manual cleaning cycle.
Example: Run the manual cleaning cycle. Follow the written step.
Use the machine’s cleaning cycle and the correct dose of a compatible product, such as affresh if your maker permits it.
No clothes go in this cycle.
Never combine bleach with a cleaning tablet, vinegar, or another cleaner.
Before moving to the next step
Check this specific result: I ran one approved cleaning method in an empty washer.
If that result is not true yet, leave the box unchecked. Write what is missing in your notes; use the official instructions below when the equipment or situation differs.
STEP 4 OF 5
Clean the dryer without adding chemicals
Start here: Clean as the maker directs.
Example: Clean as the maker directs. Follow the written step.
Unplug, let it cool, and wipe the drum with the manual-approved damp cloth; dry it.
Clean the lint screen as directed if residue blocks the mesh, and reinstall it dry.
Do not put cleaning tablets, dryer cleaner liquids, or flammable sprays into the dryer.
Before moving to the next step
Check this specific result: The lint screen and accessible dryer surfaces are clean and dry.
If that result is not true yet, leave the box unchecked. Write what is missing in your notes; use the official instructions below when the equipment or situation differs.
STEP 5 OF 5
Check airflow and keep a schedule
Start here: Keep airflow clear.
Example: Keep airflow clear. Follow the written step.
From safe ground level, look for blockage at the outside exhaust hood while operating only if the manual allows.
Long drying, heat, or burning odor needs service.
Have exhaust ducting inspected/cleaned as needed.
Leave a washer door ajar only if safe for children/pets and allowed by the manual.
Before moving to the next step
Check this specific result: I noted the next check and reported any airflow problem.
If that result is not true yet, leave the box unchecked. Write what is missing in your notes; use the official instructions below when the equipment or situation differs.
Pictures for this guide
Picture 1 of 5 · Find the correct filters
Find the correct filters: Find filters in your manual. A washer is not a dryer.
For: Find the correct filters
Illustrations show examples of the actions above. Follow your equipment’s instructions.
Notes about these pictures
Find the dryer lint screen and clean it before/after each load as directed. A washer may have a drain pump filter, an agitator filter, or no user-serviceable filter. A front washer’s small lower door is not permission to unscrew a wet pump filter without its draining instructions.
Unplug before approved cleaning. Do not open service panels, move a gas dryer, disconnect gas, or reach into energized equipment. Dryer exhaust repairs belong to maintenance.
Was this step clear?
Flag “Find the correct filters” for review. We save the guide and step identifiers with your account to limit duplicates, not your private notes.
What to look for: This is the washer-cleaning portion of the task, linked by Whirlpool support. Check your model’s clean cycle and approved cleaner; use the written guide for dryer lint care.
Link details checked 2026-10-03. Video availability and equipment menus can change.
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How to use the video with this guide
Read “Before you begin” first. Watch the relevant part, pause, then return to the written step and its completion check. Use captions and playback speed if they help. A demonstration may cover only part of the task or show different equipment.
Your model’s instructions and current official guidance take priority. For urgent problems, follow the stop instructions without waiting to watch a video.
For this guide, the final result is: I noted the next check and reported any airflow problem.
A concrete way to approach this task
Find the appliance model and identify which filters or user-accessible areas its instructions tell you to clean.
What if I cannot complete a step?
If an area is not meant to be accessed by the user, stop. Record the problem and use the service guidance for that model.
Identify the exact step: “Find the correct filters.” Record what you tried, what happened, and which item or model you used. Ask for help with that specific problem rather than repeating an unsafe or unsuccessful action.
Unplug before approved cleaning. Do not open service panels, move a gas dryer, disconnect gas, or reach into energized equipment. Dryer exhaust repairs belong to maintenance.
Connect this skill to everyday life
Write down the total move-in cash and monthly costs before applying. Ask which charges are required and which are optional.
Advertised rent is not necessarily the whole monthly cost. A refundable deposit still needs cash now. An application does not mean you have a signed lease.
