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The frequency for cleaning your dishwasher filter depends on your usage habits. If you run the dishwasher daily and don't scrape or rinse dishes before loading, you should clean the filter about once a month. For those who use it only once or twice a week and rinse items beforehand, cleaning it every three to six months may be sufficient. A clear sign that your filter needs cleaning is a musty smell, even after a wash cycle. Regularly cleaning the filter is important to prevent food buildup and clogging over time. It can be helpful to add this maintenance task to your calendar to stay on schedule.

To create a siphon break and remove any chance of dirty sink water or water that backs up into the sink from getting into your dishwasher, your dishwasher drain hose needs to have a high loop or an air gap device as part of its installation. All building codes require at least a high loop. In many places, it’s necessary to install an air gap device to meet the code.

There are some dishwasher care tips to extend its longevity and keep your dishes sparkling. Not overloading your dishwasher is key to letting water and soap move freely through the unit. Too much soap can stress your dishwasher unnecessarily, causing it to break down sooner. 

Cleaning your dishwasher is essential for its performance, so every three to six months, put two cups of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe cup on the top rack and run a complete cycle. When done, place ¼ cup of baking soda inside and run a short cycle to eliminate any lingering odors.

If your dishwasher keeps filling with water at the bottom but doesn’t fill into the sink, the issue is likely due to a blockage within the dishwasher or drain. Regularly clean your dishwasher filter basket to ensure it’s not clogged with food, and run a vinegar rinse periodically if you have hard water to remove limescale buildup.