How to Clean Dishwasher Filter? [4 Regular Cleaning Tips]
 The Short Answer is: |
| Cleaning a dishwasher filter is an important task to ensure that your dishwasher works efficiently and your dishes come out clean. The process of cleaning the filter varies depending on the type of filter your dishwasher has. If your dishwasher has a manual filter, you can remove it and clean it with warm water and a mild detergent. Use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently scrub away any debris or buildup. Rinse the filter with water to remove any soap residue and reinstall it. If your dishwasher has a self-cleaning filter, you can use a DIY cleansing mixture of white vinegar and baking soda once a month to clean it. |
If you’ve noticed that your dishes aren’t coming out as clean as they used to, it might be time to clean your dishwasher filter. Over time, food particles and debris can build up in the filter, causing clogs and affecting the dishwasher’s performance.
Cleaning the filter is a simple process that can help keep your dishwasher running smoothly and your dishes sparkling clean. In this article, we’ll show you how to clean dishwasher filter using tips and instructions from various sources.
Table of Contents
Locating the Dishwasher Filter
Dishwashers have filters that help to trap food particles and other debris, and cleaning these filters regularly is important for appliance maintenance.
There are two types of filters available for dishwashers: self-cleaning and manual. Here are the steps to locate and clean your dishwasher filter:
Filter Types and Variations
Self-cleaning filter: This filter type typically uses a grinder to pulverize food debris like a garbage disposal. It does not require regular manual cleaning.
Manual filter: This filter type usually has a mesh net that catches bits of food, which you’ll then need to remove yourself. It requires at least a monthly clean (or more often, depending on your usage) to prevent build-up of leftover food, bad odors, and a reduction of water flow.
Why Cleaning Is Necessary
- A well-maintained and clean dishwasher filter can make all the difference when it comes to clear, shiny, and smudge-free glasses and other dishes.
- Without a clean dishwasher filter, your tableware will come out of the wash looking a little more dull and less sparkling.
Steps to Locate and Clean Your Dishwasher Filter
- Find the filter: The dishwasher filter is at the bottom of your dishwasher, under the bottom rack. To find it, pull out the bottom dish rack, then look for the filter—it’s usually either in one of the back corners of the dishwasher tub or around the base of the bottom spray arm.
- Remove the filter: Give the upper filter a quarter turn clockwise or counterclockwise to unlock it and take it out. Then, gently lift and pull the lower filter forward to remove it.
It’s important to note that not all dishwashers have a visible or easily accessible filter. Some newer models are equipped with hidden or self-cleaning filters that do not require regular manual cleaning.
In these cases, the filter is typically located inside the dishwasher and is automatically cleaned during the wash cycle. If you’re unsure about the location of the filter in your dishwasher, refer to your dishwasher’s user manual or contact the manufacturer for specific instructions.
Gathering Necessary Tools and Supplies
To clean a dishwasher filter, you will need the following tools and supplies:
- Supplies: Warm water, distilled white vinegar, baking soda, dish soap
- Tools: Soft brush, sponge, old toothbrush, rubber gloves
These items will help you tackle stubborn spots and remove any gunk that would otherwise clog your dishwasher.
Before you begin, refer to your dishwasher owner’s manual to determine how often the appliance and filter should be cleaned, as older dishwashers may need a different cleaning approach compared to newer models.
Step-by-Step Dishwasher Filter Cleaning Guide
Cleaning your dishwasher filter is an essential part of maintaining your dishwasher and ensuring that your dishes come out clean and sparkling. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning your dishwasher filter:
Step 1: Turn Off and Empty the Dishwasher
Before you start cleaning the filter, turn off your dishwasher and empty it of any dishes.
Step 2: Removing the Bottom Rack
Remove the bottom rack of your dishwasher to access the filter.
Step 3: Accessing and Removing the Filter
Locate the filter, which is usually round and located near the bottom of the dishwasher. Depending on your dishwasher model, you may need to unlock and remove the upper filter by turning it and pulling it out. There may be directional arrows on top.
Step 4: Rinsing and Cleaning the Filter
Rinse the filter under hot, running water. If any debris is stuck on, gently scrub it with a soft cloth or brush, such as a toothbrush. Do not use wire brushes. If the filter is extra dirty or caked with food residue, let it soak in warm, soapy water for about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Cleaning the Filter Housing
Once you have cleaned the filter, wipe away any debris near it with a soft, damp cloth. You can also use a soft brush to gently scrub the filter housing.
Step 6: Reassembling the Dishwasher
After cleaning the filter and filter housing, reassemble the dishwasher by replacing the filter and bottom rack. Turn on the dishwasher and run it through a cycle to ensure that everything is working properly.
Regularly cleaning your dishwasher filter can help your dishwasher perform at its best, load after load. The frequency of cleaning depends on how often you use your dishwasher.
The table below offers helpful recommendations you can use as guidance for establishing your own filter cleaning schedule:
- If you wash before loading: Up to 14 loads per week, clean once per year.
- If you only scrape before loading: 1–7 loads per week, clean twice per year; 8–14 loads per week, clean every three months.
With these simple steps, you can keep your dishwasher filter clean and your dishes sparkling.
Maintaining a Clean Dishwasher
Maintaining a clean dishwasher is essential to ensure that it functions properly and lasts longer. Here are some tips to help you keep your dishwasher clean:
Regular Cleaning Schedule
Cleaning your dishwasher regularly is important to prevent the build-up of grease, soap scum, and food debris that can reduce its efficiency and provide a breeding ground for germs. Here are some steps to follow:
- Clear the drain: Remove any food debris or other objects that may be clogging the drain.
- Clean the spray arm jets: Use a toothpick or other small object to clear any clogs in the spray arm jets.
- Clean the interior and door gasket: Wipe down the interior of the dishwasher with a damp cloth or sponge, paying special attention to the door gasket, which can accumulate dirt and debris.
- Eliminate odors: To remove any unpleasant odors, run a cycle with a cup of white vinegar in the top rack of the dishwasher.
By following these tips, you can keep your dishwasher clean and functioning properly for years to come. Remember to use a good dishwasher cleaner, such as Finish® Dishwasher Cleaner, at least once a month to break down grease and limescale and eliminate odor.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Dishwasher Filter Cleaning:
Where is dishwasher filter?
The dishwasher filter is located at the bottom of the dishwasher, under the bottom rack. It can be found in one of the back corners of the dishwasher tub or around the base of the bottom spray arm.
How often to clean dishwasher filter?
Depending on how frequently you use your dishwasher, you should clean your filter anywhere from once a year to once a week. However, most experts recommend cleaning the filter at least once a month for dishwashers with manual-clean filters.
If you notice a foul smell coming from your dishwasher or your dishes come out feeling grainy or have food leftover in them, it may be time to clean the filter.
How to clean a bosch dishwasher filter?
To clean a Bosch dishwasher filter, first remove the lower dishwasher rack and spray arm. Then, twist and pull out the filter with the mesh screen.
Wash and clean the filter under running water with mild soap and a soft brush to remove debris. Finally, place the filter and spray arm back in the dishwasher. It is recommended to clean the filter every few months for optimum results.
How to clean dishwasher filter with vinegar?
To clean a dishwasher filter with vinegar, first, remove the filter and rinse it under running water. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to remove any stubborn food particles.
Then, place the filter in a mix of warm water and white distilled vinegar and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. After soaking, rinse the filter under running water and replace it in the dishwasher.
Where is the filter on a ge dishwasher?
To find the filter on a GE dishwasher, you need to remove the bottom rack and twist the Ultra Fine Filter counterclockwise and lift it to remove. Rinse the filter with warm soapy water and use a sponge to carefully remove any stubborn particles.
Scrubbing with scouring pads or brushes can damage the filter. To clean the Fine Filter (mesh plate), remove the bottom rack, remove the Ultra Fine Filter, twist each of the two retaining posts located toward the back, bottom of the dishwasher tub counterclockwise and remove the Fine Filter.
Rinse the Fine Filter with warm soapy water. Scouring pads or brushes can scratch the filter surface but a soft brush or sponge may be needed to remove stubborn soils or calcium deposits caused by hard water. Once it is clean, replace the Fine Filter and the Ultra Fine Filter. Twist the two retaining posts.
Do all dishwashers have filters?
Yes, all dishwashers have filters inside them to prevent the cleaned utensils from getting filthy again. However, the location, type, and instructions about how to keep the dishwasher clean may vary depending on the make and model of the appliance.
Some dishwashers may come with advanced filtration features that help filter out food bits and debris easily, limiting the need for routine maintenance.
Select KitchenAid® dishwashers feature a maintenance-free filter system that doesn’t require any regular cleaning or maintenance.
How to clean filter on ge dishwasher?
To clean the filter on a GE dishwasher, you should first remove the bottom rack and then remove the fine and ultra-fine filters. Rinse the fine filter with warm soapy water, and use a soft brush or sponge to remove any stubborn soils or calcium deposits caused by hard water.
Be careful not to use scouring pads or brushes that can scratch the filter surface. Once the fine filter is clean, replace it and the ultra-fine filter, and twist the two retaining posts clockwise to lock them into place. It is recommended to inspect and clean the filters every other month or more depending on usage.
How to clean kitchenaid dishwasher filter?
Cleaning the filter of a KitchenAid dishwasher is a simple task that can be completed in the afternoon with the help of a step-by-step guide. To clean the filter, you need to locate and remove it from the dishwasher.
For more challenging food particles, soak the filter in warm water for a few minutes. You can use an old toothbrush or a sponge to gently scrub away calcium and other mineral deposits.
Once you have cleaned the filter, replace it in the dishwasher and ensure that both the lower and upper filters are in the locked position before running the dishwasher to avoid damaging it.
How to clean a Whirlpool dishwasher filter?
To clean a Whirlpool dishwasher filter, follow these steps:
- Locate the filter at the bottom center of your dishwasher. The triple filter system consists of two parts, an upper filter assembly, and a lower filter.
- Turn the Upper Filter Assembly ¼ turn counterclockwise and lift it out.
- Rinse the filter under running water to remove most soil. Use a soft brush and dish soap on calcium deposits and other hard-to-remove food debris. Do not use a wire brush, scouring pad, or anything rough to scrub the filter as these materials could damage it.
- Return the dishwasher filter to the tub.
It is recommended to clean the dishwasher filter regularly to prevent clogs and maintain peak performance.
Where is the filter on a Whirlpool dishwasher?
The filter on a Whirlpool dishwasher can be found at the bottom center of the dishwasher. It is composed of two parts: an upper and lower filter assembly.
To access the filter, you need to remove the lower dish rack to expose the bottom of your dishwasher. The upper filter can be removed by giving it a quarter turn clockwise, while the lower filter can be lifted and pulled forward to remove it.
How to remove the dishwasher filter?
To remove the dishwasher filter, you need to locate it first. The filter is usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher, under the bottom rack.
Once you have located the filter, remove the lower dish rack to expose the bottom of your dishwasher. The filter can be found in either the back corner of the dishwasher tub or around the base of the bottom spray arm.
Many dishwasher filters are composed of two parts: an upper and lower filter assembly. Give the upper filter a quarter turn clockwise and take it out. Then, gently lift and pull the lower filter forward to remove it.
Conclusion on How to Clean Dishwasher Filter
In conclusion, cleaning the dishwasher filter is an essential task to maintain the optimum performance of the dishwasher. A dirty filter can cause a stench, less clean dishes, and even serious problems with drainage or damage to the pump in rare cases.
It is recommended to clean the filter once a month to prevent limescale and detergent residue buildup. The cleaning process involves locating, removing, rinsing, and drying the filter, and inspecting it for any signs of damage.
There are different methods to clean the filter, such as using a dishwasher cleaner or soaking it in vinegar. Regular dishwasher cleaning is also necessary to avoid grime, food debris, and unpleasant odors.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your dishwasher filter is clean and your dishes come out clean and sparkling after each cycle.
