Before cleaning the filter on your washing machine, turn the machine off and unplug it. Lay some old towels on the floor in front of the machine in case water leaks out when you remove the filter. If you have a front-loading or older top-loading washer, the filter is usually located in the lower-right corner of the machine. However, many newer top-loading models have a filter inside the machine, below the agitator. Once you locate the filter, remove the cover. You may need to pry it off with a screwdriver. Then, grab the handle of the filter and pull it out. Wipe off any excess lint and residue with a paper towel, then remove the screen from the filter and soak it in warm water for 10 minutes. Look inside the washing machine for any loose lint and wipe it out before sliding the filter back into place and replacing the cover. Run the washing machine on a regular cycle with no laundry and check for leaks to make sure you put the filter back in correctly. Keep reading to learn how to extend the life of your filters!