If your dishes are coming out cloudy, greasy, or with a faint smell even after a full wash cycle, your dishwasher filter is likely the problem. Most people never think about cleaning it, but this small part plays a huge role in how well your dishwasher performs. The good news is that cleaning it takes less than 10 minutes and requires no special tools.
This guide covers everything you need to know, from locating the filter to reinstalling it correctly and keeping it clean long term.
What Is a Dishwasher Filter and Why Does It Matter
The dishwasher filter sits at the bottom of the dishwasher tub and works quietly during every wash cycle. Its main jobs are to trap food particles, protect the pump from debris, and prevent dirty water from recirculating back onto your clean dishes.
Over time, grease, food scraps, and soap scum build up in the filter mesh. When this happens, water cannot flow properly, cleaning power drops, and bacteria can start to grow, leading to that unpleasant musty smell you might have noticed.
A clogged filter also forces the motor to work harder, which shortens the overall lifespan of your appliance. Regular cleaning protects your machine and keeps every wash cycle performing at its best.
Types of Dishwasher Filters
Before you start cleaning, it helps to know which type of filter your dishwasher has.
| Filter Type | Description | Cleaning Required |
| Manual Filter | Mesh screen that traps debris, common in newer models | Yes, regular manual cleaning |
| Self-Cleaning Filter | Older design with a built-in grinder that breaks up particles | No, but noisier during wash |
Most dishwashers made after 2010 use a manual filter. If your machine is quiet during operation, it almost certainly has a manual filter that needs periodic cleaning.
What You Need to Clean the Filter
You do not need to buy anything special. Most of these items are already in your kitchen:
Warm or hot water, mild dish soap, a soft-bristle brush or old toothbrush, a clean cloth or sponge, and a small bowl if you want to soak the filter.
Avoid using wire brushes or abrasive scrubbing pads. These can scratch or tear the fine mesh, making the filter less effective or unusable.
How to Clean Dishwasher Filter: Step by Step
Step 1: Empty the Dishwasher and Remove the Bottom Rack
Pull out the lower dish rack completely. This gives you full access to the floor of the dishwasher tub where the filter is located.
Step 2: Locate and Remove the Filter
Look toward the back corner of the tub or around the base of the lower spray arm. The filter usually looks like a short cylindrical tube surrounded by a flat mesh plate.
Most filters have two parts. The upper filter is cylindrical and locks into place with a simple twist. Turn it about a quarter turn counterclockwise and lift it straight up. Then gently lift the lower flat filter and pull it forward to remove it.
Handle both pieces with care. A cracked or torn filter cannot trap debris properly and will need to be replaced.
Step 3: Rinse Under Warm Running Water
Take both filter parts to your kitchen sink. Hold them under warm running water to wash away loose food particles and light residue. For most routine cleanings, this step alone will be enough.
Tilt and rotate the filters as you rinse so water reaches every part of the mesh.
Step 4: Scrub Away Stubborn Buildup
If you notice stuck-on food particles, grease, or white calcium deposits from hard water, apply a small amount of dish soap and use your soft brush or old toothbrush to gently scrub the mesh in circular motions.
For a deeper clean, soak the filter in warm soapy water for 5 to 10 minutes before scrubbing. This loosens tough grime and makes the process much easier. After scrubbing, run water through the filter. If the water flows through cleanly and clearly, the filter is ready to go back in.
Step 5: Clean the Filter Housing Inside the Dishwasher
Before reinstalling, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe the area where the filter sits. Food debris and slimy buildup often collect in this spot and will dirty your freshly cleaned filter immediately if left behind.
Check the spray arm holes at this point too. A toothpick or small brush can clear any blocked holes in the spray arm.
Step 6: Reinstall the Filter
Place the flat lower filter back into position first. Then insert the upper cylindrical filter into the round opening of the lower filter and turn it clockwise until it clicks or drops firmly into a locked position.
If the filter turns freely without locking, it is not seated correctly. An improperly installed filter can damage the pump and affect cleaning results. Always confirm both parts are secure before running a cycle.
How Often Should You Clean the Dishwasher Filter
How often you clean the filter depends on how frequently you use your dishwasher and how soiled your dishes typically are.
| Usage Level | Recommended Cleaning Frequency |
| Light use (few times a week) | Every 3 to 6 months |
| Regular use (daily) | Once a month |
| Heavy use (multiple loads daily) | Every 2 weeks |
You should also clean the filter immediately if you notice dishes coming out with a film or grit, standing water at the bottom of the tub after a cycle, or a bad smell coming from inside the machine.
Signs Your Filter Needs Cleaning Right Now
These are the most common warning signs that your dishwasher filter is overdue for cleaning:
Dishes feel gritty or have visible food particles after washing. The dishwasher smells sour or musty when you open the door. Water pools at the bottom of the tub at the end of a cycle. Glassware comes out cloudy or with white spots. The dishwasher is making unusual noises during the wash cycle.
If you experience any of these, clean the filter before running another load.
Tips to Keep Your Dishwasher Filter Clean Longer
A few simple habits can reduce how often you need to do a deep clean:
Scrape large food scraps off plates before loading them. Run the hot water at your kitchen sink for 30 seconds before starting a wash cycle to help the machine fill with hot water from the start. Use the right amount of quality dishwasher detergent to prevent residue buildup. Run a cleaning cycle with white vinegar or a dishwasher cleaning tablet once a month to keep the interior fresh and reduce mineral deposits.
These habits make a noticeable difference in how long your filter stays clean between washes.
When to Replace the Dishwasher Filter
Cleaning can only do so much. If you notice any tears, cracks, or holes in the filter mesh, it is time to replace it. A damaged filter cannot trap food particles properly, and small debris will start circulating back onto your dishes.
Most replacement filters are affordable and easy to find by searching your dishwasher’s model number online or checking the manufacturer’s website. Installation follows the same process as reinstalling a clean filter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my dishwasher has a filter that needs cleaning?
Check your user manual or look at the bottom of the dishwasher tub. If you see a cylindrical mesh piece that twists out, you have a manual filter that needs regular cleaning.
Can I put the dishwasher filter in the dishwasher to clean it?
No. Wash it by hand under warm running water with mild soap. Running it through a wash cycle can damage the delicate mesh.
What happens if I never clean my dishwasher filter?
Food debris and grease build up over time, causing poor cleaning results, bad odors, standing water, and eventually strain on the pump and motor.
How long does it take to clean a dishwasher filter?
The full process takes about 5 to 10 minutes from removing the filter to reinstalling it.
Can a dirty filter cause my dishwasher to stop draining?
Yes. A heavily clogged filter restricts water flow and can contribute to drainage problems. Cleaning the filter is the first step to fix a dishwasher that is not draining properly.
Conclusion
Cleaning your dishwasher filter is one of the easiest appliance maintenance tasks you can do, and the results are immediate. Cleaner dishes, fresher smells, and a longer-lasting machine are all worth 10 minutes of your time once a month.
Now that you know exactly where the filter is, how to remove it, and how to clean it properly, there is no reason to put it off. Make it part of your regular kitchen routine and your dishwasher will reward you with better performance every single time.