How to clean your dishwasher filter.

What is a dishwasher filter?

Your dishwasher filter keeps the bits of food and grease from reentering your dishwasher and dirtying your dishes all over again. But not all filters are the same.

For example, some older dishwashers have self-cleaning filters that act like garbage disposals. Some have a grinder to pulverize food so it goes down the drain easily. Some have a fine mesh. Water pushes food through the mesh, breaking the food into small pieces.

Check your owner's manual or the manufacturer’s website to find out what kind of filter you have. If you have a manual dishwasher filter, you must remove and clean it so your dishwasher remains in top condition.

How often do you clean your dishwasher filter?

Try to remove visible bits and pieces of food from the filter and bottom of the dishwasher every time you use it. It's a good habit to develop if you want to prevent bad odors and drainage issues.

Every week, consider doing a deeper clean that includes removing the filter, rinsing and soaking it, and lightly scrubbing it.

5 steps to clean your dishwasher filter.

Follow the steps below to clean your manual dishwasher filter.

Step 1: Locate the filter.

The filter usually sits at the bottom or back of the dishwasher. You’ll likely need to remove the bottom rack to access it. Look for a cage or grille, as that usually covers your dishwasher.

Your filter might be in the back corner of the dishwasher tub or under the bottom spray arm.

Step 2: Remove the filter.

Usually, dishwasher filters are easily removable by hand. For other dishwashers, you may need to remove it with the help of a screwdriver.

Turn the filter counter-clockwise and pull it to remove it. Check your dishwasher’s guide for specific instructions if you aren’t sure how to remove it.

Step 3: Rinse the filter.

Hold your filter under your faucet to rinse off most debris. If some smaller particles don’t rinse off easily, soak the filter in warm water and dish soap for a few minutes.

Gently scrub off excess debris with a soft brush. Be sure not to scrub your filter with a scouring pad or stainless steel wire brush. Doing so will only damage your filter.

Step 4: Return the filter.

Put the filter back into its slot. Turn it clockwise until it clicks or until the arrows align.

Make sure your dishwasher filter is locked before running the dishwasher. If your filter is loose, it could damage your dishwasher.

Step 5: Run the dishwasher.

Run your dishwasher to check if it is working properly. If it drains normally, your dishwasher is all set.

Related: How long do dishwashers last?

How to keep your filter clean and clog-free.

It's important to keep your dishwasher filter as clean as possible. To do so, remember these maintenance tips:

Remove food bits after every dishwashing cycle.

Every time you use your dishwasher, you should check for any leftover food that may have fallen into the filter. Remove the lower rack of your dishwasher. Look for food debris stuck in the filter or on the screen.

Deep clean your dishwasher filter once a week.

Schedule a day every week to clean your dishwasher filter. Doing it every day would be too much of a hassle. But waiting an entire month before cleaning your dishwasher could result in your dishwasher filter being too dirty to clean thoroughly.

Follow the steps above to locate, remove and clean the filter.

Do a monthly deep clean of your dishwasher.

Once a month, it’s crucial to get down and do a deep, thorough cleaning of your entire dishwasher. Clean it from top to bottom (and inside and out). This is the best way to remove trapped particles, residue, grease, and other buildup. Be sure to also wipe down the surface so every aspect remains clean.

When to contact a professional to fix your dishwasher filter.

Cleaning your dishwasher filter is pretty easy to do. Just remove it, clean it, and pop it back in. But if you're experiencing other dishwasher issues and suspect you need repairs, it may be time to bring in a  professional.

Download the Thumbtack app to connect with top-rated pros near you. You can find appliance repair pros, plumbers, handymen, house cleaners and more to help you with your home projects. Start receiving price quotes today.

FAQs.

What happens if you don’t clean your dishwasher filter?

If you don’t clean your dishwasher filter, your dishes will never be completely clean. Think of it as washing your dishes with old soapy water and old food every time you run a cycle. Basically, you’ll end up eating off dirty dishes.

If you don’t clean your dishwasher filter, don’t be surprised to find food particles coating your dishes even after you run a clean cycle. You may also start smelling an unpleasant odor in your dishwasher — a sign that your dishwasher is unsanitary.

Related: Why does my dishwasher smell? 3 tips to get rid of bad odors.

How many filters does a dishwasher have?

While the number of filters on your dishwasher varies, your dishwasher may have one or two pieces — a lower and upper filter assembly. One is cylindrical, and the other is flat. You should make sure to clean both.

Removing the cylindrical filter requires twisting and unlocking the mechanism that keeps it in place. The second filter (the flat one) comes out when you lift the first.

Is there a filter in all dishwashers?

All dishwashers have a filter. Some have a self-cleaning one, while others have a manual one. The kind of filter depends on the dishwasher. If you aren’t sure what kind of filter you have, check your manual.