Whirlpool Washer Pump Filter (Coin Trap) Cleaning & Replacement

The pump filter in a Whirlpool front-load washer catches small items (coins, buttons, hair pins, fabric threads) before they reach the drain pump impeller. It is designed to be cleaned by the user regularly — but most people do not know it exists until the washer starts smelling or stops draining.

Where Is It?

On Whirlpool front-load washers, the pump filter is behind a small access door or panel at the bottom-right front of the machine. The door pops open (press a tab or use a flat tool), revealing a round filter cap that unscrews counterclockwise.

Warning: The tub holds 1-3 gallons of residual water below the drum level. When you open the filter, this water comes out. Place towels and a shallow pan on the floor before opening. Some models have a small drain hose next to the filter cap that allows you to drain the water slowly into a pan first.

Cleaning Procedure

1. Place towels and a shallow pan on the floor in front of the access door
2. Open the access door
3. If there is a small drain hose, pull it out and uncap it to drain into the pan. Otherwise, unscrew the filter cap slowly to let water drain gradually.
4. Once water stops flowing, remove the filter cap completely
5. Pull out any debris — coins, buttons, lint, hair, fabric threads
6. Clean the filter housing with a damp cloth
7. Rinse the filter cap under running water
8. Replace the filter cap (hand-tighten clockwise — do not over-tighten)
9. Close the access door
10. Run a rinse cycle to verify no leaks at the filter cap

When to Replace vs Clean

The filter cap and housing rarely need replacement. Replace only if:

• The filter cap threads are stripped — it no longer tightens enough to seal
• The rubber gasket on the filter cap is torn or compressed flat — causing a slow leak
• The filter housing itself is cracked — water leaks from the housing body

Cost: $10-25 for filter cap assembly. Usually cleaning is all that is needed ($0).

Cleaning Schedule: Every 1-3 months, or immediately if the washer starts smelling musty or draining slowly.

Common Mistakes

• Not putting down enough towels — 1-3 gallons of water comes out. Be prepared.
• Over-tightening the filter cap — this cracks the housing. Hand-tight is sufficient.
• Ignoring the smell — a musty washing machine odor is almost always caused by debris decomposing in the pump filter and door boot seal. Cleaning both eliminates the smell.

FAQ

My Whirlpool washer smells bad — is it the filter?

Partly. The pump filter collects organic debris that decomposes. But also clean the door boot seal (the rubber gasket around the door) and run a monthly tub clean cycle with Affresh or white vinegar.

My top-load Whirlpool washer does not have a pump filter door — what do I do?

Top-load Whirlpool washers typically do not have a user-accessible pump filter. Debris goes directly to the pump. If the pump clogs, it must be accessed from underneath the machine.

Step-by-Step Cleaning (Extended)

1. Prepare — old towels, shallow baking pan, bucket nearby
2. Open access door — press tab or use flat tool
3. Drain residual water — use the small drain hose if available next to the filter cap
4. Unscrew filter cap slowly — counterclockwise, let water drain gradually
5. Remove cap completely once flow stops
6. Pull out debris — coins, buttons, lint, hair, fabric threads. Inspect the impeller behind the filter — spin it to verify it moves freely.
7. Clean housing — wipe inside with damp cloth
8. Rinse filter cap under running water with soft brush
9. Inspect gasket — torn, compressed, or missing gasket causes leaks. Replace cap if gasket is damaged.
10. Reinstall — hand-tighten clockwise. Do NOT over-tighten.
11. Run rinse cycle to verify no leaks

What You Might Find in the Filter

Connection to Washer Odor

The pump filter is one of three sources of front-loader smell:

Source 1 — Pump filter: Organic debris decomposes in warm, moist environment.

Source 2 — Door boot seal: Deep rubber folds trap moisture and residue. Wipe with bleach solution monthly.

Source 3 — Drum/tub surface: Detergent buildup and biofilm. Run Clean Washer cycle monthly with Affresh or vinegar.

All three must be addressed to fully eliminate the odor.

Whirlpool-Specific Notes

Affresh Clean Washer cycle: Dedicated tub clean cycle on most front-load models. Run monthly with Affresh tablet (W10549846) or white vinegar.

Torx T20 fasteners: Some newer models use Torx T20 on the access panel instead of Phillips. Keep a T20 bit handy.

Pump filter orientation: Some models have alignment marks that must match the housing. If installed rotated, the filter may not seal.

Extended Cost Breakdown

Cleaning Schedule

DIY vs Professional

Filter cleaning is the simplest maintenance task — no tools, 5-10 minutes, $0. Always DIY.

Professional recommended when: Cleaning does not resolve drainage (suggesting pump or hose problems), or filter housing is cracked.

Frequently Asked Questions

My top-load Whirlpool does not have a filter door — what do I do?

Top-load models have no user-accessible filter. Debris goes directly to the pump. If clogged, the pump must be accessed from underneath — a more involved repair.

How do I know if my filter needs cleaning?

Signs: washer drains slowly, F9E1 error code, musty smell, visible debris at filter door, or 3+ months since last cleaning.

Can I run the washer without the filter cap?

No. The filter cap seals the pump circuit. Without it, water sprays out during wash and drain cycles, flooding the floor.

My filter cap is stuck and will not turn?

Mineral deposits or detergent buildup can cement it. Soak with warm water and vinegar for 15 minutes. Use a rubber jar opener for grip. If still stuck, pliers with cloth wrap — turn counterclockwise.

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