Washing Machine Lint Filter--I Don't Have One (?)
When I bought my washing machine, the salesman told me the newer models no longer have lint filters to be cleaned out. Is this true? I am unable to find one in the usual locations, perhaps there is something to clean out in the back? Under the septic tank topic above, I learned this lint debris could adversely affect the septic system and this is why I'm concerned. Thanks for any advice.
Answer:
Well then perhaps someone could further clarify this issue... I was told that the septic tank itself "filters" out the fibers, i.e. the fibers never leave the first chamber of the septic tank and are eventually removed by the pumper trucks. I don't know anything about the effect of laundry lint on septic systems, but I do know that most (all?) 'newer' washing machines do not have lint filters. This includes my 15 YO Kenmore. But... They sell various types of lint traps that go on the drain hose to catch the large amounts of lint that the laundry will produce. They are typically mesh bags that attached to your drain hose with plastic tie wraps, baggie-style twisties, or simply very tight elastic. Having tried various types, I prefer the white nylon mesh type over the metal screen type. Avoid at all costs and inconveniences the green plastic mesh that come rolled up like Grandma's stockings. They fill up with just a few uses and then turn themselves into a sprinkler system shooting high pressure streams of water in all directions. Watching them blow up like a balloon as they spray water tells me that the back pressure can't be good for my washing machine pump! I've seen the white nylon style at home centers, supermarkets, etc. While I have rarely had one blow off the drain hose, my machine empties into a utility sink, so I'm not concerned. If it drained into a standpipe, I would take extra steps to insure that the filter was properly fastened to the drain hose.