How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter and Have Pristine Dishes

Most of us load a dishwasher daily, but we rarely think of how to clean a dishwasher filter. This part is very important because if left unattended, a dishwasher filter is the spot for trapping bits of food and mold buildup. The bevy of food particles not only keep your dishes from getting properly clean, but they can also slow down your dishwasher function by wasting energy, water, and consequently your money.

Practice regular dishwasher cleaning to avoid grime, food debris, and unpleasant odors. To start, refer to the dishwasher owner’s manual to determine how often the appliance and filter should be cleaned. Older dishwashers may need a different cleaning approach compared to newer models from brands like Bosch, KitchenAid, and Whirlpool.

Do dishwashers have filters that need to be cleaned?

Yes! Dishwashers do have filters that need to be cleaned. If they aren’t regularly cleaned, your dishwasher can function less efficiently and can teeter on the edge of being unsanitary. To prep, start with a full cleanse of your appliance. Pay special attention to the bottom of your dishwasher, the spray arms, utensil holder, top rack, bottom rack, and other major parts of the appliance. You can use warm water, distilled white vinegar, baking soda, an old toothbrush or soft brush, and rubber gloves to tackle stubborn spots. “For regular maintenance, I will put in a cup of vinegar on the top rack in order to avoid too much buildup over time,” says Brogan Chambers, a viral cleaning TikToker based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada. ”When I deep clean it, I will scrub the inside down with an all-purpose spray and Glisten dishwasher magic cleaner or Affresh dishwasher tab cleaner.”

Make sure to get the bottom spray arm for optimal function. White vinegar and baking soda will help rid of any gunk that would otherwise clog your dishwasher. You’ll also want to keep the exterior of your washer polished, especially if it is stainless steel. Cleaners like Weiman Stainless Steel wipes bring back its sparkle in no time.

How do I know what dishwasher filter I have?

If your dishwasher is over 10 years old, it probably has something called a self-cleaning filter. These are usually noisier because they have grinders to get rid of food, but don’t need as much attention. You can check if your dishwasher has one by looking at the bottom of the dishwasher. If there is a plastic grid or holes at the base covering the filter, you probably have a self-cleaning filter. To clean these, use a DIY cleansing mixture of white vinegar and baking soda once a month. You can also use commercial cleaners.

Manual filters are a lot quieter, but they require more cleaning and attention. You’ll want to remove it regularly and put it under running water to get rid of any gunk or bits of food stuck to it. You’ll definitely know when it’s time to clean it once stuck food make an appearance on your clean dishes. Depending on the filter assembly, removing a filter may be as simple as twisting it off; though in some cases you may need a tool to unscrew it. Some flat filters lift up for easy removal. “If you are unable to find your filter, you can look up your dishwasher model on Google,” Chambers says. “It will give you an exact location and how to get to it.” Many washers also have a lower filter and an upper filter. Make sure you’re paying attention to both.

Can I soak my dishwasher filter in vinegar?

Soaking dishwasher filters in vinegar is a great way to clean them. First, take the filter out and rinse under running water. You can use your soft-bristle toothbrush to get any chunks of stubborn food. Next, place it in a mix of warm water and white distilled vinegar. Finally, let this solution soak for at least 30 minutes. “I like using vinegar because it is cost effective, a normal household item, non-toxic, and awesome for helping loosen soap scum and food particles,” Chambers says.

How do I clean the filter out of my dishwasher with gunk?

This is the satisfying part! To clean the filter, use warm water with Dawn Powerwash dish spray and give the filter a good scrub with a soft-bristle brush and then rinse, Chambers recommends. Regular maintenance will keep your dishwasher filter clean, and your dishes will come out sparkling.

What happens if you don’t clean your dishwasher filter?

If you don’t clean your dishwasher filter, you’re essentially throwing soapy water and old food over dishes during the clean cycle. Once you open the dishwasher, don’t be surprised to find dishes coated in old food particles. “When a dishwasher filter is not cleaned, it can leave you with spotty dirty dishes even after full cycles,” Chambers says. ”It can also clog up, causing the dirty water not to drain out.” What’s more, your dishwasher might start to have an unpleasant odor, a true sign of an unsanitary mess. Neglecting the dishwasher filter is essentially wasting dishwasher liquid or pods and still eating off dirty dishes.