It’s essential in maintaining your machine.
Have you ever waited patiently for your dishwasher to ding, only to open the door and find cloudy glassware or be hit with a mildew smell? Your dishwasher filter might be the culprit. Over time, food particles, grease, and soap scum can accumulate in this part of the machine, affecting your dishwasher’s performance and leaving you with less-than-perfect results. Fortunately, learning how to clean your dishwasher filter is easier than you may think.
Whether you’re dealing with dull dishes or are looking for maintenance tips for keeping your dishwasher running smoothly for years to come, we’ve got you covered with expert advice, step-by-step instructions, and how regularly to tackle the task of caring for the filter. With a few simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to a nearly new dishwasher again.
Here’s how to clean your dishwasher filter, according to a cleaning professional and a home appliance specialist.
- Melissa Maker, cleaning expert and founder of Clean My Space
- Jeff Sweet, corporate manager of product marketing at Sub-Zero Group, Inc.
How Often to Clean Your Dishwasher Filter
Your dishwasher filter should be cleaned regularly to maintain efficacy. But just how regularly? According to cleaning professional Melissa Maker, this depends on how often you run your appliance. At a minimum, the task should be undertaken every one to two months.
“Even if you clean your dishwasher filter regularly, you might need to clean it more often if you’re using it more frequently,” agrees Jeff Sweet, an appliance specialist. This applies to those with large families who may be running their dishwasher daily, or during the holidays when the kitchen typically sees an increase in entertaining. A dishwasher cleaning tablet can help maintain the filter between cleanings, adds Maker.
I’ve noticed in my own kitchen that during holiday seasons, when we’re hosting big dinners, the dishwasher gets a real workout. Those extra cycles can clog the filter faster than usual, so I make a point to check it more often. Beyond Maker’s advice, I’d add that keeping a cleaning schedule on your calendar—say, every six weeks—can save you from surprises like spotty glasses. Also, using a cleaning tablet, as Maker suggests, is a lifesaver for quick maintenance. They’re not too pricey, usually around $5 for a pack, and can extend the time between deep cleans by breaking down minor grease buildup. This small investment keeps the filter from getting overwhelmed, especially if you’re running multiple loads a week.
Signs That You Should Clean Your Dishwasher Filter
Keep an eye out for a few signs that your dishwasher filter is due for a deep clean outside of its regularly scheduled maintenance. According to Sweet, the biggest red flags include unpleasant or mildew-like odors coming from the dishwasher and dishes that come out dirty, spotty, or cloudy after a cycle.
Another clue? Water pooling at the bottom of your dishwasher. As Maker points out, this is a common indication that the filter may be clogged and needs cleaning.
From my own experience, that mildew smell is a dead giveaway—nothing’s worse than opening the dishwasher expecting clean dishes and getting a whiff of something funky. Beyond what Sweet and Maker mention, cloudy dishes can also point to hard water buildup in the filter, especially if you live in an area with mineral-heavy water. A quick check online shows that about 85% of U.S. households deal with hard water, which can make filter clogs more common. If you notice spots on your glassware, try adding a rinse aid to your dishwasher—it’s a simple fix that costs about $3-$4 a bottle and helps prevent mineral deposits from sticking to the filter. Also, if you see water pooling, don’t ignore it; it’s not just a filter issue but can strain the pump, potentially leading to costly repairs down the line.
How to Clean Your Dishwasher Filter
If left unchecked, a dirty or clogged dishwasher filter can affect the cleanliness of your dishes and cookware, as well as cause further damage and problems with the appliance. Keep yours in prime condition by following this step-by-step method, courtesy of Maker.
Materials Needed
- Dish soap
- Warm water
- Soft scrub brush (or toothbrush)
- Microfiber cloth
Instructions
- Turn off the dishwasher and ensure it is fully cooled before cleaning.
- Remove the lower rack of the dishwasher to access the filter.
- Consulting your model’s manual for specific removal instructions, take out the filter. (This usually involves turning it counterclockwise.)
- Rinse the filter under warm water to remove loose debris.
- In a sink or basin, mix warm water with about a teaspoon of dish soap.
- Add the filter to the soapy solution and let soak for 10-15 minutes.
- Using a soft scrub brush or toothbrush, gently scrub the filter to dislodge any remaining particles.
- Rinse thoroughly to ensure all soap and debris are removed.
- Wipe the filter dry with a microfiber cloth.
- Reinstall the filter and lower rack into the dishwasher.
“Some dishwashers do not have removable filters,” says Maker. For these models, Maker recommends using a brush and the dish soap solution to scrub your filter while still attached. Then, run the dishwasher’s cleaning cycle.
Maker’s steps are spot-on and super easy to follow, but I’d add a couple of practical tips from my own trial and error. First, when soaking the filter, I’ve found that adding a splash of white vinegar to the soapy water—maybe a tablespoon—helps break down grease even faster. It’s cheap (a bottle costs about $2) and works wonders on stubborn gunk. Also, if you’re using a toothbrush, go for an old one with soft bristles to avoid scratching the filter, which can trap more debris over time. For non-removable filters, running a cleaning cycle with a cup of vinegar in a bowl on the top rack can boost the cleaning power. I’ve done this a few times, and it leaves the whole dishwasher smelling fresh. Just make sure to check your manual, as some models are finicky about vinegar use.
How to Maintain Your Dishwasher Filter
To keep your dishwasher filter cleaner for longer, there are a few simple habits to adopt. First, Maker suggests ensuring dishes are, if not rinsed, at least scraped clean of large food particles before loading them in. This small step can go a long way in keeping food debris from clogging up your filter.
You should also avoid overloading your dishwasher. Giving your dishes a little breathing room helps everything get cleaned more effectively. Also, opt for a high-quality dishwashing detergent. A good detergent is better at breaking down food particles and leaves less residue behind. It’s a worthy investment!
I can’t stress enough how much scraping dishes helps—I used to be lazy about it, but once I started scraping off big chunks of food, my filter stayed cleaner for weeks longer. Another trick I’ve picked up is to run a hot water cycle every month or so, even if the dishwasher’s empty, to flush out minor buildup. As for detergents, I’ve noticed that pricier ones (around $8-$10 for a pack) really do make a difference compared to the $3 generics—they leave less film on dishes and the filter. Also, if you’re in a hard water area, consider a water softener for your dishwasher. It’s a bit of an upfront cost (around $20 for a basic one), but it reduces scale buildup, which can clog filters faster. These small habits have kept my dishwasher running like new for years.
