Do washing machines need water filters?

Whether or not washing machines need water filters is a common question for homeowners. The quick answer is that it depends on the quality of your water supply. Hard water, which contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, can create buildup and residue in washing machines over time. Water with sediment or particulate matter can also clog internal components. In these cases, a water filter for your washing machine may help optimize performance and extend the appliance’s lifespan. However, if you have relatively clean water, a filter may not provide significant benefits.

What are the potential benefits of a washing machine water filter?

Here are some of the main reasons homeowners consider installing water filters for their washing machines:

• Reduce mineral buildup from hard water – Hard water leaves mineral deposits on internal parts like the drum, pipes, and hoses. Over time, this can lead to decreased efficiency and wear and tear.
• Prevent sediment/particulate clogging – Particles in the water supply can clog small openings and restrict water flow. This strains the pump and valves.
• Improve cleaning performance – Filters remove minerals and particulates that can interfere with detergents and result in dingy clothing.
• Extend appliance lifespan – By reducing internal buildup and clogging, filters help preserve washing machine components and avoid costly repairs or replacements.
• Enhance rinse performance – Filtered water can lead to cleaner rinse cycles and reduced detergent residue in fabrics.
• Prevent scale on heating elements – Scale buildup on heaters from hard water will reduce efficiency over time. Filters help avoid this.

The level of benefit depends on the existing water quality. If your supply already has low mineral content and sediment levels, the improvements may be minimal. But for hard water areas or homes with plumbing issues, filters can offer significant upside.

What types of washing machine water filters are available?

There are a few common types of washing machine water filter systems:

• Inline filters – These are installed along the main water supply line connecting to the washer. They filter all water entering the appliance.
• Under sink filters – Attached to the pipe under the sink before the hot/cold supply hoses.
• Faucet filters – Attachment for the faucet itself, often with quick connections for supply hoses.
• Internal filters – Some washers have internal filtration components installed typically near the inlet valves.

The inline, under sink, and faucet styles involve an external filtration device. The internal washing machine filters are built into the appliance by the manufacturer.

Inline and under sink filters typically use replaceable cartridges. The cartridges contain filtration media like activated carbon, resin beads, or other materials to target specific water contaminants. Faucet and internal models may also use cartridges, but some have permanent filters that don’t require replacement. Keep in mind that the filter cartridge will need periodic changes, often every 6 months or year depending on water usage.

What should you look for when selecting a washing machine water filter?

Consider the following criteria when choosing a water filtration system for your washing machine:

• Type of contaminants to remove – Hard water minerals? Sediment/particles? Chlorine? Be sure the filter targets expected issues.
• Flow rate – It must allow adequate gallons per minute for proper washer operation.
• Installation method – Pick a style that will work with your setup like inline, under sink, internal, etc.
• Replacement cartridges – If needed, they should be readily available and affordable.
• System lifespan – Higher quality filters will last longer before needing replacement.
• Ease of maintenance – Changing cartridges or cleaning should be simple when needed.
• Cost – Purchase price plus ongoing costs like replacement cartridges.
• Warranty and customer service – Support in case of issues with the system.
• Compatibility – Ensure the filter model works with your particular washing machine make and model.

Ideally look for an efficient, convenient to maintain filter that addresses your local water quality concerns at a reasonable price point.

Where should washing machine water filters be installed?

The most effective location depends on the filter system type:

• Inline filter – Install it along the main water supply line feeding into the washer. Position it close to the washing machine.
• Under sink filter – Attach it along the hot and cold supply lines under the sink prior to the washer hoses.
• Faucet filter – Connect it to the faucet itself before attaching any hoses.
• Internal filter – These are pre-installed within the washing machine itself by the manufacturer.

Inline and under sink filters allow whole house filtration but are more difficult to install and access. Faucet and internal options are convenient but only filter a single appliance. Choose based on your goals, setup, and maintenance preferences.

How can you tell if your washing machine needs a water filter?

Signs that your washer could benefit from a water filter include:

• Visible mineral buildup in the machine – Scaly deposits indicate hard water.
• Clothing never seems fully rinsed – Minerals interfere with rinsing.
• Must use extra detergent – Minerals prevent detergent from working effectively.
• Dingy or dull laundry – Sediment and particles remain trapped in fabrics.
• Odors cling to clothes – Residues left by hard water and contaminants.
• Detergent buildup in dispenser – Minerals and particles clog the dispenser.
• Skin/hair irritation – An indication chemicals like chlorine may be lingering.
• Shortened lifespan of machine – Mineral scale and particles force components to work harder.
• Know you have hard water – Your supply has high mineral content.

Problems like these point to potential benefits from adding a water filtration system. Testing your supply is the best way to confirm. At-home water test kits are widely available.

What are the disadvantages of washing machine water filters?

Possible downsides include:

• Higher upfront cost – Filters add an expense, especially for whole house systems.
• Ongoing costs – Cartridges typically need annual replacement.
• Inconvenience – Changing cartridges requires maintenance effort.
• System failures – Defective filters can stop water flow if not caught.
• Complex installation – Inline and under sink types often require plumbing work.
• Flow restriction – Filters can slow water flow, although washing machines are less sensitive.
• No benefit – They may not improve much if you have no issues with existing water.

Proper filter selection, installation, and maintenance helps minimize these drawbacks. Evaluate if the benefits outweigh the costs for your situation.

How much do washing machine water filters cost?

Typical costs for washing machine water filters include:

• Faucet mount filters – $10 to $30 for basic sediment models.
• Under sink filters – $50 to $125 for multi-stage cartridge types.
• Inline filters – $125 to $300 for larger capacity whole house setups.
• Internal washing machine filters – $40 to $80 for factory installed models.
• Replacement cartridges – $20 to $60 per filter cartridge.

Higher flow rates, filtration capacities, and specialty contaminant removal will increase costs. Expect to replace cartridges every 6-12 months. Installation fees apply for under sink and inline filters unless you DIY. Shop sales to help manage the price.

Conclusion

Washing machine water filters provide measurable benefits for homes with hard water or sediment issues. They help reduce mineral buildup and residue, enhance cleaning performance, and extend the lifespan of your washer. But with soft water or existing filtration, they may not offer significant advantages. Assess your supply quality, problem symptoms, and filter costs to decide if installing one makes sense in your situation.