How can you drain a washing machine filter without mess??

[sallyann16]

I have a Bosch Exxcel 1400 Express washing machine, and the filter is situated almost next to the floor.
This means that when I'm draining the water out to clean the filter, you can't fit a receptacle under it to catch the water. I use a tray but it goes everywhere and I don't have enough towels to do the job.
Can anyone suggest an easy way to catch the water?

[bednobs]

we have a large shallow tray (the sort you can buy in garden centres to put lots of small plant pots in)

[ChuckFickens]

The normal way of draining a washing machine with a blocked pump is to just drop the drain hose down to floor level and let the water run out. But... if the filter is totally blocked that won't work :(

I used to take the machine outside (or at least balance it on the door step) when I had to do it in peoples houses, if that's not possible then the only option is to catch what you can and mop up the rest.

(you can also remove the pipe from the bottom of the drum, but to be honest that's more hassle than a clean up)

[Old_Geezer]

Normally you don't have to drain a whole drum of water. If you really have a drumfull have you tried moving the control and trying to get it to spin again ?

If the filter really is blocking the water then I suspect there is little choice but to use what towels you have, and have a mop & bucket handy.

[sallyann16]

Thank you everyone - v helpful!

[AlBags]

Remember to check it doesn't have a front panel drain point at lower front panel.
This usually houses a strainer for the pump.

[boxtops]

why would one want to do this.....?

[bednobs]

to prevent one from having to fork out one's dosh for a washing machine engineer perhaps?

[Hopkirk]

On our machine you only get about a cupful out when you do the filter - so I just put one of the cat's towels down before I do it.

[Meg]

Clean the filter out more often, or buy more towels.

[kriston]

Thank you Chuckfickins. The drainage pipe to floor level saved me so much mess and time. I had a full drum of water to expel. nearly 1 1/2 mop buckets. I can't imagine the time and mess this would have caused me.
I just lowered the pipe into the mop bucket and when it was nearly empty, used an oven tray so I could get it lower. This left me with about a 1/2 pint left in the pump area, which I used a very shallow oven tray and and a folded teatowel, rather than trying to lift the tray, just mopped the water out. Worked a treat. Took 5 mins, and left a couple of drops of water on the floor. I am indebted to you. :)