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Your dishwasher is one of the hardest-working appliances in your kitchen, but if you’ve been skipping out on maintaining its filter, you are risking a major plumbing disaster and a costly repair bill. Functioning as the machine’s first line of defense, the dishwasher filter is designed to catch congealed food, trap debris, and protect the water pump from clogs. However, because newer models are designed to run quietly, they rely on you to manually clean the filter. This simple chore is often overlooked until the kitchen starts to have a rotten odor or water begins leaking onto the floor. Here’s what you need to know so you never neglect your dishwasher filter again.
What problems can arise with a dishwasher if you don’t clean the filter frequently?
A dishwasher filter is responsible for cleaning and clearing the dishwater, keeping food particles from recirculating and re-sticking to your dishes, and protecting the pump from being clogged by oversized or foreign objects. Regular cleaning and maintenance of a dishwasher filter is crucial to the appliance’s efficiency and longevity, says April Taylor, senior analyst, brand management at Whirlpool (Dishwasher). “Failing to maintain it can result in problems including worsened cleaning performance like visible food particles after a cycle, improper drainage, buildup like grit or grime, odors from leftover debris, mold or mildew, and potential clogs,” she explains.
The buildup of debris weakens the pumps, reduces pressure, and restricts water flow, making it harder for your dirty dishes to get clean, adds Drew Leeland, virtual appliance expert for American Home Shield, a leading home warranty company that offers live video chats with skilled tradespeople. “Items may begin to bypass the filter and get in your drain pump, causing it to malfunction and possibly fail,” explains Leeland.
Watch out for the following signs that your dishwasher filter needs cleaning, according to Whirlpool:
- Soil or other food particles are visible.
- Cleaning performance has worsened, such as food remnants on your dishes after a cycle.
- Dishes are gritty or grimy to the touch even after they have just been cleaned.
What problems can occur with your home’s plumbing?
If a dishwasher filter is not cleaned regularly, debris that bypasses the filter, pump, and drain pump can accumulate inside the corrugated drain hose, restricting water flow, says Leeland. “This buildup can also clog the drain port on the garbage disposal or the P-trap under the sink.” If the hose and filter get clogged, water can even back up in the dishwasher and end up leaking out the door onto your kitchen floor.
In addition, Taylor notes that improper filter maintenance can also result in a buildup like grit or grime, odors from leftover debris, and mold or mildew. “After cleaning the filter, examine the drain pump for blockages, check the garbage disposal, and clear both the air gap and drain hose,” suggests Taylor.
How often should you clean your dishwasher filter?
Dishwasher maintenance needs vary based on several factors, including pre-rinsing habits, frequency of use, local water quality, and incoming water temperature, which is essential for proper detergent activation and soil removal, says Leeland. Always check your appliance manual for specific instructions.
The general rule of thumb, according to Taylor, is to clean the dishwasher filter once per month to maintain optimal performance. “To ensure your filter stays clean, add filter maintenance to your regular deep cleaning schedule and combine with a full clean of the dishwasher tub,” says Taylor. Leeland also recommends running a clean cycle with a dishwasher-safe additive about twice a month.
How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter
It only takes about 10 minutes to remove and clean your dishwasher filter. Always refer to the owner’s manual for guidance on locating and cleaning the dishwasher filter based on your particular model. Once you are familiar with the machine, follow these steps:
Tools and Materials
Soft-bristle brush
Sponge
Soft cloth
Dish detergent
Vinegar
Step 1: Locate the dishwasher filter. “Dishwasher filters are typically located in the back corner of the dishwasher tub or around the base of the bottom spray arm,” notes Taylor. To access your dishwasher filter, remove your lower dish rack to expose the bottom of your dishwasher.
Step 2: Remove the filter. Dishwasher filters typically consist of an upper and lower filter assembly. Give the upper filter a quarter turn clockwise to remove it.
Step 3: Rinse the filter. “Once removed, rinse the filter under hot water using a gentle, soft-bristle brush if needed to loosen debris,” says Leeland.
Step 4: Clean the filter. After removing the debris, clean the filter with a soft cloth, sponge, and dish detergent to remove any oils that can clog the filter material over time, says Leeland. “Avoid rough materials such as a wire brush or scouring pad to scrub the filter, as these materials could damage the filter,” Taylor adds.
Step 5: Return the filter to the dishwasher. “Once clean, the filter should be placed back into the dishwasher and locked in place, depending on the model,” Taylor explains. “After cleaning and placing the filter back in, I would also recommend running an empty, full cycle with a cup of vinegar to clean out the interior of the dishwasher and the drain.”
