This is quilting and WASHING MACHINE related. I just got a new front load washing machine (Maytag) and as I loaded it the other day I realized there isn't a lint filter to empty. What am I to do when I wash a rag quilt or a chenille project for the first time. With all the thread that comes off I'm afraid it will clog my drain. The drainage hose is in a stand pipe so I don't really have access to put one of those little lint bags on it.

Any suggestions? Or perhaps there is someone out there who has a front load washer without a lint trap and who also makes rag quilts.

Take it to a laundromat! I wouldn't wash a rag quilt for the first time in my home washing machine because of all the lint and the damage it can do.

I have problems with the sewer pipes when I was rag quilts, so I go to the laundromat and wash it a couple of times. Then I can wash it at home with no problems.

My front load has a filter on it. You have to remove the front fender thing to get to it, but it has one. Cost me $94 to find out it did and how to clean it!
It got to where it would not drain, manual didn't say a thing about it. When I called they ofcourse suggested their repair man... Like I said $94 for him to take of that fender guard, front, whatever you want to call it, and clean it out.
It has one trust me.

Hmm, I only have 2 more payments on my front loaders, I guess I should call and ask question before the warrenty runs out and find out where the filter is...my front end had drawers below it...so I dont know where the fender is.

LOL, I don't know what you call it! That piece of metal right in front, directly below the door. That section right there, it is in there up towards the front.
After i paid for the "repair" my handyman magazine came (The next month) and it showed step by step how to clean it out.
It is real simple. You take off that panel (Panel! duh, panel sounds better than fender). Um, you take off that panel, and there is a cone/cylender shaped thingy, it twists off. Inside is a screen to catch all the goodies.
Mine was nasty, but I had my machine for just over a year, before it became an issue.

I agree take it to a laundromat not only for the washing , but the drying is even worse- if you don't stay on top of it the lint filter can clog FAST and possibly cause damage - truthfully I would be more concerned about the drying :wink:

I wouldnt wash my first time rag quilt in my own washer take it to a laundry mat that has a very big machine

I plugged up my DDILs new front loader-be careful-- and we had a flood too!

I don't have a front loader, but in the past did fine when washing rag quilts UNTIL I did one that was all flannel. That's all it took, and my washer was locked down tighter than a drum. Actually, that was the trouble, the drum. The lint and debris had stuck between the inner and outer drum and would not allow the washer to spin out. Best advise, take it to a laudrymat. Much cheaper than paying the repair bill.....

I vote for laundromat!

I say take it to the laundromat for washing and drying.
Rag quilts have sooo much lint.

I put mine in a pillow case and washed it at home. When I dried it, I cleaned the lint trap every 10 - 15 minutes.

I am calling to have my front loading washer serviced for the 2nd time in 5 months. just because of the pump. the machine allows lint to rinse thru; clogging the dang pump. and I don't wash rag quilts! be careful

do any washing machines have a lint filter? never heard of one...when i make raggy quilts after clipping i take them outside and give it a good shake...then i put into the washer...at end of wash cycle, after it spins out (before rinse cycle) i take it out and shake it again then put back in for the rinse cycle...then out to shake again and into the dryer...i take it out of the dryer after about 1/2 an hour shake it , empty the lint filter which is over-flowing...then back in. i usually have to empty the lint trap at least 3 times before it is dry...taken out and shook each time....they do make alot of lint!
i do it the same way when it is too big for my machine and i have to go to the laundrymat with it...i still take them outside and shake the crap out of them over and over until it's finished.

Yes, that's what I do.

Thank you all for the good suggestions and tps about where the lint trap is. The laundry mat sounds like the safest bet. I knew I'd get answers here. Thank you again.

Speaking of the front load washers is ther anyone besides me who hates it ! I have one and will never get another....

What about putting it in one of those net bags for delicates?

What about putting it in one of those net bags for delicates?

Going to check my frontend machine right now. I have washed two and never knew a washer had a lint filter.

When you put a rag quilt in a pillowcase to wash it the first time does it still fray as nice as if you put it 'naked'in the washing macine?