When was the last time you checked your appliance filters? Weeks, months, years? (Erm, maybe never?) We’re not here to judge, just to tell you that checking your filters could protect your appliance, prevent damage and save you money too!

Forgetting to clean the filters on your appliances can result in them not working properly, leading to poor performance and ultimately damage. It will also cause your appliances to work harder than necessary, causing your energy bills to spike. So, here we have put together a complete guide on checking, cleaning or replacing your filters to keeping your appliances working to their best.

Cooker Hood

If you haven’t checked your cooker hood filter in a while then we’re afraid it’s not going to be pretty! The good news is it’s super easy to clean! Over time your cooker hood filter can become blocked with grease and dirt making it lose its effectiveness.

For metal filters, a de-greasing spray and hot water will usually do the trick. Or you can pop them in your dishwasher. Mesh filters should be ideally be cleaned at least once a month.

If you’ve got replaceable fabric filters, they should be replaced when they have reached saturation. To help you, you can get replacement filters with saturation indicators. For more information, check out our video on how to give your cooker hood an MOT.

Some types of cooker hoods have carbon filters to remove smells in addition to grease filters. These will need replacing every 3-4 months to keep them working.

Dishwasher

A dirty dishwasher filter means dirty dishes! The filter prevents bits of food from recirculating onto plates, pans and silverware after the water and detergent have washed them away. If the filter is clogged, your dishwasher will have to work harder to get the dishes clean, using more energy and most of the time, not being successful. Check your filter on a regular basis and give it a clean once a month. Regularly using a dishwasher descaler can prevent food build up in your filter too.

If your filter is clean but the dishes are coming out dirty, it may be time to replace the filter. Here’s a super easy to follow video to help you.

Washing Machine

Your washing machine filter helps keep your washer working by collecting all the bits that fall out of your pockets and stopping them from getting to the pump. If, however, the filter becomes blocked with coins, buttons, fluff, hair grips and other items, it can stop the machine draining properly.

Regularly check your washing machine pump filter and give it a good clean. Our video below will show you how!

Tumble Dryer

Lint and fibres released from your clothes get caught by your tumble dryer filter. This can build up very quickly, making your dryer a lot less efficient and becoming a potential fire hazard. Check the filter after every use and remove the lint with your hands or a cloth. If it’s very dirty, give it a rinse with some warm water and leave it to fully dry before replacing. Be sure to remove any leftover lint too as this can make its way into your machine.

Over time, the filter can get worn and start to tear or become damaged. Replacing your tumble dryer filter is extremely easy to do. Here’s how:

eSpares tip: You don’t need to bin your tumble dryer lint. Instead, why not try these handy ways to reuse it around the house!

Vacuum Cleaner

Clean vacuums mean clean homes! Filters in your vacuums are there to keep dust and dirt inside. If they get clogged up, the vacuum will just spread the dirt around your floors which is pretty counterproductive! Most vacuums have one or more filters that need to be cleaned or replaced on a regular basis.

If your vacuum has a squishy foam filter, those can usually be washed by hand and reused again. Just make sure they are completely dry before replacing. Many modern vacuums have a cartridge-style HEPA filter which needs to be replaced twice a year. Check your user manual to find out more about your filter.

If you need to replace your vacuum filter, we’ve got some great videos for specific models on our Advice Centre to help you. Here’s one for changing the filter on a Dyson DC33.

For any other helpful advice on cleaning and maintaining your appliances, head over to our Advice Centre where we have hundreds of articles and videos to help you!

Tags: Appliance Care, Appliance FIlters