cleaning the lint filter on my Maytag

[vintagekenmore]

Hey guys ya'll remember I got a very nice Maytag A412 last year and its performance never ceases to amaze me! My question is how to get all the lint that builds up in those little holes in the agitator filter clean without having to use a needle or toothpick to dislodge it. Yeah its time consuming but I am hoping to get some tips and tricks on a faster way to do it if there are any out there. Thanks again guys

 

[wishwash]

A brush might work, but its been years since I've had to clean one of those so I can't tell for sure.

 

[wayupnorth]

I use an old toothbrush under hot running water and my lint filter has worked fine for 33 years. I have a dog and cat that shed like crazy and that filter removes an amazing amount of the pet hair.

 

[yogitunes]

powerwasher.....

if you have access to one, or at a car wash.....

use your foot to hold it from flying away....while rolling it along, use the water pressure to clean it all out....

 

[tomturbomatic]

If the lint is sticking that badly, it is probably because of mineral buildup. Normally just flushing with running water does the job. Try soaking it in a product like CLR or some other acid cleaner. You can use a shallow pan and rotate it until all sides are treated. If you squirt the stuff on it and it foams, that indicates that there is a reaction between the acid and calcium minerals and treatment is needed.

 

[gyrafoam]

I soak the plastic ones in un diluted Lime Away for a few hours. Then you can take a brush and scrub off the residue.

 

[abcomatic]

I just take my finger and clean it out that way, but then I don't have many clothes that seems to lint I guess? When I had a dog, the filter did pick up a lot of fur, but I just ran my finger in there and it came out fine. Happy washing, Gary

 

[askolover]

Mother used to keep an old toothbrush on the kitchen windowsill outside by the water hydrant.  What wouldn't come off with her fingers she's scrub with the toothbrush.  I'm sure our cloth diapers created quite a bit of lint back then (early 70's).

 

[mayken4now]

After Gyrafoams suggestion is done, then wash it off after every wash day under the faucet rubbing your hand over it.  Will never happen again.

 

[vintagekenmore]

thanks for the tips and tricks....Yeah the bigger pieces of lint that stick to it come right off with my hand and running water....I have a lot of the little holes cleaned out now. The toothbrush trick dislodges the miniscule bits that get up in the holes no problem....Am glad I have a place to ask questions now. Ya'll are awesome!!

 

[washerlover]

And I just put the filter in the dishwasher and that seems to take care of things -- those lint filters are not the most effective so they don't collect much and don't need frequent cleaning.

 

[jamiel]

Just buy a new one...

 

[hippiedoll]

Denture toothbrush...

When I cleaned my maytag lint filter, I soaked it in hot soapy water for about 10 minutes or so, until the water was warm, and then I took a toothbrush for dentures (they have nice stiff bristles) and just scrubbed it in the warm soapy water.
It came out nice & clean quickly & easily.