How to Clean Your Dishwasher Filter in Minutes

Clean filter, cleaner dishes

A father and daughter load a dishwasher
Photo: MoMo Productions / DigitalVision / Getty Images
A father and daughter load a dishwasher
Photo: MoMo Productions / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Lawrence Bonk
Written by Lawrence Bonk
Contributing Writer
Updated Aug 21, 2023
SKILL LEVEL
Easy
COMPLETION TIME
15 minutes
COST
$0
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
  • Soft cloths or clean dishrags
  • Soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush
SUPPLIES
  • Hot water

The humble dishwasher is one of the modern world’s greatest marvels. Clean dishes without having to do basically anything? Sign us up. However, these appliances involve one crucial maintenance task that often flies under the radar. 

Many newer dishwashers include filters that keep food debris from entering your water lines, but these filters also require regular cleaning. Failing to do so can lead to costly dishwasher repairs and icky post-wash dishes. Luckily, this cleaning process is DIY-friendly and takes just a few minutes. 

Prepping to Clean a Dishwasher Filter

The most important thing to do before cleaning your dishwasher’s filter is, well, figuring out if the filter requires cleaning. Many older models include self-cleaning filters of various types. As a general rule of thumb, newer dishwashers manufactured in the past decade include filters that require manual cleaning. Manufacturers made the switch away from self-cleaning filters in 2010 as part of an industry redesign to make dishwashers quieter during use. 

If you are unsure, check the instructions that accompanied the dishwasher when you purchased it. Still not sure? Perform a quick web search with your exact make and model.

Read more

  1. Find the Filter

    Man unscrew filter to dishwasher
    Photo: Detry26/ iStock/ Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

    Your first step is opening up the dishwasher and locating the filter. A dishwasher filter location rests on the bottom of the interior of the unit, directly underneath the spray arms. As a note, self-cleaning filters feature a circular plastic grid or a series of holes covering the exterior. Those that need manual cleaning are round and resemble the filters included with water pitches.

  2. Remove the Bottom Rack and Filter

    A view of a dishwasher filter being removed
    Photo: Lazy_Bear / Adobe Stock

    There are many filter designs out there, each requiring a slightly different removal process. Start by removing the bottom dish rack to provide an unrestricted view of the filter casing. The vast majority of these filters are round with arrows indicating which way to turn the cylinder to remove it. If so, simply twist and pull to remove the filter. 

    A small minority of filters include both a cylinder removed via twisting and a secondary flat filter below this cylinder. Flat filters do not lock in place, so grab the hole in the middle and simply pull it out. For more unusual designs, consult the instructions or contact the manufacturer directly.

  3. Clean the Area Surrounding the Filter

    Woman cleaning around dishwasher filter
    Photo: AndreyPopov / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

    Before you tackle the filter itself, give the area surrounding the compartment a thorough cleaning with a soft, damp cloth. If you spot any large chunks of debris, remove them and toss them in the trash. This area is highly susceptible to debris not just because of its proximity to the filter, but because it is located at the bottom of the dishwasher.

  4. Clean the Filter

    A view of a brush cleaning a dishwasher filter
    Photo: Deepshine / iStock / Getty Images

    Now, the fun part. Start by rinsing the filter under hot, running water for 30 seconds to one minute. Once rinsed, gently scrub the exterior of the filter with a soft cloth or brush to remove accumulated debris and complete the cleaning process. Once you’re done scrubbing, give it another quick rinse. As a warning, avoid wire brushes and scrubby pads here as they are harsh and could damage the filter.

  5. Reinsert the Filter

    Now that the filter is all fresh and sparkly, reinsert the component back inside the dishwasher. Locate the relevant compartment and follow the steps in reverse to reattach the filter. There is no need to allow the filter to dry, as these dishwasher filters deal with plenty of liquids with each and every wash. Once reattached, load the dishwasher and marvel at the results.

DIY Dishwasher Cleaning vs. Hiring a Pro

This job is DIY-friendly, requiring just rags, brushes, and hot water. Buying a new dishwasher costs $400, on average, and performing regular maintenance like this can help you put off that expense as long as possible. However, if you already have a pro looking at the dishwasher while conducting repairs, they may clean the filter as part of a troubleshooting routine or just as a courtesy. 

Additionally, if you regularly hire a local house cleaning service, you can ask them to add cleaning your dishwasher filter to their deep-cleaning routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

This depends on how often you use the dishwasher and how clean the dishes are before entering the appliance. If you run the dishwasher daily and don’t scrape or rinse items before loading, for instance, clean the filter every month. If you use it just once or twice a week and rinse dishes before loading, clean the filter every three to six months. Jot this simple maintenance task on a calendar and stick to the schedule.

Yes, if your filter is damaged or simply too debris-filled to be of use, replace it with a new component. Check the instruction manual that accompanied the dishwasher for information as to the specific part. There are many online marketplaces that sell these parts, but perform due diligence to ensure you buy the right one.

Some common signs you have a dirty dishwasher filter are:

  • Food sticking to your dishes even after a thorough wash cycle

  • Odor coming from your dishwasher

  • Stains left on dishes and utensils

  • Water pooling in your dishwasher

  • Food stuck to parts of the dishwasher, like the racks, walls, or sprayer arm

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Learn more about our contributor
Lawrence Bonk
Written by Lawrence Bonk
Contributing Writer
As a technology enthusiast with a professional focus on smart home appliances and accessories, Lawrence Bonk keeps a keen eye on the home improvement innovation space. He is constantly searching for new and convenient ways for homeowners and renters to make the most of their domiciles and has written for publications such as Huffington Post, Engadget, CBS, and many more.

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