How to clean a dishwasher drain in 6 steps
By Kristy Snyder•Last updated Aug 29, 2023
Last updated Aug 29, 2023
Table of Contents
- What you'll need
- Step 1: Shut off the power and empty the dishwasher.
- Step 2: Remove all standing water and visible debris.
- Step 3: Locate the dishwasher drain and filter.
- Step 4: Remove the drain filter and clean it.
- Step 5: Clean the drain with vinegar and baking soda.
- How do I know if my dishwasher drain hose is clogged?
- How often should you clean your dishwasher drain?
- What happens if the dishwasher drain is clogged?
- Prevent future clogs in your dishwasher drain.
- When to contact a professional.
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It's never a great sign when you open your dishwasher and see a layer of murky water sitting at the bottom. This is often a sign of a clogged drain — and you may need to do some dishwasher troubleshooting and perform repairs.
If your drain is clogged, water from the wash cycle has nowhere to go, so it sits and festers. Don't let a clog get you down — follow these steps to get your dishwasher draining properly again.
What you'll need
To get started, make sure you have these supplies on hand:
- Cup to empty out standing water
- Bucket or shallow pan
- Baking soda and white vinegar
- Screwdriver (only some models need one)
- Towels
- Soft brush or old toothbrush
- Rubber gloves
- Flashlight
- Hot water
Step 1: Shut off the power and empty the dishwasher.
Safety first. Switch off the circuit breaker that controls your dishwasher — most are hardwired, so the breaker is the only way to fully cut power. If yours plugs into an outlet under the sink, unplug it instead. If you plan to disconnect the drain hose later, also close the water supply valve under the sink.
Step 2: Remove all standing water and visible debris.
Do you see what looks like leftover soup floating in the bottom of your dishwasher? Unfortunately, you'll need to remove it to access the drain.
Use a cup to scoop up excess liquid and pour it into a bucket so you can dispose of it later. Soak up the remaining water with towels.
Step 3: Locate the dishwasher drain and filter.
With the bottom rack out, look at the floor of the tub. The drain is a circular opening, usually toward the center or back, with a filter assembly sitting over it. Most dishwashers have a two-part filter: a cylindrical mesh filter that sticks up slightly, and a flat screen underneath it. Use a flashlight to get a clear look.
Step 4: Remove the drain filter and clean it.
The filter catches large food particles before they reach your pump and drain line, which is exactly why it clogs.
On most dishwashers made in the last decade or so, the cylindrical filter twists out by hand — turn it counterclockwise a quarter turn and lift. The flat screen underneath usually lifts free once the cylinder is out. Some older or higher-end models secure the assembly with screws or clips, so check your owner's manual before forcing anything. Keep a screwdriver nearby in case yours needs one.
Put on gloves before reaching into the drain opening — broken glass and bone fragments are common down there and hard to see. Gently scrub the filter parts with a soft brush and dish soap, rinse them under the tap, clear any food debris from the drain opening, then reinstall the filter and make sure it seats and locks properly.
Step 5: Clean the drain with vinegar and baking soda.
Pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda into the drain basket first, then slowly follow it with 1 cup of white vinegar. Add them separately rather than premixing — if you combine them in a cup, the fizzing reaction is spent before it reaches the drain.
Let it sit and foam for about 15 minutes, then pour a kettle of hot water down the basket to flush out anything the reaction loosened.
Don't substitute a chemical drain cleaner here. Caustic cleaners can corrode your dishwasher's seals, gaskets and plastic parts, and manufacturers generally void coverage for the damage.
Step 6: Run a cycle.
Finally, run a wash cycle to give everything a final clean.
How do I know if my dishwasher drain hose is clogged?
The dishwasher drain hose runs from the dishwasher to your sink plumbing. Where it lands depends on your setup: it may connect to an inlet on the garbage disposal, to the sink tailpiece or a dedicated drain branch, or to an air gap mounted on the countertop. Look under your sink to see which you have before you start.
Start by checking the hose for kinks or sharp bends, especially where it loops behind the dishwasher or connects under the sink. If it looks clear, disconnect it with a bucket underneath to catch the dirty water, then hold one end up to a light and look through it. You can also pour clean water through the hose into the bucket — if it backs up or trickles instead of running freely, you have a clog.
Pro tip: You can try clearing clogs manually with a drain snake or a long flexible brush. Wear gloves if you're reaching in by hand — glass shards travel down that hose too.
How often should you clean your dishwasher drain?
You should clean your dishwasher drain about once a month. Cleaning it often can help remove mineral buildup and keep your appliance running better for longer.
What happens if the dishwasher drain is clogged?
If the dishwasher drain is clogged, you might notice standing water at the bottom of your dishwasher. When a cycle is running, you might also hear strange sounds like shaking, thumping, or gurgling.
Prevent future clogs in your dishwasher drain.
You can help prevent clogs and blockages from forming in the dishwasher drain and hose. Just remember these tips:
- Always rinse dishes before loading the dishwasher. Scrape off the food and let dishes soak in warm water.
- Run the garbage disposal before a load. Make this an automatic habit when cleaning up after every meal.
- Regularly check that the air gap isn't blocked. An air gap is a small cylinder on your kitchen sink that connects to your dishwasher. Its purpose is to prevent water from flowing backward during a cleaning cycle. Over time, this air gap can clog.
- Clean your dishwasher to prevent clogs. A monthly wipe-down of your dishwasher drain should do the trick. But you should also run a cleaning cycle using dishwasher cleaning detergent occasionally.
When to contact a professional.
If you've done everything and the drain is still clogged, there may be a bigger issue. For example, there might be a clog inside the drain pump or drain hose. Or there might be an issue with your plumbing system.
If you're not confident tinkering with your dishwasher or plumbing, a plumber or repair service can do it for you. Simply download the Thumbtack app to start comparing top-rated pros and receiving free cost estimates.
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