Find and Remove the Filter
Open the dishwasher and pull out the bottom rack. Look for a round cover at the bottom of the tub. Twist it counter-clockwise to unlock it, then lift it out. Some models have an inner cylinder and an outer mesh piece.
Kitchen Appliance Guide
How to Clean Dishwasher Filter
Most homeowners never clean the dishwasher filter. In Tucson, hard water minerals and food particles combine in the filter and clog it faster than in softer-water cities. A monthly scrub keeps dishes clean and stops odors.
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How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter (Most Homeowners Skip This)
Your dishwasher has a filter at the bottom of the tub. Manual filters need to be removed and scrubbed by hand. Self-cleaning models have a grinder that does the work for you. Most modern dishwashers use manual filters.
Scrub Under Running Water
Rinse the filter under warm running water. Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to scrub the mesh. For mineral buildup, soak the filter in one part white vinegar and one part water for fifteen to thirty minutes before scrubbing.
Reinstall and Run a Hot Cycle
Set the filter back in place and twist it clockwise to lock. Run a hot wash cycle. This flushes out any loosened debris and leaves the filter working at full capacity.
Monthly Dishwasher Filter Cleaning Steps
- Pull out the bottom rack to reach the filter cover.
- Twist the filter cover counter-clockwise and lift it free.
- Rinse the filter under warm water to remove loose food.
- Scrub with a soft brush to clear the mesh.
- Soak in white vinegar for fifteen minutes if mineral scale is present.
- Lock the filter back in place and run a hot wash cycle.
Self-Cleaning vs. Manual Filters
Older dishwashers often had self-cleaning filters with a built-in grinder. These models are louder but require no manual filter cleaning. Most dishwashers made in the last fifteen years use a manual filter. Check your model number online to confirm your filter type.
Tucson's hard water creates a mineral and food composite that clogs manual filters faster than in most places. A monthly clean prevents poor wash results, bad odors, and standing water at the bottom of the tub. Alex's kitchen deep-clean includes a filter inspection and cleaning.
How to Clean Dishwasher Filter FAQ
How do I know if my dishwasher has a manual filter?
Open the dishwasher and look at the bottom of the tub. If you see a round cover you can twist out by hand, it is a manual filter. If there is no removable cover, it may be a self-cleaning model.
What happens if I never clean the filter?
Food debris and mineral scale pack the mesh. Water can no longer flow through at the right rate. Dishes come out with residue and the machine may smell like old food.
Can I put the dishwasher filter in the dishwasher to clean it?
No. The filter needs hand-washing under running water with a brush. Running it through a wash cycle will not clean the mesh properly and can damage the filter in some models.
Alex's Handles the Kitchen Tasks You Skip
Alex's Cleaning Service includes dishwasher filter inspection and cleaning as part of our kitchen deep-clean. Our crew of three to four trained cleaners serves Tucson and surrounding metro areas. Call (520) 445-1061 or book at alexscleaningservice.com/book/.