Clean a Dishwasher Filter
A clogged dishwasher filter causes bad smells and dirty dishes. Clean it in minutes with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
Quick answer
Pull out the bottom rack, twist the cylindrical filter anti-clockwise and lift it out. Rinse it under warm water and scrub with a soft brush or old toothbrush. Wipe the housing with a cloth dipped in white vinegar. Replace the filter and rack.
Food particles collect in the dishwasher filter over time. If dishes come out gritty or the machine smells, the filter is the first place to check. Cleaning it takes only a few minutes.
What you’ll need
- soft brush
- warm soapy water
- old toothbrush
- cloth
- white vinegar
Step by step
- 1
Remove the bottom rack
Slide out the bottom dish rack and set it aside. This gives you clear access to the filter assembly at the base of the tub.
- 2
Unlock and lift out the filter
Grasp the cylindrical filter and turn it anti-clockwise until it unlocks. Lift it straight up and out. Some models also have a flat coarse filter underneath; lift that out too if it is removable.
- 3
Rinse away loose debris
Hold the filter under warm running tap water. Let the water flow through the mesh to flush out loose food particles. Turn it over to rinse the underside as well.
- 4
Scrub with a brush
Dip a soft brush or an old toothbrush into warm soapy water. Scrub the mesh and plastic frame to remove grease and trapped particles. Pay attention to the edges where debris hides.
- 5
Wipe the filter housing
Dampen a cloth with white vinegar and wipe the cavity where the filter sits. This removes grease and helps neutralise odours. Check for any glass shards before you wipe.
- 6
Reinstall the filter and rack
Place the filter back into the housing and twist it clockwise until it locks. Slide the bottom rack back into the machine. Run a short rinse cycle to confirm everything is sealed.
Broken glass or sharp ceramic fragments can collect in the filter housing. Look carefully before you reach in, or wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting to lock the filter back into place, which lets debris recirculate
- Using a wire brush that tears the fine mesh
- Ignoring the flat coarse filter that sits beneath the cylinder
- Putting the filter back while it is still wet and soapy, which creates suds
Frequently asked
How often should I clean the dishwasher filter?
Check it every two to four weeks if you use the machine daily. If you scrape plates well before loading, monthly cleaning is usually enough.
Can I clean the filter in the dishwasher itself?
No. The filter must be removed and cleaned by hand. Dishwasher detergent will not remove the grease trapped in the mesh.
Why does my dishwasher still smell after cleaning the filter?
Odours can also come from the drain hose, spray arms or door seal. Wipe the seal and check the spray-arm holes for blockages.
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