How to Clean Dishwasher Filter: The Simple Step That Fixes Most Dishwasher Problems

If your dishes are coming out dirty, your dishwasher smells bad, or water is pooling at the bottom after a cycle, there's a good chance your dishwasher filter is clogged. It's the most overlooked maintenance task — and the most impactful. Cleaning it takes less than 10 minutes.

What Does the Dishwasher Filter Do?

The filter catches food particles and debris during the wash cycle, preventing them from recirculating onto your dishes or clogging the drain pump. Over time, it becomes coated with grease, food residue, and mineral deposits — reducing water flow and cleaning performance.

How Often Should You Clean the Dishwasher Filter?

Once a month for most households. If you run the dishwasher daily or don't scrape dishes before loading, clean it every 2 weeks.

What You'll Need

• Non-scratch scrub sponge or soft brush
• Dish soap
• Warm water
• Microfiber cloth
• Old toothbrush (for stubborn buildup)

Step 1: Locate the Filter

The filter is located at the bottom of the dishwasher tub, usually in the back corner or center. Most modern dishwashers have a two-part filter system: a cylindrical upper filter and a flat mesh lower filter. Consult your dishwasher manual if you can't find it.

Step 2: Remove the Filter

Turn the cylindrical upper filter counterclockwise (usually a quarter turn) and lift it out. Then lift out the flat mesh lower filter beneath it. Some models have a single filter that simply lifts out.

Step 3: Rinse Under Running Water

Hold the filter under warm running water and rinse away loose debris. Most light buildup will wash off immediately.

Step 4: Scrub with Dish Soap

Apply a few drops of dish soap and scrub the filter with a non-scratch sponge or soft brush. For stubborn grease or mineral deposits, use an old toothbrush to get into the mesh. Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.

Step 5: Soak for Heavy Buildup

If the filter is heavily clogged with grease or mineral scale, soak it in warm water with a few tablespoons of white vinegar for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing. The vinegar dissolves mineral deposits and loosens grease.

Step 6: Clean the Filter Housing

While the filter is out, wipe the filter housing area at the bottom of the dishwasher with a damp microfiber cloth. Remove any visible food debris.

Step 7: Reinstall the Filter

Replace the flat mesh filter first, then insert the cylindrical filter and turn clockwise until it locks into place. Make sure it's seated securely — a loose filter won't work properly.

Signs Your Filter Needs Cleaning

• Dishes come out with food particles or a gritty residue.
• Dishwasher has a bad smell even after running a cycle.
• Water pools at the bottom of the dishwasher after a cycle.
• Dishes feel greasy or look cloudy after washing.
• The dishwasher is noisier than usual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the filter in my dishwasher?

At the bottom of the dishwasher tub, usually in the center or back corner. It's typically a cylindrical piece that twists out. Check your owner's manual for your specific model.

How do I know if my dishwasher has a self-cleaning filter?

Older dishwashers (pre-2010) often have self-cleaning filters with a grinder that pulverizes food particles. These are noisier but don't require manual cleaning. Newer, quieter models almost always have manual filters that need regular cleaning.

Can a dirty filter damage my dishwasher?

Yes — a severely clogged filter can strain the drain pump, potentially causing it to fail. Regular cleaning prevents costly repairs.

My filter looks clean but my dishwasher still smells. What else should I check?

Check the door gasket folds, the spray arm holes, and the drain area. Also run an Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner cycle to clean internal components like the pump and hoses that you can't reach manually.