How to clean the dishwasher filter
To clean a dishwasher filter, lift it out from the bottom of the tub, rinse it under running water and scrub it with a soft brush and soap, then lock it back in. Bosch says to do this every few months. Whirlpool's schedule runs from every two months to once a year, or monthly with very hard water.
How often to clean a dishwasher filter
Every few months is Bosch's advice and a fine default. One Whirlpool manual gets more exact, because the right interval depends on how much food goes in with the dishes.
| Loads per week | If you only scrape plates | If you scrape and rinse | If you wash before loading |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 to 12 | Every 2 months | Every 4 months | Once a year |
| 4 to 7 | Every 4 months | Once a year | Once a year |
| 1 to 3 | Twice a year | Once a year | Once a year |
That same manual says to clean the filter at least monthly if your water is above 15 grains of hardness. Your water utility's annual water quality report or a test strip can tell you where you stand. This table comes from one Whirlpool model, so use your own manual if it gives a different schedule.
In a house you just bought, clean it now. You don't know the last time anyone did.
What you need to clean a dishwasher filter
- A soft brush, such as an old toothbrush or a dish brush
- Warm water and dish soap
- A towel for drips
- A sponge, if there's standing water in the bottom
- Your manual, or your model number so you can find it online
Leave the wire brush and scouring pad in the drawer. Whirlpool warns these can damage the mesh, and a torn filter lets food through to the pump.
Filters differ by brand. Whirlpool's upper assembly turns a quarter turn counterclockwise, lifts out and gently pulls apart. Other brands differ, so check your manual before you force anything.
How to clean a dishwasher filter, step by step
- Let it cool
Wait until the last cycle has finished and the tub has cooled, then pull out the bottom rack.
- Find the filter
Look at the center of the tub floor, under the lower spray arm on many models.
- Release it
Turn the top piece counterclockwise and lift it out. If there's a flat mesh under it, lift that too.
- Tip out the solids
Knock food, glass bits and labels into the trash, not the sink drain.
- Wash it
Hold it under warm running water and work soap in with a soft brush until the mesh looks clear.
- Wipe the sump
Clean the area around the filter opening with a damp cloth. Don't push debris into the pump.
- Seat it fully
Drop the parts back in and turn until they lock. A filter that isn't locked lets food through, so give it a gentle tug to check.
Dishwasher filter problems a rinse won't fix
A greasy, slimy filter is ordinary. These signs mean the problem may be deeper:
- Standing water in the tub after a cycle ends. Bosch says to clean the filter first, then take off the pump cover under it and carefully clear debris. Switch off the breaker or unplug the machine first, and work slowly around the pump.
- Water still won't drain with a clean filter. Check the drain hose and the sink's disposal connection, then call a repair tech.
- Grit on glasses or food left on plates after a clean filter.
- White film or scale on the tub. That's limescale, and a descaler handles it, not the filter. Bosch suggests a descaler a few times a year in hard water.
- A torn or cracked filter. Order the part by model number.
Bosch warns that food buildup can seriously damage both the filter and the pump, so a repair bill is the real cost of skipping this.
Clean a dishwasher filter yourself or call a tech?
Filter cleaning is always DIY. It takes no tools. Do it before you book a service call for poor cleaning, smells or slow draining.
Call a licensed appliance tech if the pump hums but won't move water, if you see a leak under the machine, or if you smell burning or the breaker trips. Water and power meet at a dishwasher, so don't open panels or touch wiring yourself.
Two related jobs fit on the same day. Bosch suggests running its machine cleaner a few times a year in an empty dishwasher on the hottest, longest cycle. It also notes that some models use softening salt, so check your manual to see if yours needs a refill.
Dishwasher filter questions
How often should you clean a dishwasher filter?
Bosch says every few months. A Whirlpool manual ranges from every two months for heavy use with scraped plates to once a year for light use with rinsed plates, and at least monthly for water above 15 grains.
Why does my dishwasher have standing water in the bottom?
A clogged filter is the first thing to check. If cleaning it doesn't help, Bosch suggests carefully clearing the pump area, and after that it's time for a repair tech.
Can I put my dishwasher filter in the dishwasher?
No. Clean it by hand with water, a little soap and a soft brush. Whirlpool warns against wire brushes and scouring pads because they can damage it.
Sources: bosch-home.com, manualsdir.com
General guidance for U.S. homes, not professional advice. For gas, electrical and structural work, call a licensed pro.