I used to assume my dishwasher was basically self-cleaning. I mean, it washes dishes all day—shouldn’t that mean it stays clean too? Turns out, not really. Especially when it comes to the filter. That little guy does a lot of the dirty work behind the scenes—catching food gunk, greasy bits, and everything else you don’t want swirling back onto your clean plates.
I learned the hard way that ignoring the filter leads to some nasty consequences: smelly dishes, weird film on glasses, and one time, standing water at the bottom of the tub. Since then, I make it a habit to clean the filter at least once a month. It’s not hard, and honestly, it’s kind of satisfying once you get the hang of it.
Why Bother Cleaning the Dishwasher Filter?
Before we jump into the how-to, here’s why I even started doing this regularly. The filter is usually sitting snugly at the bottom of your dishwasher, and it does three important things (that I definitely took for granted before):
- Keeps your food scraps off clean dishes
- Protects the pump from getting jammed up
- Helps keep water flowing properly so dishes come out actually clean
When the filter’s clogged, your dishwasher kind of just… pretends to clean. You’ll notice stuff left on your plates or bowls, or that damp, musty smell that makes you question if it even ran a cycle. If you’ve got any of that going on, yeah, it’s time.
How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter
So How Do You Clean a Dishwasher Filter?
Here’s the way I do it—and what’s worked well for me with both a Whirlpool and a Bosch machine. Your model might be a little different, so keep your manual handy if you’re not sure where anything is.
Step 1: Find the Filter
Start by pulling out the bottom rack. The filter is usually right underneath or near the spray arm—either a round twist-off type or a flat screen you can lift out. If it looks confusing, no shame in checking the manual (or YouTube).
Step 2: Pull It Out
Most filters twist out with a gentle counter-clockwise turn. Don’t force it—if it feels stuck, try wiggling gently or looking up your model’s exact steps. Last thing you want is a cracked filter.
Step 3: Get That Gunk Off
Rinse the filter under warm water first. If there’s stuck-on grease or nasty buildup (which there usually is), fill a bowl or sink with hot water and a squirt of dish soap. I use a soft old toothbrush to gently scrub—works like a charm. If you’ve got hard water like I do, white vinegar is your best friend. Soak the filter for 10–15 minutes and it should dissolve most of the crusty stuff.
Step 4: Clean the Spot Where It Lives
Don’t skip this. Wipe down the filter compartment—sometimes you’ll find little bits of food or slimy grease hiding there. Also, check the spray arm. If the holes are blocked, a toothpick or tiny brush helps clear them.
Step 5: Pop Everything Back In
Put the flat screen (if you have one) back first, then twist the cylindrical filter in until it locks. Make sure it’s tight—loose filters can rattle around or let debris sneak past. Then slide the bottom rack back in and you’re good to go.
How Often Do You Need to Clean It?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s what I’ve found based on my use (and a few too many “uh-oh” moments):
- Use it daily? Every 2–4 weeks is ideal
- 3–5 times a week? Once every month or two
- Just occasionally? Every few months is probably fine
If you skip rinsing your dishes (which honestly you should, modern dishwashers are designed for it), you might need to clean the filter more often.
Watch for signs like food bits left on dishes, funky smells, or slow draining water—that’s your dishwasher waving a red flag.
Extra Stuff I Do for Maintenance (That No One Talks About)
Most guides stop at the filter, but here are a few more things I do once a month or so to keep mine running like new:
1. Run a Vinegar or Baking Soda Cycle
Once a month, I pour two cups of white vinegar into a bowl and stick it on the top rack. Then I run the dishwasher hot (without dishes). It helps cut grease and smells. Sometimes I follow up with a sprinkle of baking soda at the bottom and run a short cycle.
2. Clean the Spray Arms
Gunk builds up in those tiny spray holes over time. I take them out, run water through them, and poke out debris with a toothpick. Sounds tedious, but it’s worth it.
3. Don’t Ignore the Door Seal
Wipe that rubber gasket around the door—it gets gross. A little soapy water and a sponge go a long way.
4. Look for Filter Damage
Over time, filters can get torn or cracked. I found out when mine started letting bits through and the dishes came out worse than they went in. Replacements are cheap—maybe $20 or so depending on your brand.
5. Mistakes I’ve Made
- Scrubbing too hard with a stiff brush (bad idea)
- Forgetting to reinstall the filter before running a cycle (big mistake)
- Using vinegar directly on the heating element area—don’t do that
If You Never Clean It… Here’s What Happens
Yeah, I skipped cleaning mine for a long time, and here’s what happened:
- Dishes looked dirty, even after two cycles
- The smell got real bad
- Water started pooling, which led to a backup during Thanksgiving dinner (true story—ended up hand-washing everything)
Final Thoughts
Honestly, cleaning the filter isn’t that big of a chore. Once you know how to do it, it takes less than 10 minutes. It keeps your dishwasher smelling fresh and your dishes looking actually clean (not just “technically clean”).
So next time you unload your dishwasher, peek down at the filter. If you’ve never cleaned it… today might be the day.
FAQs
What if my dishwasher doesn’t have a removable filter?
You’re not out of luck. Use dishwasher cleaner tablets or run a vinegar cycle. It’ll help clear internal grime.
Can vinegar really clean a dishwasher?
Yes. It dissolves gunk and deodorizes naturally—just don’t pour it directly onto heating elements.
How long do you soak a filter in vinegar?
I do 30 minutes, sometimes a bit longer if there’s a lot of buildup.
Best brush to clean the filter?
Old toothbrush works best. Avoid anything abrasive.
