If your glasses come out cloudy, your plates feel gritty, or the dishwasher has started to smell, the machine may not be broken. It may just have a dirty filter.
Many newer dishwashers have a filter you clean by hand, and a lot of us never knew it was there.
Does Your Dishwasher Have One?
Older machines often grind food up with a noisy built-in disposer. Quieter, newer models usually use a removable filter instead. Pull out the bottom rack and look at the floor of the tub. If you see a round cap or a cylinder near the spray arm, that’s it. Your manual will confirm it.
How to Clean It
- Pull out the bottom rack.
- Twist the filter a quarter turn, usually to the left, and lift it out. Some have a flat mesh plate under it. Lift that out too.
- Rinse under warm running water.
- Scrub gently with a soft brush or an old toothbrush and a drop of dish soap. Get into the mesh.
- Wipe the opening in the dishwasher floor with a damp cloth.
- Put it back and twist until it locks. A loose filter can let food into the pump.
How Often?
- Once a month if you run it daily and don’t rinse dishes first.
- Every two to three months if you scrape and rinse.
- Right away if you notice grit, cloudiness or a smell.
While You’re There
- Wipe the door seal with a damp cloth. Food collects in the folds.
- Check the holes in the spray arms. Clear any that are blocked with a toothpick.
- Run an empty hot cycle with a cup of white vinegar on the top rack once a month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put the filter in the dishwasher?
No. It needs to be cleaned by hand, since that’s where the dirt collects.
Can I use bleach?
Not if your tub or parts are stainless steel. Soap and water are enough. Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia or any other cleaner. It makes toxic gas.
My filter won’t come out.
Don’t force it. Look for an arrow showing the direction, and check the manual.
Five minutes, once a month. It’s the cheapest dishwasher repair there is.
