How to Clean Your Dishwasher Filter

November 27, 2024 by Kenmore

The dishwasher is a reliable kitchen workhorse that quietly gets the job done, saving you time and energy while getting your dishes spotlessly clean and dry. But just like every other appliance in your home, it needs a bit of routine care to keep performing at its very best.

One key component that often gets overlooked is the dishwasher filter. The filter’s main job is to catch food particles, debris, and other residues from the dirty dishes. This prevents them from recirculating during the wash cycle and potentially redepositing onto your clean dishes. Keeping this filter clean is essential not just for the efficiency and performance of your dishwasher but also for the cleanliness of your dishes at mealtime.

How to Clean Your Dishwasher Filter: Step By Step

how to clean your dishwasher filter

Cleaning your dishwasher filter is a simple, straightforward process that doesn’t require any special tools or skills. All you need is some water, a paper towel, and a small scrubbing device like an old toothbrush.

Locate the Filter: Remove the bottom rack of your dishwasher and locate the filter in your dishwasher. In most models, the filter is found at the bottom of the dishwasher, beneath the spray arm. Consult your dishwasher’s user manual if you’re unsure where the filter is.

Remove the Filter: Once you’ve located the filter, you can remove it. The filter is usually secured with a twist-lock mechanism. Gently turn it counterclockwise to unlock it and then lift it out. If your dishwasher has a two-part filter, remove both parts.

Carefully Rinse Out the Filter: Place the filter in your sink and rinse it under warm water. Use a soft brush or sponge to gently scrub away any stuck-on food particles or grease. Avoid using harsh cleaning tools like steel wool, as these can damage the filter.

For Tougher Residue: If rinsing and gentle scrubbing don’t get the filter fully clean, soak it in a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap for about 10-15 minutes. This will help to loosen any tough debris. After soaking, give it another gentle scrub and rinse thoroughly.

Clean the Filter Housing: Before replacing the filter, it’s a good idea to clean out the filter housing. Wipe it down with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any loose debris or build-up that may have accumulated.

Reinstall the Filter: Once the filter is clean and dry, place it back inside the filter housing and turning it clockwise until it locks into place. Make sure it’s securely fastened to avoid any issues during the next wash cycle.

Why Clean Your Filter?

how to clean your dishwasher filter

Now that you know HOW to do it, you should consider WHY it’s a good idea to clean your dishwasher filter on the regular.

When the filter is free of nasty food debris, clean water can flow through it smoothly, ensuring that your dishes come out spotless. A clogged filter, on the other hand, can impede water flow, leading to dirty wash water that can redeposit crud on your dishes, utensils and glassware at the end of the cycle. And ugh… that’s just gross. Another unpleasant reality is that food particles trapped in a dirty filter can start to decompose, leading to unpleasant odors in your dishwasher. And no one wants a funky-smelling kitchen!

Regularly cleaning the filter can also extend the life of your dishwasher. When a filter gets clogged, the motor has to work harder to pump water through the system. This extra strain can lead to wear and tear on various components, potentially resulting in costly repairs or the need for a replacement.

A bonus benefit of cleaning your filter: energy efficiency. When the dishwasher doesn’t have to work as hard to clean your dishes, it uses less energy, which can result in lower utility bills. This is not only good for your wallet but also better for the environment.

How Often Should You Clean It?

It really depends on how frequently you run your dishwasher, and how heavily soiled your dishes tend to be. Some respectable home-maintenance guides recommend cleaning out your filter at least once a month, and we won’t disagree. But for most owners with light-to-medium loads to wash… every six weeks or so is probably fine.

Then again, if you run your dishwasher with a full load of heavily soiled plates and cookware nearly every day, you might want to check that filter every other week. It’s simple enough to do, and it couldn’t hurt!

However often you do it, cleaning your dishwasher filter is an easy yet essential task that keeps your dishwasher operating efficiently, and helps to protect your appliance investment. By making this a regular part of your home maintenance routine, you can avoid many common dishwasher problems and enjoy consistently sparkling results.

So the next time you unload your dishwasher, take an extra moment or two to check the filter—it’s well worth the effort!

FAQs

The following are answers to some frequently asked questions about cleaning dishwasher filters.

How often should I clean out my dishwasher filter?

You should check it at least once a month, and gently clean off excess debris whenever necessary.

What might happen if I don’t regularly clean the dishwasher filter?

You’ll run the risk of dirty dishes and foul odors, and you might even damage the appliance itself! Built-up food particles can eventually cause a blockage, or even lead to problems with drainage or a strained pump mechanism.

How do I know when my dishwasher filter gets clogged?

If your dishes are coming out with soapy residue or food particles on them at the end of the cycle, there’s a good chance your filter is clogged. Check it out and rinse & scrub it clean before your next load.

Kenmore

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