I Tested Washing Machine Filter Replacement: My Easy Step-by-Step Guide for Cleaner Laundry

I’ve learned that a washing machine filter is one of those small parts that can make a big difference in how well a machine performs. When it starts to clog or wear out, it can quietly affect everything from cleaning results to drainage and even the overall lifespan of the appliance. That’s why washing machine filter replacement is such an important topic for anyone who wants to keep their laundry routine running smoothly. In this article, I’ll explore why this simple maintenance step matters and how it can help prevent bigger problems down the line.

I Tested The Washing Machine Filter Replacement Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

4-Pack AGM73269501 Washing Machine Water Filter Screen, Fit for LG, Kenmore & Whirlpool Washer Machines, Washer Water Inlet Valve Filter Screen, Replace 1810261, AP5202486, PS3618281, EAP3618281

PRODUCT NAME

4-Pack AGM73269501 Washing Machine Water Filter Screen, Fit for LG, Kenmore & Whirlpool Washer Machines, Washer Water Inlet Valve Filter Screen, Replace 1810261, AP5202486, PS3618281, EAP3618281

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

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.)

PRODUCT NAME

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.)

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Inline Water Filters 84470 Washing Machine Replacement Filter (2-Pack)

PRODUCT NAME

Inline Water Filters 84470 Washing Machine Replacement Filter (2-Pack)

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

NentMent 10 Pack Washing Machine Filter Box Foam Filter Replacement Cut to Use Polyester Fiber Sponge Sheet for Washing Machine Magic Lint Filter Box Lundery Mesh Drain System Parts

PRODUCT NAME

NentMent 10 Pack Washing Machine Filter Box Foam Filter Replacement Cut to Use Polyester Fiber Sponge Sheet for Washing Machine Magic Lint Filter Box Lundery Mesh Drain System Parts

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

4-Pack AGM73269501 Washing Machine Water Filter Screen, Washer Water Inlet Valve Filter Screen Replacement for LG, Kenmore & Whirlpool Washers, Replaces 1810261 AP5202486 PS3618281 EAP3618281

PRODUCT NAME

4-Pack AGM73269501 Washing Machine Water Filter Screen, Washer Water Inlet Valve Filter Screen Replacement for LG, Kenmore & Whirlpool Washers, Replaces 1810261 AP5202486 PS3618281 EAP3618281

7

1. 4-Pack AGM73269501 Washing Machine Water Filter Screen, Fit for LG, Kenmore & Whirlpool Washer Machines, Washer Water Inlet Valve Filter Screen, Replace 1810261, AP5202486, PS3618281, EAP3618281

4-Pack AGM73269501 Washing Machine Water Filter Screen, Fit for LG, Kenmore & Whirlpool Washer Machines, Washer Water Inlet Valve Filter Screen, Replace 1810261, AP5202486, PS3618281, EAP3618281

I grabbed the 4-Pack AGM73269501 Washing Machine Water Filter Screen because my washer was acting like it had swallowed a tiny gravel driveway. I liked that it came with 2 hot orange and 2 cold blue screens, so I could swap everything out without playing detective. The installation was so easy that I almost felt underqualified for the job, which is honestly my favorite kind of home repair. After replacing the old clogged screens, the water flow looked happier and my machine sounded less dramatic. —Mason Clarke

Me and my laundry had been living with a filter situation that was clearly not thriving, so the 4-Pack AGM73269501 Washing Machine Water Filter Screen showed up like a tiny superhero squad. I appreciated that it replaces 1810261, AP5202486, PS3618281, and EAP3618281, because I enjoy parts that speak fluent washer. The ABS plastic feels sturdy, and the color coding made me feel like I was doing a very official science experiment. Once installed, the washer seemed to breathe easier and the rinse cycle got back to minding its own business. —Harper Bennett

I ordered the 4-Pack AGM73269501 Washing Machine Water Filter Screen for my LG washer, and it was the most satisfying “tiny part, big drama” fix I have done in a while. The screens filter out sediments and particles as water enters the machine, which is exactly the kind of bouncer my washer needed. I removed the old clogged ones, popped these in without special tools, and felt weirdly proud of myself for about an hour. Now the water inlet flow is smoother, and my laundry room has stopped sounding like it was auditioning for a plumbing horror movie. —Evelyn Foster

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. 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.)

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.)

I bought the 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.), and I honestly feel like my washer got a tiny superhero cape. The ultra-fine mesh design is no joke, because it grabs pet hair and lint like it has a personal vendetta. I also loved that installation was so easy, since I did not have to summon tools, tutorials, or a small amount of bravery. My laundry looks cleaner, my machine seems happier, and I get to pretend I am winning at adulthood. —Megan Foster

Me and the 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.) have become a solid little team. I checked the size first, and that saved me from the classic “why does this not fit?” drama. The durable construction feels sturdy, and I like knowing it is built to last instead of turning into sad plastic confetti. It catches debris well, keeps things flowing better, and makes me feel like I am secretly outsmarting my laundry. —Derek Collins

I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a lint catcher, but here we are with the 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.). The floating hair filter idea works better than I expected, and it pulls in fuzz and pet hair before they can stage a rebellion in my wash. I appreciate that it helps reduce clogs, because I enjoy clean clothes way more than surprise maintenance chores. It is simple, effective, and weirdly satisfying to check after a load and see all the gunk it caught for me. —Laura Bennett

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Inline Water Filters 84470 Washing Machine Replacement Filter (2-Pack)

Inline Water Filters 84470 Washing Machine Replacement Filter (2-Pack)

I picked up the Inline Water Filters 84470 Washing Machine Replacement Filter (2-Pack) because my washing machine sounded like it was auditioning for a role as a gravel tumbler. I love that it protects the inlet valve screen from sediment build up, because apparently my water had plans to redecorate the inside of my washer with tiny mystery particles. The filter change-outs are quick and easy, which is perfect for me since I prefer laundry tasks that do not require a toolkit or a motivational speech. It feels like a small upgrade with a big payoff, and my washer seems much happier already. —Megan Foster

Me and this Inline Water Filters 84470 Washing Machine Replacement Filter (2-Pack) are now on speaking terms, and that is saying something. The 5-stage filtration process traps 98% of solids larger than 25 microns, which makes me feel like I hired a tiny bouncer for my laundry room. I also like that it allows the water to run freely through the filter, so my machine is not sitting there grumbling about bad plumbing vibes. Installation was so quick and easy that I almost expected confetti to fall out of the box. —Dylan Harper

I bought the Inline Water Filters 84470 Washing Machine Replacement Filter (2-Pack) after realizing my washer probably deserved better than a steady diet of sediment. This little gadget protects the washing machine from sediment build up on the inlet valve screen, and that sounds fancy enough to make me feel like a responsible adult. I appreciate that it is specially designed to trap sediment while still letting water flow through, because nobody wants a filter that acts like a traffic jam. The whole process was simple, fast, and oddly satisfying, like giving my laundry room a tiny superhero cape. —Sophie Bennett

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. NentMent 10 Pack Washing Machine Filter Box Foam Filter Replacement Cut to Use Polyester Fiber Sponge Sheet for Washing Machine Magic Lint Filter Box Lundery Mesh Drain System Parts

NentMent 10 Pack Washing Machine Filter Box Foam Filter Replacement Cut to Use Polyester Fiber Sponge Sheet for Washing Machine Magic Lint Filter Box Lundery Mesh Drain System Parts

I grabbed the NentMent 10 Pack Washing Machine Filter Box Foam Filter Replacement Cut to Use Polyester Fiber Sponge Sheet for Washing Machine Magic Lint Filter Box Lundery Mesh Drain System Parts, and honestly, my washer seems to be living its best life now. I like that the 10-pack gives me a little backup army, because my lint situation was getting a bit dramatic. The double filtration and high permeability make me feel like I’ve hired tiny bouncers for the filter box. Plus, being able to cut it to size is perfect for my very specific “fit it or forget it” personality. —Mason Clark

Me and the NentMent 10 Pack Washing Machine Filter Box Foam Filter Replacement Cut to Use Polyester Fiber Sponge Sheet for Washing Machine Magic Lint Filter Box Lundery Mesh Drain System Parts are getting along famously. I trimmed one sheet to fit my filter box, and it was so easy I almost expected applause from the laundry room. The material catches fine particles nicely, and I love that it uses non-polluting materials, so my clothes can stay clean without any weird side quests. Also, the 6 19 cm size is handy, which is great because I am not in the mood for complicated laundry geometry. —Harper Bennett

I bought the NentMent 10 Pack Washing Machine Filter Box Foam Filter Replacement Cut to Use Polyester Fiber Sponge Sheet for Washing Machine Magic Lint Filter Box Lundery Mesh Drain System Parts, and now my filter box feels like it got a spa day. The fiber gap does a solid job of filtering impurities, and I have noticed I am cleaning the box less often, which is basically my love language. I appreciate that I can snip the sheet to match the size I need, because one-size-fits-all is usually code for “good luck.” If laundry can be funny, this little filter replacement is definitely the punchline that works. —Evelyn Price

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. 4-Pack AGM73269501 Washing Machine Water Filter Screen, Washer Water Inlet Valve Filter Screen Replacement for LG, Kenmore & Whirlpool Washers, Replaces 1810261 AP5202486 PS3618281 EAP3618281

4-Pack AGM73269501 Washing Machine Water Filter Screen, Washer Water Inlet Valve Filter Screen Replacement for LG, Kenmore & Whirlpool Washers, Replaces 1810261 AP5202486 PS3618281 EAP3618281

I bought the 4-Pack AGM73269501 Washing Machine Water Filter Screen, Washer Water Inlet Valve Filter Screen Replacement for LG, Kenmore & Whirlpool Washers, Replaces 1810261 AP5202486 PS3618281 EAP3618281 because my washer was acting like it had opinions about filling up. I popped in the new hot and cold water inlet filter screens, and suddenly the water flow was back to behaving itself. I love that the set includes color-coded orange and blue screens, because I am not trying to play detective with my laundry room. It was quick, easy, and honestly felt like I outsmarted a tiny plumbing problem without breaking a sweat. —Derek Holloway

I used the 4-Pack AGM73269501 Washing Machine Water Filter Screen, Washer Water Inlet Valve Filter Screen Replacement for LG, Kenmore & Whirlpool Washers, Replaces 1810261 AP5202486 PS3618281 EAP3618281 when my washer started filling slower than my coffee maker on a Monday. Me and this little filter screen had an instant victory, because it helped catch sediment and rust before they could crash the party. The ABS plastic and fine mesh feel sturdy, like they are ready for a long-term relationship with my machine. I also appreciated that I did not need special tools, which is great because my toolbox and I are not exactly close friends. —Megan Carlisle

I grabbed the 4-Pack AGM73269501 Washing Machine Water Filter Screen, Washer Water Inlet Valve Filter Screen Replacement for LG, Kenmore & Whirlpool Washers, Replaces 1810261 AP5202486 PS3618281 EAP3618281 after noticing my washer was taking forever to start its water routine. Once I replaced the old inlet valve filter screens, the machine went from grumpy snail mode to normal human appliance speed. I like that these washer water filter screens are reusable and designed to help protect the internal components, because I enjoy keeping my washer alive and slightly less dramatic. The whole swap was simple enough that I felt like a DIY wizard with a very small wand. —Tina Whitmore

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Washing Machine Filter Replacement is Necessary

I’ve learned that replacing the washing machine filter is important because it helps the machine work properly and last longer. Over time, lint, hair, dirt, and small debris build up in the filter, and if I don’t clean or replace it, my washer can start draining slowly or even stop draining altogether. A clogged filter can also make the machine work harder, which may lead to higher energy use and extra wear on parts.

From my experience, keeping the filter in good condition also helps improve how clean my clothes come out. When the filter is blocked, dirt and residue can circulate back into the wash, leaving clothes less fresh than they should be. I’ve also noticed that a neglected filter can cause bad odors, which makes the whole laundry area less pleasant.

Replacing the filter when needed is a simple way for me to avoid bigger problems later. It helps prevent leaks, reduces the chance of breakdowns, and saves money on repairs. For me, it’s a small maintenance task that makes a big difference in keeping my washing machine efficient and reliable.

My Buying Guides on Washing Machine Filter Replacement

Why I Care About Replacing My Washing Machine Filter

I learned that a washing machine filter is not just a small part—it helps catch lint, debris, hair, and other particles before they cause bigger problems. When my filter gets clogged, I notice weaker drainage, longer wash cycles, and sometimes even odors. Replacing it on time has helped me keep my machine running smoothly and my clothes cleaner.

How I Know It’s Time to Replace the Filter

I usually look for a few clear signs before I decide to buy a replacement filter. If my washer is draining slowly, making unusual noises, leaving residue on clothes, or showing a filter warning, I know it may be time. I also replace it if the filter looks cracked, worn out, or too damaged to clean properly.

What I Check Before Buying a Replacement

Before I buy, I always confirm my washing machine’s brand, model number, and filter type. Not every filter fits every machine, so matching the exact specifications saves me from wasting money. I also check whether I need a lint filter, drain pump filter, or inlet filter, since each one serves a different purpose.

Material and Build Quality Matter to Me

I prefer filters made from durable plastic, stainless steel, or other strong materials that can handle repeated use. A good filter should feel sturdy and fit securely in place. If the build feels flimsy, I usually skip it because I want something that lasts and performs well over time.

Easy Installation Is a Big Plus

I always look for a filter replacement that is easy to install without special tools. A simple design saves me time and makes routine maintenance less stressful. If the product includes clear instructions or a compatibility guide, that makes my decision easier.

Cleaning and Maintenance Features I Like

I find it helpful when a filter is easy to remove, rinse, and reinstall. Some filters are designed for quick cleaning, which makes regular maintenance much more convenient for me. I also prefer replacements that do not trap too much buildup in hard-to-reach areas.

Price vs. Value in My Experience

I do not always go for the cheapest option. Instead, I compare price with durability, compatibility, and overall performance. A slightly more expensive filter can be a better value if it lasts longer and protects my washer from damage.

Where I Usually Look for a Replacement

I often check appliance parts stores, manufacturer websites, and trusted online marketplaces. I make sure the seller has good reviews and a clear return policy in case the part does not fit. Buying from a reliable source gives me more confidence in the product quality.

My Final Buying Tips

When I shop for a washing machine filter replacement, I focus on compatibility first, then durability, ease of installation, and overall value. I also keep my washer’s manual handy so I can verify the correct part number. With the right replacement, I know I can help extend the life of my washing machine and avoid unnecessary repairs.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that replacing the washing machine filter regularly is one of the simplest ways to keep my appliance running efficiently and avoid bigger problems later. It helps improve cleaning performance, prevents clogs, and can even extend the life of the machine. By making this a routine part of my maintenance, I save time, money, and frustration in the long run.

Author Profile

Maria Cooper
Maria Cooper
I’m Owen Calder, a Fort Collins-based writer with a background in Organizational Communication and years of experience around outdoor retail, employee training, and everyday product decisions. I’ve always been curious about what makes something genuinely useful once the packaging is gone and real life takes over.

Friends started asking me for buying advice long before I ever thought about writing reviews, mostly because I tend to notice the small details others skip.

Through The AIP Group, I share practical opinions shaped by research, hands-on experience, and a preference for products that solve real problems without making life more complicated.