How to Deep Clean Your Dishwasher Filter

DISHWASHERS are remarkable workhorses, but they are not self-cleaning. Over time, the fine mesh screen at the bottom of the basin catches bits of food, grease, and mineral deposits that refuse to drain away. This debris causes lingering musty odors and prevents your machine from rinsing dishes effectively, leaving behind that gritty film you hate to find on clean glasses. Cleaning the filter is a simple fifteen-minute task that pays off in fresher dishes and a longer lifespan for your appliance. You do not need harsh chemicals or specialized kits to handle this. All it takes is a bit of elbow grease, warm water, and the discipline to clear out the trap before it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.

1. Expose the Filter. Remove the bottom dish rack from the dishwasher to expose the filter housing at the base. Wipe out any standing water or loose debris from the bottom of the tub with a paper towel.
2. Unlock and Twist Free. Locate the filter assembly, which is usually a cylindrical unit at the bottom. Twist it counter-clockwise to unlock the assembly from the floor of the dishwasher.
3. Pull Out Both Screens. Pull the main filter cylinder out carefully. If your model has a secondary mesh screen underneath, remove that as well by pulling it upward.
4. Scrub Away the Gunk. Take the parts to your kitchen sink. Use hot water and a squirt of grease-cutting dish soap along with a soft nylon brush to scrub away buildup from the mesh and the plastic frame.
5. Wipe the Sump Clean. While the filter is out, use a damp cloth to clean the interior drain area inside the dishwasher. Reach in and wipe away any slimy residue or grime collected in the sump.
6. Lock It Down Tight. Place the mesh screen back into the base, then insert the cylinder filter. Twist it clockwise until you hear it click or feel it seat firmly into the locked position.