We have a fancypants front-loading washer and dryer set from Sears - Kenmore brand. And for the most part, we could not be happier with them! They get our clothes super clean and the washer uses very little water.

But we've found that it's a bit persnickety when it comes to eating the occasional sock or pair of panties. It took me a couple of months of wondering why I kept smelling mildew before I realized the rubber ring around the door catches a few goodies during nearly every load! By the time I figured out what was going on there, there were almost a dozen tiny little baby socks in there, black with mildew. It was sick.

No biggie, though. We used the washer and dryer with zero issues until one day when it just STOPPED during the rinse cycle, and displayed error code HF. According to the manual, this was a water inlet problem. We couldn't find any such thing, so naturally, I turned to Google! I found that this is a common problem, caused by a clogged filter.

And since so many people were having the same problem, I thought it called for a little tutorial!


How to Get Rid of the HF Error Code
and Get Your Washer to Drain

Step One: Unplug Washer

Safety First!



Step Two: Remove front Panel from Washer







Step Three: Locate Filter Assembly

(and be ready to soak up water with a towel)



Step Four: Remove Filter. It's Gross.



It comes out easily...



But it's really gross.



Ours contained a sock, a mini-Snickers wrapper, and a toothpick.



Step Five: Clean Filter

This is NOT the recommended cleaning method.



Step Six: Replace Clean Filter



Step Seven: Replace Front Panel. Run load of clothes. Marvel at how the washer not only drains, but doesn't smell like ass anymore!

The enginerd and wife hope this tutorial has been helpful to you!

Labels: error codes, front-loader, HF, kenmore elite H3, washer, yucky