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Dishwashers have a filter locate under the bottom stand that traps nutrient particle and other debris that amount off of your dishes during each cycle . Over meter , this debris can build up on the filter , resulting in poorcleaning performanceand an odd smell . In some typesetter’s case , aclogged upfilter can even cause damage to the dishwasher ’s mechanically skillful part . There ’s no need to put this job off . Cleaning a dishwasher filter is an easy job you may do in minutes .

How Often to Clean Your Dishwasher Filter

How often you should clean your filter count on how frequently you use it and how exhaustively you scrape and rinse your dishes prior to putting them in the dish washer .

“ Dishwasher filters should be clean about every 6 months , ” says Alan Ridgeway , owner ofRidgeway Plumbing Atlanta . “ Keeping a filter clean ensures your dishwater is optimized for cleaning and sanitizing your dishes , great deal , pans , glasses , and silverware . ”

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Project Overview

Working Time:10 minutesTotal Time:30 minutesSkill Level : BeginnerEstimated Cost:$0 to $ 10

Before You Begin

look on the case of dish washer filter you have , you may not require to clean house it all . If you ’re prosperous enough to have a ego - cleaning dishwasher filter that not only take in nutrient particles but also fag them up , sending food particles down a drainpipe , you wo n’t take to remove and cleanse it . It ’s still a good thought , however , to run a hot water cycle withvinegarto help remove deposit that can work up up your dishwasher — keep scan to learn more on that .

How to Clean Your Dishwasher Filter

Step 1: Locate the filter.

begin by removing the dishwasher ’s lower single-foot . “ It ’s pretty light to clean a dishwasher filter , but the exact placement of the filter and how to get to it may vary from stain to brand , ” Ridgeway pronounce . The cylindric - shaped filter is unremarkably locate at the bottom of the tub next to the base of the low spray arm , though in some dishwashers you ’ll encounter it in the back niche of the tub .

Step 2: Remove the dishwasher filter.

To remove the filter , circumvolve it a one-quarter turn anticlockwise and pull it out . “ The filter is a small cover under that , ” Ridgeway say . “ It reckon like a tea strainer . ” Be gentle as you hit it as a damaged filter can negatively bear upon your dishwashing machine ’s performance . Some dishwashers have a round , magnetic disk - shaped filter below the cylindrical one that you may raise out and clean .

Step 3: Fill the sink with the cleaning solution.

Fill a sink or bowl with tender water system and a spurt of dishwashing liquidness .

Step 4: Soak and scrub the filter by hand.

souse the filter in the fulsome water supply for about 15 minutes to loosen caked - on grease or max scum that has accumulate on it . If there are stupefy - on nutrient particles or obstinate soap trash from dishwasher detergent , use a buckram - spiny clash to clean the filter . If the filter is n’t very dirty , you could also skip this step and steer right to rinsing .

Step 5: Rinse the filter with hot water.

get rid of the filter from the tub and wash it under raging water , making sure that it ’s clean of all soap scum and food particles .

Step 6: Return the filter to the dishwasher and secure it.

Before returning the filter to the dishwasher , jibe the area that holds the filter for any debris or food particles . utilise a damp composition towel orspongeand pass over the arena in and around the filter fix . Next , reinstall the dishwasher filter by range it in the jam and turning it clockwise a quarter twist so that it locks into shoes .

Pro Tip : While you ’re cleaning your filter , Ridgeway suggests cleaning the dishwashing machine sprayer arm . “ They get clogged , prevent water and grievous bodily harm from spray on peach , ” he says . “ These can simply be unscrewed , taken out , and make clean with a minuscule toothbrush . ”

Tips for Keeping Your Dishwasher Filter Clean

If you do n’t relish the labor of cleaning your dish washer filter and all the ooze that collects in it , there are few step you’re able to take to extend the time between cleansing .

Once you ’ve finished cleaning your dish washer filter , give the entire dishwasher a thorough cleaning about once every three months .

This Is the twelvemonth for a Kitchen Renovation

Woman wearing a flannel shirt and cleaning gloves reaching into her dishwasher to access the filter.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

Whether you ’re selling or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . Learn why we weigh this renovation the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stay on budget .

Woman removes lower dishwasher basket to access dishwasher filter.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

Woman removing screen and dishwasher filter from the bottom of her dishwasher.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

Stainless steel sink filled with soapy water.

Photo: istockphoto.com

Woman scrubs sudsy dishwasher filter using a scrub brush.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Viila

Woman wearing rubber gloves returns clean dishwasher filter to dishwasher.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

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