How to Find and Clean Your Dishwasher Filter
Even though appliances have replaced many household tasks that were once done manually, such as washing dishes and clothes, that doesn’t mean they are completely maintenance-free. For example, we recently discussed the fact that washing machine filters exist and need to be cleaned regularly.
It turns out the same can be said for your dishwasher —except instead of trapping lint and lint in your laundry, it traps food particles and debris. Here’s how to find and clean your dishwasher filter and why you should take the time to do so.
How to Find a Dishwasher Filter
There are two types of dishwasher filters: self-cleaning and manual. The easiest way to learn about the location, type of dishwasher filter, and how to clean it is to check your owner’s manual. If you no longer have yours, start by searching for the manufacturer + model number of your dishwasher. If that doesn’t work, you can try searching for it on specialized sites like Manualsonline.com or Manual Owl .
Self-cleaning and manual dishwasher filters
It sounds counter-intuitive, but most new dishwashers have manual filters, while many of the machines made more than a decade ago have self-cleaning filters. If you can’t find the manual, you can find out what type of filter you have by opening the dishwasher, pulling out the bottom drawer and looking at the bottom.
If there are several holes in the base of the machine or a plastic grill covering the filter, it is likely self-cleaning . If you find a round cap in the corner of the tub or around the base of the bottom spray arm, it is most likely a hand filter.
Self-cleaning filters for dishwashers.
Self-cleaning dishwasher filters contain a grinder, similar to a garbage disposer, that shreds food particles caught in the filter before they are rinsed away with water. These powerful (and loud) mechanisms don’t clog as much as manual filters, but do require some basic maintenance .
To keep them in good working order, run the empty dishwasher on a normal cycle from time to time, using white vinegar instead of detergent. Once this is done, wipe the edges of the door and tub with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt. That’s all. The remainder of this article will focus on manual filters, which are now the standard.
Manual filters for dishwashers
Manual dishwasher filters don’t have a food chopper or powerful water flow like self-cleaning models, which means they’re much quieter and also need to be removed and cleaned regularly. If you’ve never cleaned yours before, it will be quite a pain the first time, but if you start doing it regularly—say , every 30 days —there won’t be as much buildup and the whole process will become easier. .
Once you have found the filter cap, turn it a quarter clockwise and then carefully lift it up. The filter itself will be either a cylindrical tube or a round plastic mesh.
But wait, there could be more.
Some dishwasher filters have two parts : a top filter that collects food particles and debris, and a bottom filter that prevents food debris from recirculating in the dishwasher. If you have a second filter , carefully lift it up and pull it forward to remove it.
How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter
First, rinse your dishwasher filter under warm running water in the sink. If you clean your filter regularly and there isn’t a lot of sediment left behind, that may be all you need to do.
Otherwise, fill a bucket or sink with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Let the filter sit for a few minutes , then check its progress.
If any grease, mineral deposits or other residue remains, gently remove it with a soft toothbrush (no abrasive bristles) and then rinse with warm water. Repeat the procedure until the filter is clean and the water becomes clear after rinsing.
While the filter is drying, wipe the inside of the filter compartment with a clean, damp cloth. If it’s particularly dirty, spray a mixture of half water and half white vinegar into the compartment, then wipe everything off. Next, rinse the rag (or buy a new one) and wipe the bottom of the dishwasher tank and the edges of the door.
Finally, place the clean filter back into the dishwasher compartment. Make sure everything is connected together and locked in place.
Why you should clean your dishwasher filter
All the crumbs, particles and other food debris left on plates, dishes and cutlery have to go somewhere, and that place is the filter.
But when the filter is covered or clogged with waterlogged, rotting food debris, it can’t prevent those residues from recirculating and ending up back on your cookware. Meanwhile, it prevents a thorough rinse cycle, so when you open the dishwasher to unload it, you may notice leftover or stuck food.
A clogged filter means your dishwasher will have to work harder than usual, even with poor results. In other words, keeping the filter clean can help extend the life of your dishwasher. Additionally, a clogged filter can lead to a clogged drain , which can mean a build-up of dirty water and a huge mess: this is definitely something to avoid.
Why is there a smell when I turn on the dishwasher?
Have you noticed an unpleasant odor coming from your dishwasher, especially one that becomes more intense while it is running? There’s a good chance it’s your dirty filter, especially if you’ve already tried the usual cleaning methods of white vinegar and baking soda . Food scraps and moisture are the perfect breeding ground for smelly (and unsanitary) bacteria, and the best way to get rid of them is to clean your dishwasher filter regularly.