How to Clean Dishwasher Filter: A Complete, Easy to Follow Guide

A dishwasher makes everyday kitchen cleanup faster and much easier. But if your dishes suddenly come out cloudy, greasy, or still dirty, the problem might not be your detergent or dishwasher settings. Most often, the real issue lies in a dirty dishwasher filter.

Over time, leftover food particles, grease, and even tiny bones or seeds can get trapped inside the filter. If you don’t take action, this can lead to bad smells, mold buildup, slow drainage, and reduced cleaning performance.

The good news? Cleaning your dishwasher filter is super simple!

This comprehensive guide will show you How to Clean Dishwasher Filter step by step, including how often to do it, the best cleaning tools to use, and insider dishwasher filter maintenance tips every homeowner should know.

Whether you own a Samsung, Bosch, LG, Haier, or are searching specifically for how to clean Whirlpool dishwasher filters, this guide covers everything you need to keep your machine running like new.

Why Dishwasher Filter Cleaning Matters

Let’s be honest, dishwashers are expected to clean themselves. But that’s a misconception!

A dishwasher works hard daily. It catches leftover food from plates and bowls so the mess doesn't spread. Without regular filter care, these trapped particles:

• Rot and produce unpleasant odors
  
• Clog the drainage system
  
• Reduce water circulation
  
• Leave dishes spotty and unclean
  
• Increase risk of mechanical damage over time
  

Ignoring the signs can even cost you more in appliance repairs.

If you want consistently sparkling dishes and a long lasting dishwasher, regular filter cleaning is a must!

Signs Your Dishwasher Filter Needs Cleaning

Before deep cleaning, it helps to understand when the filter is struggling. Here are major warning signs:

• Dishes look cloudy or greasy after a cycle
• Dishwasher smells bad, like mildew or rotten food
• Water remains at the bottom after washing
• Tiny food bits stick on glasses and utensils
• Dishwasher becomes unusually noisy

If you notice any of these, your filter likely needs urgent attention.

Types of Dishwasher Filters

Understanding your filter type allows you to clean it correctly.

There are two main types:

Manual Clean Filters

• Found in most newer energy efficient dishwashers
  
• Must be removed and washed regularly
  

Self Cleaning Filters

• Rare today due to noise and cost
  
• Use a grinder to break down food, similar to a garbage disposal
  

If you're unsure which one you have, check your user manual or product description.

What You Need Before Cleaning Your Filter

You don’t need fancy tools, just common household items:

• Warm water
  
• Dish soap
  
• Soft scrubbing brush / old toothbrush
  
• White vinegar or baking soda (optional)
  
• Microfiber cleaning cloth
  
• Dishwashing gloves
  

That’s it! Now let’s get hands-on.

Step by Step: Best Way to Clean Dishwasher Filter

This is the most effective method for How to Clean Dishwasher Filter at home.

Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Turn Off the Dishwasher

Safety first! Make sure the machine is off and fully cooled after washing.

Step 2: Locate the Filter

Most filters sit at the bottom of the dishwasher, beneath the bottom rack.

• Pull out the lower rack for full access.
  
• Look for a circular or rectangular grate area.
  

Step 3: Remove the Filter

Most filters simply twist and lift out.

Pro tip: Turn counterclockwise before lifting never force it!

Your filter likely has two pieces:

1. Upper mesh screen
   
2. Lower cylindrical filter
   

Remove both for full cleaning.

Step 4: Rinse Under Warm Water

Hold the filter under running water to wash away loose debris.

Step 5: Deep Clean Dishwasher Filter

For stubborn grease and trapped food bits:

• Mix dish soap with warm water
  
• Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub
  
• Focus on screen edges and corners
  

If buildup is hardened:

• Soak in equal parts vinegar + warm water for 10–15 minutes
  
• Rinse well
  

You’ve now completed your Deep clean dishwasher filter step!

Step 6: Clean the Filter Housing

Before reinstalling:

• Wipe inside the filter compartment using a microfiber cloth
  
• Remove any sludge or leftover debris
  

A clean base ensures no clogs remain.

Step 7: Reassemble the Filter

Place everything back in the correct order.

Make sure it twists and locks into position.

Step 8: Run a Short Rinse Cycle

This clears any remaining trapped bits and refreshes your dishwasher.

Dishwasher Cleaning Routine You Should Follow

Now that the filter is clean, keep the rest of your dishwasher fresh too.

Monthly maintenance checklist:

This simple Dishwasher cleaning routine will give you professional level results at home.

Extra Dishwasher Filter Maintenance Tips

• Scrape food off plates before loading
• Avoid letting food settle at the bottom
• Don’t overload racks
• Use recommended dishwasher detergents
• Run hot water before starting a wash cycle
• Check for cracked or damaged filter components

A well maintained filter saves energy, prevents repairs, and increases appliance lifespan.

Dishwasher Filter Care Instructions

• Remove and rinse regularly
  
• Use warm soapy water and a brush
  
• Soak in vinegar for deep cleaning
  
• Ensure properly locked after installation
  
• Never run the dishwasher without the filter!
  

Following these Dishwasher filter care instructions ensures peak performance during every wash cycle.

Maintain Dishwasher Filter for Long Term Efficiency

Preventing buildup is easier than scrubbing caked on grime later.

Maintaining your filter means:

• Faster wash cycles
  
• Cleaner, shinier dishes
  
• Less electricity and water usage
  
• No drainage problems
  
• Overall longer dishwasher life
  

When you consistently Maintain dishwasher filter, the results speak for themselves!

Final Thoughts

Your dishwasher is a time saving hero, but even heroes need maintenance. Now that you know How to Clean Dishwasher Filter, include it in your routine and enjoy:

• Cleaner dishes
• Fresher kitchen smell
• Smoother dishwasher performance
• Longer appliance lifespan

A few minutes of cleaning can save you money and stress in the long run.

If you’re buying a new dishwasher or need appliance care support, KAKA Home offers top quality home products, expert guidance, and hassle free service to help you maintain a clean and efficient kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if my dishwasher filter needs cleaning?

KAKA Home experts suggest checking for cloudy dishes, bad odor, slow drainage, or visible food particles. These are clear signs the filter is clogged and requires cleaning.

2. How often should I clean my dishwasher filter?

At KAKA Home, we recommend cleaning your filter every 2–4 weeks, depending on how often you run the dishwasher and the type of food residue you deal with.

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

According to KAKA Home, not cleaning the filter can result in dirty dishes, bad smell, poor water drainage, mold growth, and even long term motor damage.

4. What tools do I need to clean a dishwasher filter?

KAKA Home suggests using a soft brush, warm water, dish soap, vinegar, and a microfiber cloth for effective cleaning,  no complicated tools needed!

5. What is the fastest way to clean a dishwasher filter?

For quick cleaning, KAKA Home recommends removing the filter, rinsing it under hot water, brushing off food particles, and reinstalling it, all done in under 5 minutes!

6. How to clean the Whirlpool dishwasher filter?

The process is similar, twist and remove the filter from the bottom rack area, rinse under warm water, scrub gently, and reinstall securely. KAKA Home experts advise checking the Whirlpool model manual for specific instructions.