How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter for Better Performance

Why it matters

A dishwasher filter is designed to keep food particles from recirculating onto your "clean" dishes and to protect the drain pump from clogs. When the filter becomes saturated with grease, calcium deposits, and organic debris, it forces the machine to work harder.

Regularly cleaning the filter ensures that water can flow freely, which prevents the motor from overheating and reduces the risk of mid-cycle drainage failures. Furthermore, a clean filter eliminates the damp, swampy odors often associated with older dishwashers. By maintaining a clear path for drainage, you reduce the strain on the pump, which can help avoid a premature $200 to $400 repair bill for a pump replacement.

How often

For most modern "quiet" dishwashers (manufactured after 2010), you should clean the filter once a month. However, your habits dictate the frequency:

• 1–3 times per month: If you do not scrape or rinse dishes before loading.
• Once every 3 months: If you scrape and rinse dishes thoroughly before loading.
• Once every 6 months: If you only run the dishwasher once or twice a week.

Signs your filter needs immediate attention include a gritty film on glassware, standing water at the bottom of the tub at the end of a cycle, or a sour smell.

What you need

Most dishwasher filters are designed for manual removal and do not require tools.

• Warm water
• Dish soap (liquid)
• Soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush or a nylon dish brush)
• White vinegar (optional, for stubborn mineral buildup)
• A towel

Step-by-step

Follow these steps to safely remove and sanitize your filter assembly. Note that while most brands (Bosch, KitchenAid, Whirlpool, Samsung, LG) follow this general design, you should consult your manual if the filter does not twist easily.

1. Clear the bottom rack

Open the dishwasher fully and remove the bottom dish rack. Set it aside to give yourself clear access to the floor of the dishwasher tub.

2. Locate the filter

The filter is typically found in one of the back corners or near the base of the lower spray arm. It usually looks like a plastic cylinder, often with a mesh screen surrounding it.

3. Unlock and remove the cylinder filter

Most filters are "twist-to-lock." Rotate the upper cylinder filter counterclockwise (usually about a quarter turn) until it releases. Lift it straight up. Note: Some models have a secondary flat filter (a "fine filter") sitting underneath the cylinder. If yours has one, lift that out as well.

4. Rinse under warm water

Take the filter parts to your kitchen sink. Rinse them under warm, running water to remove loose food debris. Do not bang the filter against the sink or a hard surface, as the fine mesh is fragile and can tear.

5. Scrub gently

Apply a few drops of dish soap to your soft brush. Gently scrub the mesh and the plastic frame. Pay close attention to the "seams" of the filter where grease tends to collect. If you see white, chalky spots (calcium/limescale), soak the filter in a bowl of warm water and white vinegar for 15 minutes before scrubbing again.

6. Inspect the sump area

Before putting the filter back, look into the hole where the filter sits (the sump). Check for any large debris like broken glass, toothpicks, or labels that might have fallen in. Use a damp cloth to wipe out any visible slime or buildup.

7. Reinstall the assembly

Place the flat fine filter back into position first (if applicable). Then, insert the cylindrical filter into the opening. Rotate it clockwise until you feel it click or lock into place. Crucial: Do not operate the dishwasher with a loose or missing filter, as this can allow debris to enter the pump and cause permanent damage.

8. Replace the rack

Slide the bottom rack back into the tracks and run a short rinse cycle to ensure everything is seated correctly.

When to call a pro

Cleaning a filter is a standard homeowner task. However, you should call an appliance repair technician if:

• There is significant standing water in the tub that does not drain even after the filter is cleaned.
• You find large shards of broken glass tightly wedged in the drain housing that you cannot safely remove.
• The filter assembly is cracked or the mesh is torn (in this case, you may just need to order a replacement part online rather than calling a tech).
• The dishwasher makes a loud grinding or humming noise during the drain cycle.

Safety

• Sharp Objects: Be extremely careful when reaching into the sump area. Broken glass, ceramic shards, and plastic toothpicks frequently settle there. Always use a flashlight to inspect the area before sticking your fingers inside.
• Electrical: While you don't typically need to unplug the dishwasher for a filter cleaning, ensure the machine is not in the middle of a cycle or on a "Delayed Start" setting.
• Chemicals: Avoid using bleach or harsh abrasive cleaners on the filter mesh, as these can degrade the materials or react with leftover dish detergent.

Cost

Cleaning a dishwasher filter is virtually free.

• DIY Cost: $0 (requires only soap, water, and 10 minutes of time).
• Replacement Parts: If the filter is damaged, a new assembly typically costs $15 to $45 depending on the brand. These are widely available via manufacturer websites or major online appliance part retailers.
• Professional Cost: A service call to clean a "clogged" dishwasher usually costs between $75 and $150 for labor, which can be entirely avoided with regular monthly maintenance.