Is your dishwasher filter due for a cleaning? With our quick and easy-to-follow guide, you'll go the task washed in no fourth dimension. Keeping your dishwasher filter clean is 1 key to sparkling dishes. In fact, the filter is responsible for:

  • Protecting the pump from being chock-full by oversized or foreign objects.
  • Cleaning and clearing the dishwater.
  • Keeping nutrient particles from recirculating and resticking to your dishes.

That's a big job. So, periodically cleaning the filter helps prevent buildup and clogs, keeping your appliance running smoothly.

When should you clean your dishwasher filter?

You should clean your filter if you lot're noticing any of the following issues:

  • Soil or other food particles are visible.
  • Cleaning performance has worsened (e.one thousand., there are food remnants on your dishes later on a cycle).
  • Dishes are gritty or grimy to the touch after they've been cleaned.

To aid prevent these issues, information technology'south best to clean your dishwasher filter regularly. But don't worry, it'southward not as time consuming every bit you lot might think. Check out our stride-by-stride guide below to learn how to clean your dishwasher filter and how often you should clean it.

Closeup of the filter in the bottom of a dishwasher

Where is the dishwasher filter?

The dishwasher filter is at the bottom of your dishwasher, under the lesser rack. To find it, pull out the bottom dish rack, and then look for the filter—it'southward usually either in one of the back corners of the dishwasher tub or around the base of the bottom spray arm.

A Whirlpool® Dishwasher in a kitchen

iii steps to a clean dishwasher filter

Ready to get started? Follow these instructions to clean your dishwasher filter in three like shooting fish in a barrel steps.

Remove icon

Step 1: Remove your filter

  • To admission your dishwasher filter, remove your lower dish rack to expose the bottom of your dishwasher. The filter tin be institute in either a back corner of the dishwasher tub or around the base of the bottom spray arm.
  • Many dishwasher filters are equanimous of 2 parts: an upper and lower filter assembly. Give the upper filter a quarter turn clockwise and have it out.
  • Then, gently elevator and pull the lower filter frontwards to remove it.

Rinse icon

Step 2: Clean your filter

  • Run water over your dishwasher filter to remove most soils.
  • You lot may need to use a soft brush and dish soap on calcium deposits and other hard-to-remove debris. Don't use a wire brush, scouring pad or anything rough to scrub the filter as these materials could impairment the filter.

Replace icon

Step 3: Replace your filter

  • Return the lower filter to the bottom of the dishwasher tub, placing it properly under the tabs so the upper filter will line up with the circular opening in the lesser of the tub.
  • Fit the upper filter into the opening on the superlative of the lower filter.
  • Turn the filter clockwise until you feel it glide into place. If your filter still turns freely, it's not seated properly. Proceed turning it clockwise until it locks.
  • Do not run your dishwasher without commencement making sure the filter is locked. Check both the upper and lower filter assemblies. A loose filter could damage your dishwasher.
  • Remember that if the upper filter yet turns clockwise, it's not securely locked. The arrow on the upper filter does not have to line up perfectly with the arrow on the lower filter. As long as the filter is locked, your dishwasher can run optimally.

If you discover that your dishwasher filter is damaged or worn, be certain to replace it immediately. Visit the Whirlpool replacement parts site to notice the part you lot demand. Y'all can follow the instructions in a higher place to install your new filter.

Someone loading a water bottle in a Whirlpool® Dishwasher

How oft should y'all make clean your dishwasher filter?

Cleaning your dishwasher filter on a regular basis tin help your dishwasher perform at its best, load after load. Discover out if your dishwasher filter is due for a cleaning based on the recommendations below.

More cleaning tips and tricks

How do you remove a clog from your dishwasher?

How to unclog your dishwasher

The last matter you need is a malfunctioning appliance. Endeavor our troubleshooting tips to ready a clog and and then go on with your day.

Why your loading strategy matters

How to properly load a dishwasher

A properly loaded dishwasher as well ensures more efficiency and amend cleaning so y'all can save fourth dimension and energy.

Discover an easy way to keep your dishwasher clean

How to clean a dishwasher in 3 easy steps

Go along the within of your dishwasher clean to make sure dishes stay sparkling.

Gold home heartbeat logo over image of a tablet with Whirlpool blog page displayed in the background

abode heartbeat

Ready for more tips, dwelling hacks and appliance guides?

Was this article helpful? Pass it on