Is your dishwasher filter due for a cleaning? With our quick and easy-to-follow guide, yous'll become the job done in no time. Keeping your dishwasher filter clean is one key to sparkling dishes. In fact, the filter is responsible for:

  • Protecting the pump from beingness clogged by oversized or foreign objects.
  • Cleaning and clearing the dishwater.
  • Keeping food particles from recirculating and resticking to your dishes.

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

When should you make clean your dishwasher filter?

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

  • Soil or other nutrient particles are visible.
  • Cleaning performance has worsened (e.grand., 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 help prevent these issues, it's best to clean your dishwasher filter regularly. Only don't worry, information technology's not as fourth dimension consuming as you might think. Check out our step-by-step guide below to learn how to clean your dishwasher filter and how often you lot should make clean it.

Closeup of the filter in the bottom of a dishwasher

Where is the dishwasher filter?

The dishwasher filter is at the lesser of your dishwasher, under the lesser rack. To find it, pull out the lesser dish rack, so wait for the filter—it'south usually either in one of the back corners of the dishwasher tub or around the base of operations of the lesser spray arm.

A Whirlpool® Dishwasher in a kitchen

iii steps to a clean dishwasher filter

Set up to become started? Follow these instructions to clean your dishwasher filter in iii easy steps.

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Pace 1: Remove your filter

  • To access your dishwasher filter, remove your lower dish rack to expose the lesser of your dishwasher. The filter can be found in either a back corner of the dishwasher tub or around the base of the bottom spray arm.
  • Many dishwasher filters are composed of two parts: an upper and lower filter assembly. Give the upper filter a quarter turn clockwise and take it out.
  • Then, gently lift and pull the lower filter forward to remove it.

Rinse icon

Footstep 2: Make clean your filter

  • Run h2o over your dishwasher filter to remove most soils.
  • You may need to use a soft castor and dish soap on calcium deposits and other difficult-to-remove debris. Don't use a wire brush, scouring pad or annihilation rough to scrub the filter as these materials could damage the filter.

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Step 3: Supplant your filter

  • Return the lower filter to the bottom of the dishwasher tub, placing information technology properly under the tabs then the upper filter will line upwards with the round opening in the lesser of the tub.
  • Fit the upper filter into the opening on the summit of the lower filter.
  • Turn the filter clockwise until you feel information technology glide into place. If your filter still turns freely, information technology'southward not seated properly. Proceed turning it clockwise until it locks.
  • Do not run your dishwasher without get-go making sure the filter is locked. Check both the upper and lower filter assemblies. A loose filter could impairment your dishwasher.
  • Think that if the upper filter withal turns clockwise, information technology'due south not securely locked. The arrow on the upper filter does non take 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 notice that your dishwasher filter is damaged or worn, be sure to replace information technology immediately. Visit the Whirlpool replacement parts site to find the function y'all need. You tin can follow the instructions above to install your new filter.

Someone loading a water bottle in a Whirlpool® Dishwasher

How often should you lot clean your dishwasher filter?

Cleaning your dishwasher filter on a regular basis tin aid your dishwasher perform at its best, load afterward load. Notice 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 final thing you demand is a malfunctioning appliance. Effort our troubleshooting tips to fix a clog and then get on with your twenty-four hour period.

Why your loading strategy matters

How to properly load a dishwasher

A properly loaded dishwasher also ensures more efficiency and ameliorate cleaning so you can salvage time and energy.

Discover an easy way to keep your dishwasher clean

How to make clean a dishwasher in 3 easy steps

Keep the inside of your dishwasher clean to make certain dishes stay sparkling.

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