How to clean a dishwasher drain in 5 steps.

Where is the dishwasher drain located?

The dishwasher drain is located at the bottom of the dishwasher. In most dishwashers, it's just under the bottom rack. It's typically a circular piece with a filter on top of it.

How to clean a dishwasher drain.

To get the process going, make sure you have the following supplies on hand:

• Cup to empty out the standing water
• Bucket
• Drain cleaner and/or baking soda and vinegar
• Screwdriver
• Towels
• Soft brush
• Hot water

Step 1: Shut off the power and empty the dishwasher.

Safety first. Cut off the power to ensure you don't have any electrical accidents.

Next, you need to empty the dishwasher. Take out any and all dishes. Also, take out the racks so they're not in your way.

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. Get the remaining water by soaking it up with towels.

Step 3: Remove the drain filter and clean it.

The filter sits on top of the drain and is meant to catch big food particles so they don't clog your pipes. Unfortunately, this means it can back up every now and then. 

Locate the cage at the bottom of the dishwasher, then use a screwdriver to take it off. You may be able to do it by hand.

Once you have it off, gently scrub it with a soft brush and soap. Make sure you grab any big pieces of food you see sitting in the drain, then replace the filter.

Related: How to clean a dishwasher filter.

Step 4: Clean the drain with vinegar and baking soda.

To clean the drain itself, you can use a mixture of equal parts baking soda and vinegar. Or, you can use a drain cleaner.

Pour this solution into the drain basket, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Next, pour hot water down the basket to loosen any remaining particles.

Step 5: Run a cycle.

Finally, you can run a wash cycle to give everything a final cleanse.

How do I know if my dishwasher drain hose is clogged?

The dishwasher drain hose connects the dishwasher to the garbage disposal under the kitchen sink. Unfortunately, a backup here often has the same symptom as a clogged drain — standing water.

One way to know for sure that the problem is your drain hose is to examine it for kinks. You can also try disconnecting the hose and blowing through it. If you can't blow air into it, then it's likely clogged.

Pro tip: You can try to remove clogs manually with your hands or a drain snake. Consult your owner's manual on how to find and disconnect your drain hose (remember to secure it back in place correctly when done).

How often should you clean your dishwasher drain?

You should clean your dishwasher drain about once a month. Cleaning the drain 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 weird sounds like shaking, thumping, or gurgling.

Related: Dishwasher repair guide: How to fix dishwasher problems.

Prevent future clogs in your dishwasher drain.

You can easily prevent clogs and blockages from forming in 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 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 up.
• 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 a 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.