How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter

Co-authored by Ashley Matuska

Last Updated: August 2, 2021 References

If you’re noticing a bad smell coming from your dishwasher or are seeing food particles on your dishes after the dishwasher has run, it might be time to clean the filter. Fortunately, cleaning the filter takes no more than a few minutes and involves just soap and water. Once you determine where the filter is, you can remove it piece-by-piece, clean it, and put it back. At that point, your dishwasher will start working normally again!

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Removing the Dishwasher Filter

1
Move the bottom rack out of the dishwasher to uncover the filter. Open your dishwasher and pull the bottom dish rack out to uncover the back of the machine. You should see 3 things: a spray arm, a cylindrical filter, and a coarse mesh filter. The cylindrical and coarse mesh filters are the parts of the dishwasher you’ll need to clean.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- If the bottom rack is in your way, you can remove it from the dishwasher entirely. Be sure to take out any dishes that might be on the rack before you do this.
Did you know? Many newer dishwashers come with self-cleaning filters, which don’t need nearly as much maintenance as manual filters. While they are a bit noisy, they don’t need to be cleaned every few months like manual filters. If you see a series of holes or plastic grid at the base of your machine, you have a self-cleaning filter.
2
Turn the cylindrical filter counter-clockwise and lift it straight up. Move the spray arm so that you can pull the cylindrical filter straight up without hitting your hand on the arm. Then, turn the cylindrical filter sharply to the left and lift it out of the dishwasher.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- If there is gunk built up on the filter, you’ll need to clean it thoroughly.
Did you know? Another name for the cylindrical filter is fine mesh filter.

Advertisement
3
Slide the coarse filter out of its place in the dishwasher. This is a flat, U-shaped filter with a hole in the middle of it where the cylindrical filter goes. Slide it out of the dishwasher and check to see if there’s buildup on its surface.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Once you’ve removed the 2 filters, place your hand in the hole where the cylindrical filter sits. That’s called the “sump”, and it might contain food particles or other gunk. If you feel anything in that hole, remove it immediately and throw it away.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Cleaning and Reinstalling the Dishwasher Filter

1
Turn on the faucet to get a stream of hot water. Leave the faucet running until the water is hot to the touch. While you’re waiting, put some dish soap on a damp sponge. Squeeze the sponge to spread the soap around.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- You can use warm water to clean your filter. However, the hotter the water, the more thorough the clean.
2
Scrub the gunk off the filter parts with a soap-covered sponge. Vigorously scrub both filters with the sponge. Clean both the inside and outside of the cylindrical filter and be sure to wipe away any gunk that has built up on either side of it. Then, scrub both sides of the flat, coarse filter to get rid of all the gunk on its surfaces.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Depending on how much gunk has built up, you might need to use a separate sponge for each filter. This way, you won’t put any gunk back onto the filter.
3
Place the filters directly under the faucet to rinse them. This ensures you’ll remove every last bit of gunk on the filters.^{[6]
X
Expert Source

Ashley Matuska
Professional Cleaner
Expert Interview. 15 April 2019.} Make sure the water is hot and run each part of both filters under the stream.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- You don’t need to use a sponge for this step, as the water should remove the remaining gunk by itself.
4
Put the coarse mesh and cylindrical filter back in the dishwasher. Slide the coarse mesh filter into place first. The filter should sit flush in the dishwasher. Once the coarse mesh filter is in place, put the cylindrical filter in the hole and turn in clockwise to lock it back into place.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- You should hear a clicking sound when the cylindrical filter locks into place.
Tip: Spin the spray arm to make sure it doesn’t hit the filter.
5
Perform this task every 3 months to keep your filter fresh. Manual filters need to be cleaned every few months to be at their best.^{[9]
X
Expert Source

Ashley Matuska
Professional Cleaner
Expert Interview. 15 April 2019.} Put a reminder in your phone to remove and clean the filter once every 3 months.^{[10]
X
Trustworthy Source
Consumer Reports
Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing
Go to source}
- Most dishwashers last around 10 years, so the filter doesn’t need to be replaced very often. If you clean it consistently, it will last for a decade or more.
- Someone manufacturers suggest cleaning your filter every 2-3 weeks. Check the owner’s manual to see what it says.
Tip: To look up the owner’s manual online, look for a sticker inside the dishwasher. The sticker should be on the wall to the left of the dish racks. Google the model name on the sticker to bring up the owner’s manual.

Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

Question

How often should I clean my filter?

Ashley Matuska
Professional Cleaner
Ashley Matuska is a Professional Cleaner at the Founder and Owner of Dashing Maids in Denver, Colorado. Ashley has over seven years of experience in the cleaning industry. She and her team specialize in offering sustainable deep cleaning and maintenance cleaning services.

Ashley Matuska

Professional Cleaner

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

I clean my dishwasher filter every couple of months. Aim for every 3 months or so.