I used to think the same—if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? But after moving into my first place, I learned the hard way that a clogged filter can sneak up on you. My washer started leaving clothes wetter than usual, and it turned out the filter was packed with lint and a stray sock. Now I just check it every few months, not monthly. I do think some newer models handle it better, but a quick peek now and then saves me from bigger headaches.
- Totally get where you’re coming from—those filters are sneaky.
- If the spin cycle’s acting up, I usually unplug first just to reset any weird electronics, but honestly, 9 times out of 10 it’s gunk in the filter or a sock jammed somewhere.
- Quick check: if you’re noticing water left in the drum or clothes are soggy, I’d go straight for the filter.
- Some newer washers do self-clean, but I still don’t trust ‘em 100%.
- Learned my lesson after a rogue baby sock nearly killed my old machine... now I check every couple months, too.
Honestly, I’ve lost count of how many times it’s just been a sock or lint clogging things up. I always check the filter first—saves time and mess. Unplugging’s fine, but if there’s water left in the drum, it’s almost always a blockage. Those “self-clean” features? Never seen one actually work as advertised. Anyone else ever find coins jammed in there? That’s a classic.
Spin Cycle Issues: Unplug and Reset or Dive Straight Into the Filter?
I hear you on the “self-clean” thing—mine’s just a light show and a beep, never seems to do much for the gunk. I’m with you on the filter check, but I always play it safe and unplug first, just in case. Maybe I’m overly cautious, but I’d rather not get zapped or short something out. Here’s my usual routine when the spin cycle throws a fit:
1. Unplug the machine. Not glamorous, but I’ve read too many horror stories about shocks.
2. Grab a towel. If there’s water left in the drum, it’s about to get messy.
3. Pop open the filter hatch (usually at the bottom front). I keep a shallow baking tray under there—caught a mini flood once and learned my lesson.
4. Fish out whatever’s in there. Socks, lint, and yeah, coins. I swear my washer’s eaten more change than my couch cushions ever have.
5. Give the filter a rinse and check the impeller behind it—sometimes there’s a hair tie or even a button wedged in.
I’ll admit, sometimes I try the “reset” trick before all that, especially if I’m feeling lazy. But nine times out of ten, it’s a blockage, like you said. The only time unplugging and resetting actually fixed something for me was when the control panel glitched out after a power surge.
One thing I’d add—if you’re pulling stuff out of the filter and it’s all gunked up, maybe run an empty hot wash with vinegar now and then. Doesn’t fix everything, but it’s helped with the musty smell.
Anyway, I’d rather spend ten minutes with a towel than risk a flooded laundry room. And yeah, I’ve got a little jar of “laundry loot” from all the coins I’ve rescued. Makes me wonder what else is hiding in there...
That “self-clean” button is such a joke, right? I’ve never seen it actually do anything useful. I’m with you on unplugging first—maybe it’s overkill, but I’d rather not risk it. The baking tray trick is genius, though. First time I opened the filter, I ended up with a puddle that soaked into the drywall... lesson learned. Resetting only ever worked for me when the machine froze up after a brownout. Otherwise, it’s always some random sock or bobby pin jamming things up. Vinegar rinse helps a bit, but honestly, these machines seem designed to trap gunk no matter what you do.
