Keeping your dishwasher’s filter free of buildup and debris helps ensure your appliance can keep up with your culinary pursuits. The dishwasher filter is responsible for clearing dishwater, preventing clogs and keeping food particles off of your dishes, once they’ve been washed free of soil. The filter traps loose particles of food and greasy residue, preventing them from being redeposited onto the dishes. Your filter needs a good cleaning at least once a month, especially if you notice an odor, soap residue, or remaining food particles on your dishes. You can use vinegar, baking soda, or a commercial dishwasher cleaner.
Why Cleaning Your Dishwasher Filter Matters
Before diving into the cleaning process, let’s understand the role of the dishwasher filter. The filter, typically located at the bottom of the dishwasher, serves three critical functions:
- Traps Food Particles: It prevents food scraps from redepositing onto your dishes during the wash cycle.
- Protects the Pump: By catching debris, it keeps the dishwasher’s pump free from clogs that could cause mechanical issues.
- Improves Water Quality: A clean filter ensures water circulates effectively, resulting in cleaner dishes and better hygiene.
Neglecting the filter can lead to unpleasant odors, reduced cleaning performance, or even damage to the appliance. Regular cleaning—about once a month for most households—keeps your dishwasher running efficiently and your dishes sparkling. If you notice food residue on plates, a funky smell, or pooling water after a cycle, it’s likely time to clean the filter.
How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Dishwasher Filter
Here’s a straightforward process to clean your dishwasher filter, based on best practices from top online resources. This method works for most modern dishwashers with manual filters, which are common in brands like Bosch, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, and GE.
Step 1: Locate the Filter
- Empty the Dishwasher: Remove all dishes, utensils, and racks to access the bottom of the dishwasher tub.
- Find the Filter: The filter is usually a cylindrical mesh component located in a back corner of the tub or near the base of the bottom spray arm. Some models have a two-part system with an upper cylindrical filter and a flat lower filter. Check your dishwasher’s manual if you’re unsure of its location.
Step 2: Remove the Filter
- Twist and Lift: Most cylindrical filters unlock with a quarter-turn counterclockwise. Gently twist and lift to remove it. If there’s a flat filter, carefully lift it out as well.
- Handle with Care: Avoid forcing the filter, as damaging it could affect dishwasher performance. If it’s stuck, consult your manual for model-specific instructions.
Step 3: Clean the Filter
- Rinse Under Warm Water: Run the filter under warm water to remove loose debris. A kitchen faucet with a sprayer works well for this.
- Scrub Gently: For stubborn food particles or grease, soak the filter in a sink or bowl filled with warm water and a few drops of dish soap with degreasing properties. Use a soft-bristled brush, like an old toothbrush, to scrub the mesh gently. Avoid wire brushes or abrasive pads, which can damage the filter.
- Tackle Tough Stains: If you notice calcium deposits or hard water stains, soak the filter in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water for 10-15 minutes. Scrub lightly, then rinse thoroughly.
Step 4: Clean the Filter Area
- Wipe the Filter Slot: Use a damp cloth or sponge with soapy water to clean the area where the filter sits. Food particles or grease can accumulate here, affecting performance.
- Check the Spray Arm: While the filter is out, inspect the spray arm for clogs. Use a toothpick or soft brush to clear any debris from the spray arm’s holes.
Step 5: Reinstall the Filter
- Reattach the Lower Filter: If your dishwasher has a two-part filter, place the flat lower filter back first, aligning it under any tabs.
- Secure the Upper Filter: Insert the cylindrical filter into the lower filter’s opening and turn it clockwise until it locks into place. Ensure it’s secure—filters that turn freely aren’t properly seated.
- Replace the Rack: Slide the bottom rack back into the dishwasher, ensuring it aligns with the tracks.
How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher Filter?
The frequency depends on how often you use your dishwasher and whether you rinse dishes before loading them:
- Heavy Use (Daily): Clean the filter every 2-4 weeks.
- Moderate Use (3-5 times a week): Clean every 1-2 months.
- Light Use (1-2 times a week): Clean every 3-6 months.
If you skip pre-rinsing dishes, as many modern dishwashers recommend, you may need to clean the filter more frequently. Check your owner’s manual for specific guidance, as some brands like Bosch suggest cleaning every 3-6 months, while Miele may prompt a filter check every 50 cycles.
Signs it’s time to clean the filter include:
- Lingering food particles on dishes after a cycle.
- A musty or mildew-like smell coming from the dishwasher.
- Pooling water or slow drainage.
Additional Tips for Dishwasher Maintenance
Beyond cleaning the filter, a few extra steps can enhance your dishwasher’s performance and longevity. These points address gaps in many online guides, which often focus solely on the filter-cleaning process.
1. Run a Monthly Cleaning Cycle
To prevent grease and odor buildup, run an empty cycle with a cleaning agent:
Place 2 cups of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack and run a hot water cycle (no detergent). Alternatively, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda at the bottom and run a short cycle.
Avoid pouring vinegar directly into the dishwasher base, as it could damage internal components.
2. Inspect and Clean the Spray Arms
Clogged spray arms reduce water distribution, leading to dirty dishes. Remove the spray arms (consult your manual for model-specific instructions) and clean the holes with a toothpick or soft brush. Rinse thoroughly before reinstalling.
3. Wipe the Door Gasket
Food debris and grime can accumulate along the rubber door gasket, causing leaks or odors. Wipe it with a damp cloth and a few drops of dish soap whenever you clean the filter.
4. Check for Damage and Replace if Needed
Inspect the filter for tears, cracks, or wear during cleaning. A damaged filter can let debris into the pump, causing clogs or breakdowns. Replacement filters are often affordable (e.g., around $20 for Bosch models) and can be ordered from the manufacturer’s website.
5. Avoid Common Mistakes
- Don’t Over-Scrub: Harsh brushes or scouring pads can tear the filter’s fine mesh.
- Don’t Skip Reinstallation: Running a cycle without a properly locked filter can damage the dishwasher.
- Don’t Ignore Hard Water: If you live in a hard water area, use a dishwasher cleaner or descaler periodically to combat limescale buildup.
What Happens If You Don’t Clean the Filter?
A neglected filter can cause several issues:
- Dirty Dishes: Food particles may redeposit onto plates, leaving them gritty.
- Foul Odors: Trapped debris can foster bacteria and mold, creating a smelly dishwasher.
- Clogs and Damage: Built-up debris can block drainage or damage the pump, leading to costly repairs.
- Reduced Efficiency: A clogged filter forces the dishwasher to work harder, wasting water and energy.
In rare cases, a severely clogged filter can cause leaks, as one homeowner discovered after a Thanksgiving feast led to a repair bill due to a slimy, debris-filled filter.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your dishwasher filter is a quick, simple task that pays off in sparkling dishes and a longer-lasting appliance. With just a few minutes every month, you can prevent odors, clogs, and performance issues. Pair this routine with occasional deep-cleaning cycles and spray arm checks, and your dishwasher will thank you with years of reliable service. Next time you load up after a big meal, take a moment to check the filter—it’s the secret to keeping your kitchen’s unsung hero running smoothly.
FAQ
How do you clean a dishwasher that doesn’t have a removable filter?
No removable filter? No problem. You can still clean your dishwasher—you just need to use dishwasher cleaning tablets. They’re “quite effective,” says Maker, whose own dishwasher doesn’t have a removable filter.
How do you clean a dishwasher with no removable filter?
Pour 2 cups (500 mL) of white vinegar into a glass measuring cup or other dishwasher-safe container and place upright in the lower rack. Run a normal cycle with the heat dry option turned off to clean the inside of your dishwasher.
Does vinegar really clean a dishwasher?
Vinegar is a natural odor neutralizer, so not only will it help to loosen all of the grit, grime, buildup and grossness inside your dishwasher, but it’ll zap at lingering smells, too.
How to clean a very dirty dishwasher filter?
Check your dishwasher’s user manual to see how to unlock or remove the filter. Once the filter is unlocked or unscrewed, gently lift it out of the dishwasher. Clean the filter with warm water and a mild detergent. Use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently scrub away any debris or buildup.
How long to soak dishwasher filter in vinegar?
First, take the filter out and rinse under running water. You can use your soft-bristle toothbrush to get any chunks of stubborn food. Next, place it in a mix of warm water and white distilled vinegar. Finally, let this solution soak for at least 30 minutes.
