How to Clean a Clogged Dishwasher Filter in 10 Minutes

Why Your Dishwasher Needs a Clean Filter

If you've noticed cloudy glasses, food particles stuck to "clean" plates, or a funky odor wafting from your machine, a clogged filter is almost certainly the culprit. Over time, food debris, grease, and hard water minerals build up in the filter, restricting water flow and recycling dirty water back onto your dishes. Cleaning it is a quick, tool-free job that takes less than 10 minutes and will instantly restore your dishwasher's cleaning power.

What You Need

• Dish soap (a degreasing formula works best)
• An old toothbrush or soft-bristled cleaning brush
• A soft sponge
• Warm running water

Step 1: Locate and Remove the Filter

Start by pulling out the bottom rack of your dishwasher completely to expose the floor of the tub. The filter is typically located in the back corner or directly under the bottom spray arm. It usually looks like a plastic cylinder, sometimes surrounded by a flat metal or plastic mesh screen.

To remove it, turn the cylindrical filter counterclockwise (usually a quarter turn) and lift it straight up. If there is an additional flat mesh screen underneath, lift that out as well.

Step 2: Rinse Away Loose Debris

Take the filter parts to your kitchen sink. Run warm water through the inside and outside of the cylindrical filter to flush out loose food particles. Avoid using harsh chemicals or wire brushes, as the mesh on the filter is delicate and can tear easily.

Step 3: Scrub Gently with Dish Soap

Apply a few drops of degreasing dish soap to the filter. Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the mesh screen, paying special attention to the seams and crevices where grease and calcium buildup collect. Scrub the flat mesh plate with a soft sponge to remove any slimy residue.

Step 4: Wipe the Filter Housing

Before putting the clean filter back, take a damp sponge and wipe down the sump area (the hole where the filter sits). Food crumbs and grease often pool in this recess. Clearing this out prevents your newly cleaned filter from getting instantly clogged again.

Step 5: Reassemble and Lock in Place

Insert the flat mesh screen back into the bottom of the dishwasher first, ensuring it sits flush. Next, insert the cylindrical filter into the opening. Turn it clockwise until you feel it click or lock into place. Crucial step: Make sure the filter is fully locked, otherwise it can float loose during a cycle and allow debris to damage the pump.

Pro-Tips for a Fresh Dishwasher

• Establish a schedule: Clean your filter once a month if you run your dishwasher daily, or once every two months for lighter use.
• Scrape, don't rinse: You don't need to pre-rinse your dishes, but always scrape large food scraps into the trash to keep your filter cleaner for longer.