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Laundry is one of those household chores most Australians do on autopilot — until something goes wrong. Whether it’s a dryer taking twice as long to finish a load or a washer-dryer suddenly breaking down, many people only think about maintenance when they’re faced with an expensive repair bill.
Now, new research has highlighted just how many households may be overlooking one of the most important maintenance tasks on their laundry appliances.
Consumer group Which, the UK equivalent of Australia’s CHOICE, recently revealed that a surprising number of washer-dryer owners never clean their machine’s condenser filter.
After surveying nearly 1,600 washer-dryer owners, the publication found that 27% of respondents — more than one in four — admitted they had never cleaned the condenser filter on their machine.
Keeping the condenser filter clean not only reduces the chance of a machine breaking down, but can also help lower running costs and minimise potential fire risks.
In Australia, that’s an important safety issue. Fire and Rescue NSW responds to around 4,500 residential fires each year, with laundry appliances recognised as a recurring source of ignition.
Australian fire authorities say clothes dryers are the laundry appliance most commonly involved in fires, often due to lint buildup, overheating, or electrical faults.
International data frequently referenced by Australian safety agencies estimates there are between 15,000 and 16,000 dryer and washing-machine fires annually in the United States, with dryers accounting for more than 90% of those incidents.
So, if you haven’t cleaned your condenser filter for a while — or you’re not even sure where to find it — here’s what you need to know.
All washer-dryers have a filter designed to catch lint, fluff and stray fibres from your clothes.
These filters need to be cleaned regularly because a clogged filter restricts airflow through the machine, reducing drying efficiency. Restricted airflow can also cause washer-dryers to overheat.
The filter is usually located behind a small removable panel near the bottom of the machine. On some models, it can be awkward to access because it sits close to the ground and the panel can be fiddly to open.
If your washer-dryer is built into cabinetry, you may also need to remove the kitchen kickboard first.
If the filter is particularly difficult to remove — or if the appliance has usability issues — this is often highlighted in washer-dryer reviews.
How to clean a washer-dryer condenser filter
Experts recommend cleaning your condenser filter once a month, or every five to 10 cycles if you use the dryer function regularly.
Before cleaning, always switch off and unplug the machine.
Most condenser filters slide out from their housing. Start by removing visible lint and fluff with your fingers, then rinse the filter under a strong tap or shower head to flush lint from between the metal fins.
Allow the filter to air dry completely before sliding it back into the machine.
