Why & How To Clean Your Dishwasher Filter

This is how gross your dishwater filter can get if you don’t clean it often enough and this is what gets splashed onto your dishes! Depending on how much you use yours, it is safe to say that it should be cleaned every 3-5 months. If your dishes appear cloudy or gritty or even if you notice a foul smell, it’s time. It is super easy to clean and here are a few tips to stay on top of this yuk!

Filters are designed to trap food particles and other debris so imagine the smell of rotten debri if it sits and sits. Actually, that is how we discovered this filter was way past due being cleaned. There was a foul odor. Routine cleaning will also help prevent clogs so the dishwasher operates optimally.

So where exactly is that filter? As you can see in the photo, it sits at the very bottom of the dishwasher. To see it you will need to remove the bottom rack. It will be in a back corner or around the base of the bottom sprayer like this one.

Cleaning it is super easy. You just need a little warm water and a soft brush like an old toothbrush. The filter will most likely have 2 parts… upper and lower pieces. Turn the upper filter part a clockwise turn and take it out, then carefully lift and pull the lower one forward to remove it.

Now, simply hand wash gently in your sink with the soft brush and some dish soap to remove any built-up mold or other debris. Rinse & replace. Make sure it glides into place. If it still turns freely it isn’t seated correctly, so just keep turning it clockwise until it locks in. Be sure of this before running the dishwasher because a loose fitted filter could damage the dishwasher.
If you notice that your dishwasher filter is damaged or worn, be sure to replace it immediately.

Now, enjoy your clean dishes for at least another 3-5 months!