I’ll be honest—I didn’t even know dishwashers had filters until mine started leaving food particles all over my “clean” dishes. At first, I blamed the detergent, then the water pressure, and even considered buying a new dishwasher. But then I did a little research (and got my hands dirty), and guess what? The problem was the filter all along.
If your dishwasher isn’t cleaning like it used to, your filter is probably clogged with grease, food bits, and who-knows-what-else. But don’t worry—cleaning it is super easy, takes just 10 minutes, and will make a HUGE difference. Let’s go step by step, and I’ll walk you through exactly how I got my dishwasher running like new again.
Step 1: Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Before we dive in, grab these basic supplies:
✅ Warm, soapy water – Regular dish soap works just fine.
✅ A soft brush or old toothbrush – To scrub off stubborn gunk.
✅ White vinegar – Great for breaking down grease and odors.
✅ Baking soda (optional) – If your filter is extra grimy.
✅ A towel or paper towels – To keep things clean.
💡 Pro Tip: If your dishwasher has been smelling funky, cleaning the filter will help. But for an even deeper clean, we’ll do a quick rinse cycle at the end. (More on that later!)
Step 2: Locate and Remove the Filter
Alright, time to get hands-on! The filter is usually at the bottom of the dishwasher, under the lower spray arm. Here’s how to get it out:
1️⃣ Pull out the bottom rack – This gives you full access to the filter.
2️⃣ Look for a circular or rectangular mesh piece – That’s your dishwasher filter!
3️⃣ Twist and pull – Most filters have a simple twist-to-unlock mechanism. Turn it counterclockwise and lift it out. If it’s stuck, wiggle it gently (but don’t force it).
4️⃣ Check for a secondary filter – Some models have an extra flat filter under the main one—just slide it out if you see one.
🎯 Goal: The filter should now be in your hands, ready for a deep clean.
Step 3: Rinse Off the Loose Debris
The first time I pulled out my filter, I was horrified—there were bits of pasta, coffee grounds, and a weird greasy slime (yuck!). Before we start scrubbing, let’s rinse off the worst of it:
✅ Hold the filter under warm running water.
✅ Use your fingers to remove any large food particles.
✅ Tap it gently on the side of the sink to shake out hidden debris.
💡 Pro Tip: If you see black gunk or mold, don’t freak out. That’s just grease and old detergent buildup. We’ll take care of that next!
Step 4: Scrub Away the Gunk
Now for the satisfying part—deep cleaning the filter!
1️⃣ Fill a bowl with warm, soapy water.
2️⃣ Soak the filter for 5-10 minutes to loosen grease and grime.
3️⃣ Scrub with a toothbrush – Pay extra attention to the mesh screen and small holes where food gets trapped.
4️⃣ Use vinegar for tough buildup – If there’s stubborn residue, soak the filter in a mix of 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water for 10 more minutes.
5️⃣ Rinse thoroughly – Make sure there’s no soap or debris left behind.
💡 Pro Tip: If your filter has a really bad odor, sprinkle baking soda on it and scrub again. It works wonders!
Step 5: Clean the Filter Housing Inside the Dishwasher
Before we put the filter back, let’s wipe down the area where it sits. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step—mine had gross, slimy gunk built up around it.
✅ Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe around the filter opening.
✅ Check for any hidden food particles stuck in crevices.
✅ If you see mold or hard water buildup, spray some vinegar and wipe clean.
🎯 Goal: The inside of your dishwasher should now be fresh and gunk-free.
Step 6: Reinstall the Filter
You’re almost done! Now just:
✅ Place the flat secondary filter back first (if your model has one).
✅ Insert the main filter and twist it clockwise until it locks in place.
✅ Give it a gentle tug to make sure it’s secure.
💡 Pro Tip: If your dishwasher filter isn’t installed properly, water won’t drain correctly, and you’ll end up with standing water at the bottom. Make sure it’s locked in tight!
Step 7: Run a Quick Cleaning Cycle
To finish up, let’s give your whole dishwasher a fresh start.
1️⃣ Pour 1 cup of white vinegar into the bottom of the dishwasher.
2️⃣ Run an empty cycle on the hottest setting.
3️⃣ If you want an extra deep clean, sprinkle baking soda inside the dishwasher after the vinegar cycle and run a short rinse cycle.
🎉 That’s it! Your dishwasher is officially back to peak performance!
How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher Filter?
💡 Once a month – If you run your dishwasher daily or wash a lot of greasy dishes.
💡 Every 2-3 months – If you rinse your dishes before loading (but still use the dishwasher regularly).
💡 Right away – If you notice dirty dishes, water pooling at the bottom, or bad smells.
I’ll be honest—cleaning my dishwasher filter was not something I ever thought about until I had to. But once I did it, I realized how much better my dishwasher worked!
No more half-cleaned plates. No more weird smells. No more wasting time rewashing dishes.
And the best part? It only takes 10 minutes. So next time your dishwasher isn’t doing its job, don’t blame the machine—check that filter first!
You got this! Now go enjoy your sparkling-clean dishes. ✨
