Thread Number: 43738
Duet and Frontloader lint filter access
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Post# 642663   11/29/2012 at 18:37 (4,136 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

I currently have a Whirlpool Duet WFW8300S.  I've also had other Whirlpool Duets. 

 

Behind the front lower panel is the pump and before the pump is a lint/large item trap, that protects the motor.  If you wash items that give off lots of lint, this trap can easily become overloaded and block the flow of water and create the need to access and clean out the filter.

This means removing the somewhat difficult to remove bottom panel.  Most front loaders have an access panel but there are a few models that don't.

 

My solution was simple enough.

 

Here is what a typical Duet looks like.  Notice the bottom panel is blank, with no removable panels or protrusions.





Post# 642668 , Reply# 1   11/29/2012 at 18:47 (4,136 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

I removed the three, somewhat difficult to reach, screws that hold the panel in place.

 

Then set the panel on the floor in front of the machine and measured, from several angles, where the clean out would be directly behind the panel, when it is installed.

 

I drew a circle to simulate the round filter.  Then added 3/8" around the diameter, making the circle larger.

 

With a new 'metal' drill bit and the panel firmly set on a piece of thick cardboard, to protect the finish, I drilled 6 holes around that circle spaced evenly.

 

Then, turned the panel outside up.  Placed masking tape over the entire area plus 3" outside the diameter of the 6 holes.Then redrew the hole using the 6 drill holes as the boundries. 

 

With a fine metal jig saw blade, and masking tape stuck to the bottome of the saw, I carefully cut out the circle.  It went slow as the panel was thicker than I realized.  Use the tape to keep the paint from chipping or getting scratched.  I need 2 blades to complete the job.

 

Afterwards I used simple paneling "U" shaped edge molding,  slit every 1/4" to install a safe edge over the rough metal, to make it easy to operate the filter through the hole without cutting your hand.

 

This is a typical molding one would look for at the hardware store.

 

 

 

 


Post# 642669 , Reply# 2   11/29/2012 at 18:48 (4,136 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

Then simply reinstalled the panel.

 

 


Post# 642670 , Reply# 3   11/29/2012 at 18:48 (4,136 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

closer.


Post# 642671 , Reply# 4   11/29/2012 at 18:50 (4,136 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

closer 2

 

(nervous laugh)  I didn't know there was a piece of pink foam under the washer.


Post# 642674 , Reply# 5   11/29/2012 at 18:53 (4,136 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

closer 3

 

I hope this helps.  If you decide to do this yourself, remember to measure twice, and cut once.   Have nice sharp blades and drill bits for the metal as it was much thicker than a piece of sheet metal, and you don't want to damage the paint.

 

Other than the bit, blades, and small piece of trim, it costs relatively little.

 

Good luck.




This post was last edited 11/29/2012 at 20:20
Post# 642705 , Reply# 6   11/29/2012 at 19:55 (4,136 days old) by yogitunes (New Jersey)        
Your on to something there......

yogitunes's profile picture
Wonderful thinking for something that should have been there in the first place....thats using your head.....and thinking outside the box.....suprised no one has thought of this before...even the manufacturer....better patent the idea

if I may add a few ideas, and others may have some as well.....

I have used car door edge moulding for around openings like this, and they come in colors.....

also, could have used one of the billet style door trim that is used on many automotive gas door applications, this would provide a door, with latch...


Post# 642711 , Reply# 7   11/29/2012 at 20:11 (4,136 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

yes, car door edging would work.  Is it flexible that it would bend in a circle?  Is it rubber or plastic?

 

This panel trim is a rigid plastic.  It needed to be cut every 1/4" so the inner rib would conform to the opening.  That makes it look, a little rough.  And though the hole is a perfect circle, the panel edging doesn't fit perfectly.

 

As for the gas door, I'm not sure what that is.

 

One thing, I think your referring to, would be similar to the access doors frequently found on R.V.s for water tanks, electrical cords, and the like.

 

The only issue with either, is the plane.   The washer panel isn't flat.  The R.V. access panel is designed for a typical flat wall.  Short of heating up the piece (carefully) and bending it (carefully) to hopefully conform....  I don't know that that would work.

 

How about the gas tank , piece?  Will it work on a curved surface?

 

Personally, I'm fine with it the way it is open, though I think your idea of the automotive trim would certainly spruce it up.

 

I know others would prefer a more finished look.  Each to their own.

 

Does that trim have to be glued on?  And how much of a lip does it have?  Also, remember the edge of the cut metal has burrs which (could be sanded off ) would need a bit more space in the bottom of the pocket of the trim.


Post# 642792 , Reply# 8   11/30/2012 at 06:37 (4,136 days old) by yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
something like this would be a possible cover option.....

door trim is usually rubber, flexible, and can be cut to size.....usually about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in size...glue is already attached inside the groove


but as you say..to each his own.....you got the ball rolling for a problem with something like this....its a start to something great...and more ideas will follow...


CLICK HERE TO GO TO yogitunes's LINK


Post# 642834 , Reply# 9   11/30/2012 at 09:56 (4,136 days old) by Iheartmaytag (Wichita, Kansas)        

iheartmaytag's profile picture
Don't you still have to take the front panel off when you clean it out? How do you keep the water from running everywhere.
The first time I cleaned my trap I was not prepared for the amount of water that ran out.
Recently when a repairman was out (had to replace a pressure switch). He showed me how the pump will come out of the rubber mount and you can tilt it outside the frame to drain in a bucket or pan. (Mine is on a pedestal).

I haven't ever found anything in the trap, but I checked it after washing the dog's rugs and it was clear.


Post# 642873 , Reply# 10   11/30/2012 at 13:38 (4,135 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        
Excellent question.

I hadn't checked mine in a while, so I thought I would.

 

I used the lid to a storage container, you could also use a cookie sheet, to slide under the machine edge and catch water and whatever else.

 




This post was last edited 11/30/2012 at 14:06
Post# 642874 , Reply# 11   11/30/2012 at 13:38 (4,135 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

slide it under the front.

 

This whole thing is kinda... 


Post# 642875 , Reply# 12   11/30/2012 at 13:40 (4,135 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

Loosen the filter


Post# 642876 , Reply# 13   11/30/2012 at 13:40 (4,135 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

I had to use a wrench to get it started.  The rubber seal fits good.


Post# 642877 , Reply# 14   11/30/2012 at 13:41 (4,135 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

Let some of the water out, then replace the filter to stop the flow.


Post# 642878 , Reply# 15   11/30/2012 at 13:43 (4,135 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

.

 

This whole thing is kind of embarrassing,  I post these regrettably, I...


Post# 642879 , Reply# 16   11/30/2012 at 13:44 (4,135 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

dump the first batch of water.

 

... really, its been a while since I cleaned this out. 


Post# 642880 , Reply# 17   11/30/2012 at 13:45 (4,135 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

I slid it back under, and this time got it under the leg as a little bit of water escaped the tray.

 

Then start to remove the filter.

 

....  I really,  I , I shouldn't really post these.  It makes me look....


Post# 642881 , Reply# 18   11/30/2012 at 13:46 (4,135 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

Use sponge to sop up extra water.

 

 

... I'm ,  O.K., you know what, this, it, this will be....


Post# 642882 , Reply# 19   11/30/2012 at 13:48 (4,135 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

?


Post# 642883 , Reply# 20   11/30/2012 at 13:48 (4,135 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

? ?

 

 


Post# 642884 , Reply# 21   11/30/2012 at 13:49 (4,135 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

it's been a while...


Post# 642885 , Reply# 22   11/30/2012 at 13:50 (4,135 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

oh Dear...


Post# 642886 , Reply# 23   11/30/2012 at 13:50 (4,135 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

(nervous mittens romney laugh)


Post# 642887 , Reply# 24   11/30/2012 at 13:52 (4,135 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

... so the flow was a bit restricted with that and , I ...

 

?


Post# 642889 , Reply# 25   11/30/2012 at 13:53 (4,135 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

...sometimes I forget stuff in my pockets, it's an old story.


Post# 642890 , Reply# 26   11/30/2012 at 13:53 (4,135 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

(sigh) ?


Post# 642891 , Reply# 27   11/30/2012 at 13:55 (4,135 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

OH COME ON.... Now what?  Frown


Post# 642893 , Reply# 28   11/30/2012 at 13:55 (4,135 days old) by Iheartmaytag (Wichita, Kansas)        
Oh my goodness!!!

iheartmaytag's profile picture
Good thing you cleaned it out. Now you have some spending money.
Dinners on you.
But thanks, I see how that works.


Post# 642894 , Reply# 29   11/30/2012 at 13:56 (4,135 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

.


Post# 642895 , Reply# 30   11/30/2012 at 13:57 (4,135 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

Seriously ?

 

I've been looking for, ...

ohhhh.

 

How gross.


Post# 642896 , Reply# 31   11/30/2012 at 13:58 (4,135 days old) by Iheartmaytag (Wichita, Kansas)        
I'm thinking you are playing a magician's trick on u

iheartmaytag's profile picture
How could some of those things gotten past the ball stopper thing.
You're playing with us.


Post# 642897 , Reply# 32   11/30/2012 at 13:58 (4,135 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

spray with some vinegar, normally I would let it sit or soak, but, its not really going to matter anyway.  As long as the big stuff is off it.


Post# 642898 , Reply# 33   11/30/2012 at 13:59 (4,135 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

.


Post# 642899 , Reply# 34   11/30/2012 at 14:00 (4,135 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

Wipe up any residual water.


Post# 642900 , Reply# 35   11/30/2012 at 14:00 (4,135 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

and any water that ran onto the panel bottom.

 

 


Post# 642901 , Reply# 36   11/30/2012 at 14:01 (4,135 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

thats alot of water and it all stayed on the tray.


Post# 642902 , Reply# 37   11/30/2012 at 14:02 (4,135 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

.


Post# 642903 , Reply# 38   11/30/2012 at 14:03 (4,135 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

reinstall filter.

 


Post# 642904 , Reply# 39   11/30/2012 at 14:04 (4,135 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

Easy Peasy.


Post# 642947 , Reply# 40   11/30/2012 at 16:32 (4,135 days old) by ozzie908 (Lincoln UK)        
Amazing....

ozzie908's profile picture
Your machine was able to drain at all :) It would appear your filter has "paid for itself " :)

Austin


Post# 642997 , Reply# 41   11/30/2012 at 19:47 (4,135 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
Funny...he's got jokes...that was cute...glad you have some humor in you......yet informative and excellent demonstration.....wonderful...and some fun along the way...

still a great idea for access to one of these.....keep them comming


Post# 643033 , Reply# 42   11/30/2012 at 21:54 (4,135 days old) by maytaga806 (Howell, Michigan)        

how on earth would a bag and scissors get in their? i dont understand?

Post# 643079 , Reply# 43   12/1/2012 at 01:07 (4,135 days old) by mark_wpduet (Lexington KY)        

mark_wpduet's profile picture
Were those items that were pulled out just "props" for the pictures or were they really in there? LOL

Post# 643124 , Reply# 44   12/1/2012 at 10:41 (4,135 days old) by logixx (Germany)        
LOL

logixx's profile picture
Better empty that toolbox before washing it next time!

Do is is make the washer's drain sounds louder? Wonder why WP decided against an access for the filter for the American market. Mine has a regular access door as you can see from my avatar.


Post# 643159 , Reply# 45   12/1/2012 at 11:58 (4,134 days old) by applianceguy47 ()        

Alexander,  Nice washer.   THAT was my first Duet, the American version, WITHOUT a cleanout.

 

America is kind of, ....a shit hole, sometimes.  I realize in Germany, there are issues with overt racism, and then there is that whole German language/spitting thing going on.  (I'm part German, part Swede so I can say this) But Germany has some good stuff going on, like a push to get rid of the countries Nuclear power generators and go solar, that's awesome,

and yes,

the intelligence, that most other countries have, to have access doors installed on the bottom panel of all Front load washers, so people don't have bust there balls removing the Damn thing, to clean the friggin' filter! 

 

Hello Whirlpool in Michigan, take a hint !  And NO whirlpool, washers that don't have water solenoids, and require a person to fill manually, AREN'T a good idea.

 

You can just see it, the literature would read "Here at Whirlpool, we've removed the high maintenance parts in your new machine to give you years of trouble free service.  Simply attain a bucket, fill it at the tap and pour into machine. " 

All this, so some douchebag in accounting can claim "the benefits of cost cutting"

 

Alexander,  consider yourself lucky to be in Germany.

 

 

Notice the HOLE-someness of the bottom panel.  (tee hee, see what I did there.)

 

 

 




This post was last edited 12/01/2012 at 12:14

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