If you cook a lot at home, a messy kitchen is nothing surprising.
But what might be surprising is how dirty your dishwasher can get after washing all those plates and utensils – especially the filter.
As leftover sauce, pieces of food, and soap residue get washed away, they all end up in the dishwasher filter. And if you don’t clean it regularly, it can turn into a clogged mess.
How to clean a dishwasher filter? Take it out of its housing with a simple twist, then rinse it under warm water. Gently scrub away dirt and grime with a soft brush.
No one wants to discover their dishes are still dirty after washing! A clean filter means clean dishes for you to enjoy good food.
Types of Filters | How Often to Clean | Signs to Clean The Filter | Best Way to Clean a Dishwasher Filter | Maintenance Tips
Why You Should Clean Your Dishwasher Filter
The filter is the last line of defence in your dishwasher. It’s responsible for trapping and keeping food particles, grease, and soap residue that get washed off your dishes.
This prevents the gunk from building up in the dishwasher pump or floating back into the rinse cycle.
If you don’t regularly clean your dishwasher and filter, it could eventually become clogged. Hard water can also leave limescale (mineral deposits) on the mesh over time.
The build-up can result in funky smells, mould, and an unwanted repair bill down the line.
A dirty filter is also a common cause of the dishwasher not cleaning dishes!
Types of Dishwasher Filters
There are two types of filters in most dishwasher models: self-cleaning and manual.
Self-cleaning filter
These are usually found in older dishwashers – around 2010 or earlier. Self-cleaning filters clean themselves using a grinder or macerator that crushes build-up so it can be washed down the drain.
Typically, a self-cleaning filter looks like a plastic grid with holes around it. It’s usually integrated into the bottom of the dishwasher, and can be quite noisy.
Despite the name, you’ll still need to manually clean the filter every few months to maintain efficiency.
Manual filter
Manual filters are usually a twist-lock cylinder with a fine mesh around the sides. The mesh traps oils and food debris, preventing them from going down the drain or re-depositing onto the dishes.
These filters may come with an upper filter (or flat filter) that looks like a flat, metal screen. This is the “main” part since it catches all the food particles before they get pulverised by the jet sprays and washed away.
Then there’s a lower filter, which catches the rest of the debris that gets washed off.
If your dishwasher has a triple filtering system, it could also have a coarse filter inside. This traps glass, bones, and other foreign objects that can block the drain.
How Often to Clean a Dishwasher Filter
How often you clean your dishwasher filter depends on the size of your dish loads, amount of dirt, and frequency of use.
If you load very dirty dishes every day, clean your dishwasher filter once a week.
If you use the dishwasher several days a week or load mildly dirty dishes, clean the filter every 2-3 months.
If you pre-rinse and wipe dishes before loading, clean the filter every 3-6 months.
If you rarely use the dishwasher, you can get away with cleaning the filter once a year.
| LEVEL OF DIRT / FREQUENCY OF USE | HOW OFTEN TO CLEAN |
| Very dirty dishes
1-2 loads every day |
Once a week |
| Mildly dirty dishes
Used several days a week |
Every 2-3 months |
| Pre-rinsed or wiped dishes
Used a few days a week |
Every 3-6 months |
| Rarely used | Once a year |
Don’t want to get down and dirty with the dishwasher? Hand the job over to an expert house cleaner – they won’t dish-appoint!
Signs Your Dishwasher Filter Needs Cleaning
You’ll need to clean the dishwasher filter regularly to keep it in good working condition.
However, even with routine maintenance, there are some signs you should clean the filter ASAP, including:
- Odd noises during the wash cycle
- Frequent clogging or slow drainage
- Residue build-up in the upper filter assembly
- Dishes that are still dirty after a wash cycle
- Unpleasant odours coming out of your dishwasher
The Best Way to Clean a Dishwasher Filter
Thankfully, dishwasher filter cleaning is straightforward.
You can even do it after you’ve taken out the clean dishes to put away!
Prepare for dishwasher filter cleaning
Start by getting your cleaning supplies ready. To clean dishwasher filters, you’ll need:
- Dish soap
- Soft-bristle brush
- Soft cloths
- Cleaning sponge
- Large bowl or kitchen sink
Switch off (and, if possible, unplug) the dishwasher to avoid any safety hazards. And of course, remove any dishes!
Do not use a scouring pad, wire brush, or other harsh cleaners that could damage the filter mesh and case.
Locating and removing the filter
Slide out the lower dish rack to give yourself room to work. If there’s a bottom spray arm, check the manual for how to remove it.
Look for a cylindrical contraption at the bottom of the dishwasher tub – that’s your filter!
Unsure of the dishwasher filter location? Check the owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for instructions.
There may be an upper filter (the flat metal screen), which you’ll need to take out as well.
Most models use a twist-and-lock mechanism for the filters. There are arrows indicating what direction to turn for removal.
To remove a dishwasher filter, simply twist it to unlock, then carefully lift it out. Check for a lower filter and remove that as well.
If your dishwasher has a coarse filter, gently squeeze the tabs that hold it in place then pull it out.
Cleaning the filter
The easiest way to clean a dishwasher filter is to run it under warm water to remove any loose debris.
Gently scrub off any residue with a soft brush (like an old toothbrush or bottle brush) and a bit of dish detergent. Wash each part separately to give them a thorough cleaning.
If your dishwasher filter is extra gross or has stubborn dirt, you can soak it first!
Fill a large bowl or the kitchen sink with some hot, soapy water and submerge the filter components for 10-15 minutes. Then use the soft brush to scrub off any grease and grime.
(For an extra, extra dirty filter, you can use a mix of equal parts white vinegar and hot water, plus dish soap.)
While the filter soaks, you can clean the dishwasher drain (where the filter sits) and wipe down the dishwasher tub.
Rinsing and reassembling the filter
Rinse the filter and shake off any excess water before wiping it dry with a soft cloth. Then reassemble it and return it to its housing.
Don’t forget to put the spray arm and bottom rack back into place, too!
You can run a short cycle with an empty dishwasher to ensure everything is in working order. Check for any noise, which could signal a loose filter.
When returning the filter, you should hear a “click” that indicates it’s in a locked position.
FAQs About Filters
Still have questions about how you should clean your dishwasher’s filter? We’ve got you covered.
Can I put vinegar in my dishwasher filter?
Yes, you can use vinegar to soak and clean a dishwasher filter! White vinegar is mildly acidic, which can break down food particles, grease, and even mineral deposits clogging the mesh.
Just mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and hot water, then soak the filter for at least 30 minutes.
How to clean a dishwasher filter with vinegar and baking soda?
You can use vinegar and baking soda to clean a filter – just not at the same time! Otherwise, they’ll just react to cancel each other out.
To clean the filter with vinegar, soak it in a mix of vinegar, hot water, and soap.
To clean the filter with baking soda, mix it into a thin paste with some warm water. Use a soft sponge to apply the paste to the mesh and gently scrub it clean.
Thoroughly rinse off any residue afterwards.
Can I run my dishwasher without the filter to clean it?
No, we don’t recommend running your dishwasher without the filter to clean it.
This could cause significant damage to the appliance’s internal components, leading to costly repairs.
When should you replace your dishwasher filter?
If you see any visible wear and tear (like holes in the mesh), that signals a damaged filter that needs replacing.
You may also need to change the dishwasher filter if there are stubborn calcium deposits that are too tough to remove.
Make sure to buy a new filter that’s compatible with your dishwasher model.
Tips for Keeping Your Dishwasher Filter Clean
The dishwasher is a huge help in the kitchen, since it takes care of one of the most repetitive (and for some of us, least favourite!) chores.
So take care of your dishwasher in turn by keeping its filter clean, so it can be the best kitchen helper possible.
Scrape off large food debris and wipe off any saucy messes before loading dishes into the dishwasher. Pre-rinsing isn’t necessary, but getting rid of leftover food prevents clogging.
Regularly clean your dishwasher inside and out.
Now that you know how to clean a dishwasher filter – go forth and serve your dish-sert without worrying about dirty dishes!
