Whatever happened to washing machine lint filters?

[gyrafoam]

I always though self-cleaning filters were the best as I don't like fooling around with them. Having to use a fork to pick the lint out of an old Whirly "Tragic-Mix" was a gross annoyance. No wonder Kenmore had them install those wonderful self-cleaning glass bead filtration systems.
I understand how it would make a difference for line-drying, though, as I use a machine with a filter if I am line-drying clothes. Maytag offered a Gyratator with a filter for their manual machines, but, I never saw too many of them in use.

In my mind the best filters ever were the GE Filter-Flo system which seemed to be made for people with indoor pets. I have friends who still lament the loss of their Filter-Flo because they always have a pair of large dogs!

 

[gelaundry4ever]

GE filter-flo

I remember the GE filter-flo. That washer would clean anything from the most delicate knits to the filthiest denims and cottons.

 

[Chetlaham]

If I'm not mistaken a popular washing machine lint filter sold in the late 90s/early 2000s pictured a GE FF washer on the box.

 

[maytag85]

Reply #90

My Whirlpool has the “Tragic Mix” lint filter, not that big of a deal to clean. About every couple of weeks, I’ll run it through the dishwasher and comes out spotless every single time. Self cleaning lint filters are nice when they work but can be a pain once they clog and the machine begins to stink like sewage.

 

[combo52]

Best top load washer lint filter systems

True backwash self cleaning lint filters as used on whirlpool and Kenmore direct Drive washers very seldom ever clog in the life of the machine and if they do you replace the filter.

It does not create any odor whatsoever if they clog, the washer simply stops draining and you replace it.

Sean why would you put a linty filter in the dishwasher , dishwashers are not meant to cope with lint.

You may end up causing a problem with your dishwasher.

John L

 

[maytag85]

Reply #94

I clean the lint filter, then I put it into the dishwasher. It’s usually to get the stuff I can’t get by hand. Is there some lint? Yes, but it’s whatever I am not able to get by hand.

 

[daveamkrayoguy]

re: #88...

Yes, I agree about screwed up plumbing, so,I watch what I put down my drain, and went from a non-functioning garbage disposal, to the hex key saving the day, and a replacement or just repair...

A family I knew had a stand-pipe for its Kenmore with a self-cleaning filter washer to drain into, with reportedly not one back-up or overflow, and if I'm not mistaken one house I grew up in had a stand pipe too...

The filters advise against using in drains that are direct pipes too...

I notice threads around the drain, and even cutting them away, still notice, so I'm trying after buying a couple packs of filters to discontinue their use--one is still unopened while the other has one missng and discarded after its use being completely loaded with lint...

So me knowing what kinds of loads produce excessive lint--my daughter's guinea pig linen, will just only place the filters on my drainhose when washing them--as she's gone from completely doing the task herself to making me add on to my busy, daily schedule...

-- Dave