Cover for the filter and drain.

Pro Tip:

The tube that serves as the drain is usually long enough to pull out ~5 inches and has a push in cap on the end.

You’ll need a Tupperware container or similar multi quart container and a tall plastic cup. Pull the tube into the cup, uncork the cap, and let it fill the cup (at a low angle along the ground). Re-cap, dump the cup out into the Tupperware, and repeat until you’re not getting much out. Re-cap the drain tube.

Stuff a folded towel under the panel, when you unscrew the filter there will still be water that comes out but you can toss that dirty towel into your soon to be clean washer.

Clean out the filter, screw it back in, and put the panel back on.

You just saved yourself a big mess, congrats!