Dishwashers are supposed to make life easier—but if yours is leaving cloudy glasses, bad smells, or food gunk behind, there’s a good chance the issue is lurking below the racks: your filter.
That’s right—your dishwasher has a filter, and if it’s not cleaned regularly, it can clog up the works, reduce efficiency, and even lead to repairs down the line. The good news? Cleaning it takes less than five minutes and can make a huge difference in how well your dishwasher performs.
🔍 What the Filter Does and Where to Find It
The filter in your dishwasher catches food particles, debris, and grease before they can clog your drain or get recirculated onto your dishes. It also protects the pump and prevents odors.
Most modern dishwashers have a manual filter, usually located under the bottom rack—either beneath the spray arm or in the back corner of the tub.
There are two parts:
- Mesh screen: Traps food particles
- Cylinder or cup-shaped core: Filters finer debris and protects the pump
Check your model’s manual if you’re not sure where it is—but for most brands, it simply twists and lifts out.
📅 How Often to Clean It (Depends on Load Frequency)
If you’re running your dishwasher daily or multiple times per week, aim to clean the filter once a month. For lighter use, every 2–3 months is typically fine.
Heavy use? You may want to check it every 2 weeks, especially if:
- You don’t rinse dishes before loading
- You’ve noticed gunk left behind
- Your home has hard water (mineral buildup is more likely)
🧼 Step-by-Step: Filter Removal and Cleaning
You don’t need tools—just a little know-how and a soft brush.
- Remove the bottom rack to access the filter.
- Locate the filter assembly (usually circular and at the center).
- Twist or unlock the filter (counterclockwise for most models) and lift it out.
- Rinse both pieces under warm running water.
- Use a soft toothbrush or sponge to remove stubborn buildup.
- Check the area beneath the filter for leftover food particles or sludge.
- Reinsert and lock the filter into place.
Avoid using harsh or metal brushes—they can damage the mesh or plastic housing.
🚩 Signs of a Dirty Filter
Not sure if your filter needs cleaning? These signs point to buildup or blockage:
- Cloudy or spotty glassware, even with rinse aid
- Lingering odors inside the dishwasher
- Water pooling in the bottom after cycles
- Food bits stuck to plates after a full wash
- The dishwasher seems louder or is taking longer to run
If any of these sound familiar, pull out that filter and give it a rinse—it might be the fix you’ve been looking for.
✨ Bonus: Deodorizing Tricks While You’re in There
While the filter’s out, it’s the perfect time for a quick refresh:
- White vinegar rinse: Place a bowl of vinegar on the top rack and run a hot cycle (no dishes).
- Baking soda boost: Sprinkle a handful on the bottom and run a short cycle for odor control.
- Lemon peel trick: Drop a lemon peel into the utensil basket for a fresh scent during your next load.
These natural methods help break down buildup and leave your dishwasher smelling clean.
✅ Wrap-Up
If you’ve never cleaned your dishwasher’s filter, don’t feel bad—most people haven’t. But once you do, you’ll wonder why you waited. A clean filter means cleaner dishes, fresher smells, and fewer breakdowns. It’s a simple task that can seriously boost your dishwasher’s performance—and your peace of mind.
