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appliance filters

How to Find and Clean Your Refrigerator’s Air Filter

Refrigerator air filters do not share one location or cleaning method. Use the model manual to find the filter and confirm whether it should be washed or replaced.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 13 min read

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Start with your refrigerator’s model number and owner’s manual: air filters and deodorizer cartridges do not have a universal location or care method. Find the part the manual identifies, then check whether it is disposable, washable, or semi-permanent before removing or cleaning it. Washing a disposable filter can damage it; replacing a washable cartridge unnecessarily can waste money.

The safest approach is model-first, not brand-first. A manufacturer may use several filter designs across its refrigerator line, and similar-looking parts can have different care instructions. Use the guidance below to narrow down what to look for, then follow the manual for your exact appliance whenever its directions differ from a general example.

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Find the refrigerator model number first

Look for the model number on the appliance identification label, then use that number to open the matching owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s support page. A model-specific manual is the safest way to confirm the location, removal method, filter type, replacement part, and any reminder-reset steps. Even refrigerators from the same manufacturer may use different arrangements.

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In the manual, search for terms such as “air filter,” “fresh air,” “deodorizer,” or the name of the filter feature shown on the refrigerator’s display. The label on a control panel or filter cover may use a different term from the manual, so check related terms rather than relying on one search word.

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Make sure the manual corresponds to the full model number, not just the brand or a product family. Model-specific details matter even when a neighboring model looks nearly identical: the filter may be in a different place, use a different cartridge, or have a different reminder control. If manufacturer support pages offer instructions for several products, compare their model names and filter terms before following a procedure.

Before removing anything, note the filter’s name in the manual and, if possible, the type or part number on the installed cartridge. This gives you two useful checks if you need to order a replacement or ask the manufacturer for help. If the part in the refrigerator does not match the manual’s description, pause rather than guessing.

Where to look for the air filter

Most of the manufacturer examples in the available instructions place the relevant part inside the fresh-food section, behind a vented cover on the rear wall. That is a useful place to inspect after checking the manual, not a universal location.

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  • Whirlpool examples place the filter behind a blue LED vent cover around the middle of the rear wall, or behind a vented door near the top. See Whirlpool’s air-filter instructions.
  • LG’s LT120F example is centered at the back of the refrigerator above the top shelf. LG also describes a separate Hygiene Fresh filter located inside the refrigerator on a shelf; those are different product examples, not interchangeable instructions. See LG’s LT120F installation guidance and LG’s fresh-air-filter support article.
  • Samsung says that on some models the deodorizer is generally in the lower half of the refrigerator. Some models do not have a deodorizer at all. Use the manual for the exact model rather than searching by brand alone. See Samsung’s deodorizer guidance.

These examples show why a brand name alone is not enough to identify the location. A filter could be near the top or middle of the rear wall, above the top shelf, or in the lower half, depending on the product. Treat each location as an example for the named product, not as a direction to search every refrigerator in the same way.

If the manual does not identify a filter or deodorizer, do not assume that a vented panel is one or remove unrelated panels. A model may not have this feature, or it may use a different design from a similar-looking refrigerator.

Decide whether to clean or replace it

“Air filter” is not one standard part. Manufacturers use terms including fresh-air filter and deodorizer, and the parts may be disposable, cleanable, or described as semi-permanent. Appearance alone does not tell you whether a cartridge can be washed. Follow the instructions for your model and the particular filter type.

The key distinction is what the manufacturer says to do with the cartridge. A disposable filter is serviced by replacement, not by rinsing it in hopes of extending its life. A cleanable deodorizer may have a specified cleaning procedure and interval. A semi-permanent filter is a product-specific category, not permission to wash it with any method that works for a different cartridge. If the manual does not clearly identify the care type, verify it before proceeding.

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Filter care type What to do Interval or method in the cited instructions
Disposable air or fresh-air filter Replace it with a compatible part; do not wash it unless the model’s instructions explicitly say it is washable. Whirlpool’s manual recommends replacement every six months or when the status indicator signals replacement. Frigidaire gives six months as general guidance and says timing may vary with the type and amount of food stored. LG’s LT120F guidance says approximately six months or when the CHANGE FILTER light appears. Sources: Whirlpool manual W11592073 Rev B, Frigidaire guidance, and LG LT120F instructions.
Cleanable deodorizer cartridge Clean it only if the manual for that exact model identifies it as cleanable, and use the specified method. Samsung Latin America’s instructions for the cartridge types covered say to soak in clean warm water for at least four hours, then dry fully in a ventilated area; drying can take up to eight hours. The page says to clean about once or twice a year. These directions are not general instructions for other filters. Source: Samsung Latin America support.
Semi-permanent deodorizer Use only the care and service steps specified for that model; “semi-permanent” does not mean every filter can be washed in the same way. LG describes a UV Hygiene Fresh+ filter as semi-permanent in its support material. Samsung’s U.S. guidance discusses semi-permanent deodorizers on certain kimchi refrigerator models. Neither example establishes a universal cleaning procedure. Sources: LG support and Samsung kimchi refrigerator guidance.

The intervals above apply to the products and instructions named in each source. They are not a single schedule for every refrigerator. A filter indicator, the model manual, or the condition of a particular filter may affect when service is due.

Six months is a common replacement interval in the Whirlpool, Frigidaire, and LG examples, but it is not a universal rule. Frigidaire notes that the timing may be adjusted according to the type and amount of food stored. LG’s LT120F guidance gives approximately six months or when its CHANGE FILTER light appears; Whirlpool’s cited manual gives six months or an indicator signal. Use your manual and its indicator guidance rather than applying another brand’s interval automatically.

Cleaning and replacement are not interchangeable ways to service every filter. Samsung’s procedure—clean warm water, at least four hours of soaking, and full drying in a ventilated area—applies to the deodorizer cartridge types covered by that support guidance. It does not establish that another brand’s filter, a disposable fresh-air filter, or every Samsung cartridge can be treated the same way.

How to replace a disposable filter

  1. Confirm the part. Check the model manual and identify the filter type already installed. Whirlpool advises using an air filter that matches the refrigerator model; Frigidaire advises ordering the same filter type that is already in the appliance. Do not assume a filter will fit because it looks similar. Manufacturer guidance: Whirlpool and Frigidaire.
  2. Open the specified cover. Use the manual’s removal directions for the filter housing. Remove only the identified cover or cartridge; do not force a cover that resists or take off a nearby panel to reach what you think is the filter.
  3. Remove and identify the old cartridge. Note its orientation and the name or part type printed on it, if present. If it differs from the manual’s description, pause and check the model-specific instructions before installing a replacement.
  4. Install the compatible replacement. Follow the manual’s orientation and order for inserting the filter and closing the housing. The exact fit and removal sequence depend on the model.
  5. Reset the reminder if required. Reset only after servicing the filter, and use the model’s own control sequence. Reset instructions are covered below.

Some manuals describe a disposable filter as replaceable rather than cleanable. A filter that appears dusty, dark, or odor-affected should not be washed unless its exact instructions authorize washing; if the manual calls it disposable, replace it with the confirmed compatible type.

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For a replacement purchase, use the model number and the installed filter type to check compatibility. Whirlpool specifically says to match the air filter to the refrigerator model, while Frigidaire advises ordering the same filter type already installed. A generic product description or a similar appearance is not enough to establish a fit. If the filter type or model match is uncertain, confirm it through the manual or manufacturer support before buying.

Do not order a replacement simply because another refrigerator has a filter in a similar-looking housing. The sources do not establish one universal part across brands or models. If your manual identifies a washable or semi-permanent cartridge, you may not need a replacement for routine service; follow its care instructions instead.

How to clean a deodorizer cartridge when the manual permits it

There is no safe universal washing recipe. Samsung Latin America provides a procedure for certain deodorizer cartridge types, not all refrigerator air filters: soak the cartridge in clean warm water for at least four hours, then leave it in a ventilated area until fully dry. The support page says drying can take up to eight hours and recommends cleaning about once or twice a year. Use that procedure only if the instructions for your own model and cartridge match it. Samsung’s page is regional support guidance and should be matched to the refrigerator’s model and market.

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  1. Confirm in the model manual that the deodorizer cartridge is cleanable and that the cited method applies.
  2. Remove the cartridge using the model’s instructions; do not force its cover or substitute another filter’s removal steps.
  3. Soak it in clean warm water for at least four hours only when the model-specific instructions call for this method.
  4. Dry it fully in a ventilated area before reinstalling. Samsung’s guidance says full drying may take up to eight hours. Do not reinstall it while damp.
  5. Reinstall it in the specified orientation, then follow the manual for any filter reminder or indicator.

The cited cleaning instructions do not establish that detergent, a brush, hot water, or a different soak time is appropriate. Do not add those steps unless your model’s manual says to.

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Allow enough time for the cartridge to dry completely rather than relying on a fixed short wait. Samsung’s page says drying can take up to eight hours, so a cartridge that still feels damp should not go back into the refrigerator. If the instructions for your model give different drying directions, use those directions. The same principle applies to the soaking method: it is specific to the covered cartridge types, not a shortcut for an unidentified filter.

Reset a filter reminder only after service

Some refrigerators have a filter status light or display reminder; others may not. Reset it after replacing or cleaning the filter, and only if the model’s instructions call for a reset. A reset acknowledges service; it does not clean a filter or make an incompatible replacement fit.

Button sequences vary. Whirlpool and LG examples use a three-second hold of a filter button, but that is not a universal procedure. Check the manual for the exact control name and sequence. Whirlpool’s cited manual also ties replacement to the filter status indicator; LG’s LT120F guidance uses the CHANGE FILTER light as a replacement cue. Sources: Whirlpool manual and LG LT120F instructions.

Do not reset the reminder before changing or cleaning the filter: doing so can clear the prompt without completing the service it is meant to track. Likewise, do not assume a three-second hold works on your refrigerator just because it is used in the Whirlpool or LG examples. The control name and timing belong to the specific model’s instructions. If your model has no filter reminder, there may be nothing to reset.

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If the location or care instructions are unclear

  • You cannot find a filter: Search the manual under “fresh air,” “deodorizer,” and any named filter feature, not just “air filter.” Samsung notes that not every refrigerator has a deodorizer. If the manual does not show one, do not remove a vent or panel on a guess.
  • The part does not match the manual: Verify the model number and confirm that the manual covers the same model and market. LG’s own support material illustrates why this matters: its LT120F rear-wall filter and its separate Hygiene Fresh examples are not one universal arrangement.
  • You cannot tell whether it is washable: Treat the care type as unconfirmed and do not wash it. Check the model-specific manual or manufacturer support material before proceeding. Whirlpool and Frigidaire describe disposable filters, while Samsung’s washing instructions apply only to certain deodorizer cartridges.
  • The reminder stays on: Confirm that the filter was serviced and seated as instructed, then repeat the reset sequence from the exact manual. Do not rely on another model’s three-second button hold.
  • Odors persist: GE’s odor troubleshooting suggests replacing the carbon air filter if the refrigerator has one and directs owners to the model manual for specific instructions. A filter is not present in every refrigerator, so confirm that the appliance has one before trying to replace it. GE refrigerator FAQs.

If odors remain after the filter has been serviced, do not assume that an unidentified filter needs to be washed or that a replacement from another model will solve the problem. GE’s guidance points owners to the manual and suggests replacing the carbon air filter if the refrigerator has one. First verify that your model includes that filter and that the installed part is the one the manual identifies.

Regional instructions are another reason to verify the model and market. The Samsung cleaning procedure cited here is from Latin America support guidance; Samsung’s U.S. support material separately discusses semi-permanent deodorizers on certain kimchi refrigerator models. Those pages describe different products and do not establish identical care instructions. Use the instructions that match your refrigerator.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the air filter in a refrigerator?

There is no universal location. Manufacturer examples place filters or deodorizers behind a vented cover on the rear wall, above the top shelf, or in the lower half of the fresh-food section. Start with the model manual; do not remove a panel based only on a location used by another model.

Can I wash my refrigerator air filter?

Only if the manual for your exact refrigerator and filter says it is washable or cleanable. Whirlpool and Frigidaire describe disposable air filters, while Samsung provides cleaning directions for certain deodorizer cartridges. Do not infer washability from how the filter looks.

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How often should I replace a refrigerator air filter?

Six months is common in the cited Whirlpool, Frigidaire, and LG examples, but the interval depends on the model and filter. Whirlpool’s manual and LG’s LT120F guidance also refer to their respective status indicators. Frigidaire notes that timing may vary with the type and amount of food stored. Follow the interval and indicator instructions in your manual.

How do I clean a Samsung refrigerator deodorizer?

Samsung Latin America describes soaking certain cleanable deodorizer cartridges in clean warm water for at least four hours, then drying them fully in a ventilated area; drying can take up to eight hours. The guidance recommends cleaning about once or twice a year. Confirm that it applies to your exact model and cartridge before using the method.

Do I need to reset the filter light?

Only if your refrigerator’s instructions call for a reset. Whirlpool and LG examples use a three-second filter-button hold, but controls vary. Service the filter first, then use the sequence for your model.

What should I do if the refrigerator has no air filter?

Do not try to add a generic filter or dismantle a vent to find one. Samsung notes that not every refrigerator has a deodorizer, and GE’s odor guidance likewise makes its carbon-filter suggestion conditional on the refrigerator having one. Check your model manual to confirm whether the feature is included.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the air filter in a refrigerator?

There is no universal location. Check the model manual; examples include a vented cover on the rear wall, a position above the top shelf, or the lower half of the fresh-food section.

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Can I wash my refrigerator air filter?

Only if the manual for your exact refrigerator and filter says it is washable or cleanable. Do not infer washability from appearance.

How often should I replace a refrigerator air filter?

Six months is common in the cited Whirlpool, Frigidaire, and LG examples, but the schedule depends on the model and filter. Follow the manual and any indicator instructions.

How do I clean a Samsung refrigerator deodorizer?

Samsung Latin America describes soaking certain cleanable cartridges in clean warm water for at least four hours, then drying fully in a ventilated area, which can take up to eight hours. Confirm the procedure matches your model.

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Do I need to reset the filter light?

Reset only if the model’s instructions call for it, and only after servicing the filter. Button sequences vary.

What if my refrigerator has no air filter?

Do not remove a vent or add a generic filter on a guess. Check the model manual; some refrigerators do not have a deodorizer or air filter.

The Bottom Line

Use the refrigerator’s model number and manual to locate the correct part, determine whether it is disposable or cleanable, and confirm the compatible replacement or cleaning method. A six-month interval and a three-second reset appear in some manufacturer examples, not every refrigerator. Do not wash an unidentified or disposable filter, and do not force a cover or apply another model’s instructions.

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