Is your dishwasher filter due for a cleaning? With our quick and easy-to-follow guide, you'll get the chore 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 being clogged by oversized or foreign objects.
  • Cleaning and immigration the dishwater.
  • Keeping food 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 y'all clean your dishwasher filter?

You should clean your filter if yous're noticing any of the post-obit bug:

  • Soil or other food particles are visible.
  • Cleaning operation has worsened (eastward.k., there are food remnants on your dishes after a cycle).
  • Dishes are gritty or grimy to the touch on afterwards they've been cleaned.

To help preclude these issues, information technology's best to clean your dishwasher filter regularly. Simply don't worry, information technology's not every bit fourth dimension consuming as you might call up. Check out our step-by-step guide below to learn how to make clean your dishwasher filter and how ofttimes you 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 bottom of your dishwasher, nether the lesser rack. To find it, pull out the lesser dish rack, and then expect for the filter—it's usually either in one of the dorsum 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

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

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Pace i: Remove your filter

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

Rinse icon

Stride two: Clean your filter

  • Run h2o over your dishwasher filter to remove near soils.
  • You lot may need to utilize a soft castor and dish soap on calcium deposits and other hard-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: Replace your filter

  • Render the lower filter to the bottom of the dishwasher tub, placing it properly nether the tabs then the upper filter will line up with the round opening in the lesser of the tub.
  • Fit the upper filter into the opening on the tiptop of the lower filter.
  • Turn the filter clockwise until yous experience it glide into place. If your filter still turns freely, information technology's non seated properly. Keep turning information technology clockwise until information technology locks.
  • Exercise not run your dishwasher without first 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 still turns clockwise, information technology's not securely locked. The arrow on the upper filter does not have to line up perfectly with the pointer on the lower filter. Every bit long as the filter is locked, your dishwasher can run optimally.

If y'all discover that your dishwasher filter is damaged or worn, be sure to replace it immediately. Visit the Whirlpool replacement parts site to find the part y'all need. You can follow the instructions above to install your new filter.

Someone loading a water bottle in a Whirlpool® Dishwasher

How frequently should you lot clean your dishwasher filter?

Cleaning your dishwasher filter on a regular basis can help your dishwasher perform at its all-time, load after load. Find 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 affair you need is a malfunctioning appliance. Try our troubleshooting tips to set up a clog and and then get on with your 24-hour interval.

Why your loading strategy matters

How to properly load a dishwasher

A properly loaded dishwasher too ensures more than efficiency and amend cleaning and then yous can save fourth dimension and energy.

Discover an easy way to keep your dishwasher clean

How to clean a dishwasher in 3 piece of cake steps

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

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