Washing Turtle Filters: Machine Washable Or Not?

Can you wash turtle filters in a washing machine?

Washing machine filters are designed to catch lint and other debris, and they need to be cleaned regularly to ensure the washer runs efficiently and safely. It is not advisable to wash turtle filters in a washing machine as it may lead to a turtle's death. Turtle filters should be cleaned separately and reinstalled after cleaning.

Where is the filter on a washing machine?

To locate the filter on your washing machine, start by consulting its owner's manual. If you no longer have access to the manual, there are a few places you can look for the filter:

• In the front of the unit behind a small hatch
• At the end of the drainage hose
• Under the cover of your center agitator
• Along the top rim of the drum of your washing machine

If you still can't find the filter, it's possible that your washing machine does not have one. Most newer, high-efficiency washers rely on a filter in the pump that self-cleans and requires no maintenance.

How often should you clean a turtle filter?

Turtles are messy creatures and, as a turtle owner, you'll need to do a full cleaning of the tank a little more than once a month. This includes cleaning the filter. Keeping the water clean is essential for the turtle's health.

Daily Maintenance

Each day, you should aim to remove free-floating matter from the surface of the tank. This includes faeces, dirt, and food particles. Use a net to scoop out the floating matter. Doing this will reduce the rate at which your filter gets clogged and will slow down how quickly your tank gets dirty.

Weekly Maintenance

Once a week, you should replace about 25% of the water in the tank. Turtles produce ammonia as waste, but they can't stand it, so it's important to keep levels low.

Every Two to Three Weeks

Every two to three weeks, you should perform a 'spot clean'. This is where you look for dirty areas of your tank and clean them up. You should also keep an eye out for mould and wipe away any brown spots on your aquarium glass.

Every Month or Two

Every month or two, it's time for a deep clean. First, carefully transfer your turtle to a temporary location. Then, take everything out of the tank and wash it, including the filter. Clean the entire tank and change the water.

Filter Bags

It's also worth noting that you should replace the filter bag once a month.

How to clean a fixed washing machine filter

To clean a fixed washing machine filter, you'll first need to locate it. The filter is usually found in one of the following places: in the centre agitator, in the drum's top lip, behind a trap door on the front exterior of the machine, near the water pump, or at the end of the drainage hose. Consult your owner's manual for the exact location. Once you've found the filter, follow these steps:

• Open the filter housing and wipe away any lint and debris using paper towels. Place a shallow basin or old towel underneath to catch any water that spills out.
• Use a soft-bristle brush, such as an old toothbrush, to scrub away any lint and debris that has built up on the filter.
• Run a short wash cycle to flush out the cleaned filter.

It's important to clean your washing machine filter regularly, as neglecting it can lead to reduced efficiency, damaged components, and the growth of mould and bacteria. Aim to clean the filter once every one to three months, or more frequently if you notice signs of clogging or drainage issues.

What to do if you accidentally wash your turtle in the washing machine

If you accidentally wash your turtle in the washing machine, the first thing to do is not panic. It is important to act quickly and efficiently to ensure the turtle's safety. Here are the steps you should follow:

• Remove the turtle from the washing machine as soon as you realise what has happened. Power off the machine and leave the turtle in a safe place, such as a clean bucket or bowl, with enough water for it to swim and something to climb on, like rocks or peat.
• Check if there was any soap, detergent, or fabric softener in the machine during the cycle. If there was, your turtle may be at risk of chemical poisoning or Aspiration Pneumonia. Contact your local Herp Vet immediately and explain the situation. They will advise you on the best course of action and may prescribe antibiotics to protect your turtle.
• Observe your turtle for any signs of distress, such as unusual noises when breathing or bubbles coming from the nose or mouth. These could indicate that fluid has entered the lungs.
• In the future, always ensure your turtle is safely secured in its tank or habitat before doing any laundry or household chores.
• Maintain a clean and healthy environment for your turtle by regularly cleaning its tank, testing the pH levels of its water, and providing filtered water to swim in.

Remember, the most important thing is to stay calm and act quickly. Contacting a veterinarian who specialises in reptiles will give you the best chance of a positive outcome if your turtle has ingested any harmful chemicals.

How to clean a removable washing machine filter

Locating and Removing the Filter

Before you start, turn off and unplug your washing machine. Then, lay some old towels down in front of the machine to catch any water that might leak out when you remove the filter.

The location of your filter will depend on the type of machine you have. For front-loading or older top-loading machines, the filter is usually located in the lower right corner of the machine's exterior. For many newer top-loading models, the filter is inside the machine, underneath the agitator (the device in the centre of the machine's drum that rotates during the wash cycle).

Once you've located the filter, remove its cover. You may need to use a screwdriver to pry it off. Then, pull out the filter. If it's stuck, wiggle it around to loosen any lint or detergent.

Cleaning the Filter

Use a paper towel or a small brush, such as an old toothbrush, to remove any lint or residue from the filter.

If your lint screen is removable, take it off and soak it in a bowl of hot water for around 10 minutes. If it's not removable, hold the filter under hot running water until all residue is removed.

Reinserting the Filter

Before reinserting the filter, check the inside of the machine for any loose lint and wipe it out if necessary. Then, put the filter back in the machine – there's no need to let it dry first. If you had to remove the drainage hose, make sure to put it back before securing the cover.

Finally, run an empty wash cycle to check for leaks and ensure the filter is correctly in place.

Prolonging the Life of Your Filter

It is recommended that you clean your filter every three to four months. However, if you don't have time for a thorough clean, regularly check your filter for any buildup.

A dirty filter can cause your washing machine to start smelling and lead to problems such as excessive vibrations and wet clothes after the final spin.

To prevent clogs, use a rag to wipe the exposed area of the door seal (the rubber piece inside the washer door) after each wash.

Frequently asked questions