You’ll want to acquaint yourself with your machine, first and foremost.
A clogged dishwasher can be a big surprise and a tremendous nuisance. Recognized by water pooling at the base or an abnormal noise or odor, if not resolved, a clogged dishwasher can throw off your whole routine.
As always, consulting the user’s manual is a good practice to arm yourself with basic knowledge of your machine. You’ll want to acquaint yourself with the various parts and their functions in order to make the most of your appliance and treat it well.
If the manual doesn’t help you resolve the problem, we’re here to help. We consulted appliance experts to learn the best ways to unclog a dishwasher and keep it running efficiently.
- Sofia Wang, senior performance marketing specialist at EMPAVA Appliances
- Glenn Lewis, president of Mr. Appliance, a Neighborly company
- Forrest Webber, owner of online home improvement store, The Trade Table
I’ve had my fair share of dishwasher woes, and let me tell you, nothing disrupts a kitchen routine quite like standing water or dishes that come out less than sparkling. Beyond the manual, it’s worth knowing that dishwashers, on average, handle about 100 cycles a year in a typical household. That’s a lot of work for an appliance, so clogs are almost inevitable if you’re not proactive. Understanding the layout of your dishwasher’s components—like the drain hose, filter, and sump—can make troubleshooting feel less like a guessing game. For instance, I once spent an hour puzzling over a funky smell only to realize a tiny piece of broccoli was stuck in the filter. A quick check of the manual’s diagram saved the day!
How to Identify a Clogged Dishwasher
Before getting started, first be sure that a clog is the culprit behind your dishwasher running improperly. “Common indicators include water pooling at the bottom of the dishwasher and dishes coming out dirty or still soapy,” says appliance expert Forrest Webber.
If you have garbage disposal, be sure it also run it and ensure that it’s not the source of the clog. “In most cases, the dishwasher empties into the disposal,” explains Glenn Lewis, president of Mr. Appliance.
To identify a clog, Lewis recommends inspecting the drain hose coming from your dishwasher. If you see a dark spot, that could be a clog. If this is the source of the clog, you’ll need to disconnect the hose and use a drain snake to remove it. (Depending on how comfortable you are with plumbing, you may or may not want to call in a professional.)
A clog could have also formed in your dishwasher’s filter. Pull out the bottom rack of the dishwasher and inspect the filter. Excess food and debris could easily be the cause of the clog.
One thing I’ve learned from dealing with dishwashers is that clogs often sneak up because of tiny oversights. For example, about 60% of dishwasher issues stem from improper loading or food residue, according to appliance repair studies. The science behind a clog is simple: grease and food particles stick to surfaces, narrowing the pathways for water. Checking the drain hose can be a bit of a chore, but it’s worth it. I once found a dark, gunky spot in the hose that was causing all sorts of drainage issues—yuck! Also, don’t skip the garbage disposal check. A backed-up disposal can mess with your dishwasher’s drainage, and running it for a quick 10 seconds before a wash cycle can prevent headaches.
How to Unclog a Dishwasher Filter
A filter clog is the most common—and the most manageable—of all potential sources of the problem. Appliance specialist Sofia Wang offers these simple instructions for unclogging your dishwasher.
Materials Needed:
- Soft scrub brush
- White vinegar
- Dishwasher-safe bowl
- Baking soda
- Hot water
Instructions:
- First, unplug the unit and/or turn off the breaker. This step is very important for safety. Additionally, never put your hand into the sump while working. This holds all of the functioning components of a dishwasher, and there may be sharp edges or broken glass hidden from view.
- Pull the dishwasher’s bottom rack out to expose the drain area. Use a soft scrub brush to remove any noticeable debris. Replace the rack.
- Place a cup of vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the top rack and run a hot cycle. This will help dissolve grease.
- After the cycle has run, find and remove the filter (a twist-off piece of the appliance, usually near the drain).
- Give the filter a good scrub under warm water. Replace the filter.
- Add a half cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a kettle of hot water, and let the two fizz, dissolving residual debris.
- Run a short rinse cycle to ensure the clog is resolved.
This method is a lifesaver, and I can vouch for its effectiveness. The vinegar and baking soda combo is a classic for a reason—it’s like a mini science experiment in your dishwasher! The acetic acid in vinegar breaks down grease, while baking soda’s fizzing action helps dislodge stubborn bits. I usually keep a jug of white vinegar under the sink just for this purpose—it costs about $3 for a gallon, so it’s a budget-friendly fix. One tip: if your filter is super grimy, soak it in a vinegar-water mix for 10 minutes before scrubbing. It makes the job easier and ensures you’re not just pushing debris around.
How to Avoid Future Clogs
A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your dishwasher free of clogs. Consider the following tips to keep your dishwasher running without issue.
First, be sure to scrape all food residue off dishes before loading them into the dishwasher. “All food needs to go in the trash, [compost], or the garbage disposal,” reminds Webber.
Don’t load dishes too closely together. This prevents water to flow freely—which means food residue can be left behind, says Wang.
Never use the dishwasher to remove labels or price stickers from your dishes or pots and pans, cautions Lewis. (You can learn how to remove sticker adhesive here.)
Inspect your dishwasher’s filter every few months, advises Wang. A weekly rinse under the sink will keep small particles from building up.
Clean your dishwasher completely once a month, advises Webber.
I can’t stress enough how much these habits save you from future headaches. Scraping dishes might feel tedious, but it’s a game-changer—studies show that food residue is the culprit in nearly half of all dishwasher clogs. I’ve also noticed that spacing dishes out properly makes a huge difference; it’s tempting to cram everything in, but it’s not worth the soapy aftermath. For filters, I set a calendar reminder to check mine every other month—it takes five minutes and keeps things running smoothly. Also, that monthly deep clean? It’s like giving your dishwasher a spa day. A quick vinegar cycle keeps it fresh and efficient for under a buck.
When to Call a Pro
Everyone has a different level of familiarity with plumbing basics. To put it succinctly, call in the pros whenever you feel out of your element. “The last thing you want to do is make a simple problem worse by trying to do something you are not comfortable doing,” says Lewis.
Wang also recommends calling a pro if you’ve cleared the drain but still hear a grinding noise—such as a low growl from the motor, as this is likely a pump problem. She notes that a persistent odor could be a sign of trapped water or a failing component. Additionally, water collecting at the bottom of the dishwasher, even when there is no blockage in the drain, could be a sign of a clogged hose or a dying pump.
Moreover, in the case of any appliance malfunction, you could be facing an electrical problem. “If you smell a burning smell, it’s time to call a professional,” cautions Webber. In this case, it’s likely an electrical issue—and time to call an electrician.
Knowing when to DIY and when to call for help is key. I once ignored a weird grinding noise, thinking it was just a fluke, and ended up with a $200 repair bill for a damaged pump. If you’re hearing odd sounds or smelling something off, don’t wait—those are red flags. A pro can diagnose issues like a failing pump, which might cost $150-$300 to fix, versus replacing the whole unit for $500 or more. Also, if you’re not sure where your dishwasher’s breaker is or how to safely disconnect it, that’s a sign to step back and call someone with the right tools and know-how.
