Dishwasher Filter Cleaning Guide: Step-by-Step for All Major Brands
If your dishes come out with a gritty film, food bits stuck to plates, or the dishwasher smells musty, the filter is almost certainly the culprit. Cleaning it takes about 10 minutes and doesn’t require any special skills. Here’s the process that works across brands like Whirlpool, Samsung, LG, Bosch, GE, Maytag, and KitchenAid.
Remove the bottom rack. Locate the filter assembly in the bottom rear corner (cylindrical or flat mesh). Twist counterclockwise to unlock, lift out, rinse under hot running water while scrubbing with a soft brush. Reinstall by aligning tabs and twisting clockwise until snug. Do this monthly if you run the dishwasher daily.
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When should you clean it? Run this quick check
- ☐ Dishes still feel greasy or gritty after a full cycle?
- ☐ You see visible food scraps floating in the bottom after the wash finishes?
- ☐ A musty or sour smell comes from the dishwasher when you open the door?
- ☐ It’s been more than 30 days since the last filter cleaning?
- ☐ Water pools in the bottom and doesn’t fully drain during or after the cycle?
- ☐ Your dishwasher’s spray arm spins slower than usual (you can hear or see it)?
If you checked any of those, it’s time to clean the filter. If none apply, you’re probably fine for another week or two.
Tools and prerequisites
You likely already have what you need:
- Soft scrub brush or old toothbrush
- Dish soap (optional)
- Paper towels or microfiber cloth
- Small container (catches any water that drains from the filter housing)
- White vinegar (for mineral deposits or heavy grease)
- Wet/dry vacuum (optional, but handy for clearing debris from the sump)
Safety first: Unplug the dishwasher or flip the circuit breaker before reaching into the filter area. Some filters sit very close to the wash impeller, and the power-off step prevents accidental cuts or damage.
Step-by-step plan for all brands
Step 1: Understand your filter type
This is the one decision criterion that changes the entire process. Dishwasher filters fall into two categories:
| Filter type | Brands that use it | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Manual-clean (removable) | Most Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Samsung, LG, Bosch (100-series and newer), Frigidaire, GE (select models) | Twist out, rinse, and scrub monthly |
| Self-cleaning (hard food disposer) | Older GE models, some lower-end Frigidaire units, some Samsung/Whirlpool from before 2010 | No removable filter; the unit grinds and flushes food. These rarely need cleaning but can clog with grease over time |
If you aren’t sure: Open the door, remove the lower rack, and look at the bottom center or corner. If you see a round cap with a handle (often with arrows or the word “filter”), you have a manual-clean type. If you only see a flat metal screen or open grate with a spinning blade underneath, it’s self-cleaning.
For manual-clean filters, proceed with steps below. For self-cleaning units, skip to troubleshooting if you’re seeing poor wash results.
Step 2: Remove the filter assembly
Most filters have two parts: an upper fine-mesh cylinder (or disc) that catches small particles, and a lower coarse basket that catches larger food scraps.
1. Twist the filter cap counterclockwise until it stops (typically a quarter to half turn). Some models require a slight lift while twisting.
2. Lift straight up to remove the entire assembly. Keep it upright to avoid spilling standing water onto the floor.
3. Check for a second stage. On many newer units, the coarse basket sits inside the housing and lifts out separately after the fine filter is removed.
Brand-specific tips:
- GE Profile: The filter sits at the bottom rear. On some models, the coarse basket clicks into place and needs a firm upward tug after the twist. See how to clean your GE Profile dishwasher filter for model-specific photos. – Maytag: Maytag uses a tall cylindrical filter on most current models. The locking ring can feel tight; grip both sides and twist steadily. If it resists, check for a small plastic tab that must be pressed before turning.
The step by step guide to cleaning a Maytag dishwasher filter walks through the exact release mechanism. – Bosch: Bosch 100-series and newer use a flat disc filter with a large central knob. Turn counterclockwise until the knob points to the unlock icon (usually a small open padlock). Lift the entire unit straight out.
Inspect before cleaning: Once the filter is out, look for cracks, warped plastic, or broken locking tabs. If you see any of those, stop cleaning and order a replacement filter. A damaged filter won’t seal properly, letting debris bypass into the pump. For Bosch and GE models, replacement filters are available online for around $20–$40. If the filter is intact but coated in greasy black residue, soak it in hot vinegar for 15 minutes before scrubbing—this dissolves the film much faster than soap alone.
Step 3: Clean the filter thoroughly
Hot tap water (not boiling) and a soft brush do the job. Do not use abrasive scrub pads—they scratch the filter mesh, which then traps food more easily and becomes impossible to fully clean.
1. Rinse the coarse basket under strong running water, flipping it to dislodge any trapped rice, beans, or eggshells. Use your fingers if needed; these are tough plastic parts.
2. Scrub the fine mesh cylinder with the brush and a drop of dish soap. Work the bristles into every groove. Pay special attention to the outer rim where grime builds up thickest.
3. Check the housing (hole) where the filter sits. Wipe it out with a paper towel. If you feel a greasy film inside, scrub it with soap and rinse thoroughly. Debris that stays in the housing will be sucked back onto dishes during the wash cycle.
4. Final rinse. Hold the filter under running water until all soap residue is gone and water flows freely through the mesh.
Step 4: Reinstall and verify
- Align the tabs on the filter (or the arrow marks) with the corresponding slots in the housing.
- Press down firmly until the filter sits flush with the dishwasher floor.
- Twist clockwise until you feel a positive stop. On most brands, this is accompanied by a soft click.
Success check: Run the “rinse only” or “quick wash” cycle with an empty dishwasher. Open the door after the first drain and inspect the bottom. If you see no standing water and the filter is still tightly in place, you’re good. If you hear a grinding noise or see water pooling, the filter isn’t fully seated—remove and reinstall.
Stop-and-escalate threshold: If after reinstalling correctly the dishes still have debris, or if you notice the filter housing has cracked threads, stripped grooves, or visible damage to the sump area, stop DIY attempts. Call a licensed appliance repair technician. Continuing to run the dishwasher with a damaged housing can let water leak onto the floor or cause the pump to seize. If your unit is less than five years old, check whether the filter housing is covered under your appliance warranty.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Dishes still gritty after cleaning | Grease buildup inside filter housing that you didn’t wipe out | Remove filter again, scrub housing with diluted degreaser (1 part vinegar to 2 parts water) |
| Filter won’t turn or lift | Calcium or mineral deposits locking the threads | Soak the assembly in hot vinegar for 15 minutes, then scrub threads with a brush |
| Water pools and won’t drain after cleaning | Food debris fell into the sump area (below the filter) while you worked | Use a wet/dry vacuum on the filter opening to pull out any dropped particles |
| Musty smell returns within a week | Biofilm forming on hidden areas—the spray arm ends or the rubber door gasket | Wipe the gasket with a bleach-based cleaner monthly; clean spray arm holes with a toothpick |
| Self-cleaning model has poor performance | Grease or mineral scale is blocking the hard food disposer plate | Run a dishwasher-cleaning tablet (Affresh or similar) at least every three months |
Related questions
How often should I clean the dishwasher filter?
Every 30 days for average use (one load per day). If you run multiple loads daily or often pre-rinse dishes (which deposits starch on the filter faster), clean every two weeks.
Can I clean the filter in the dishwasher?
No. Running the filter through a dishwasher cycle won’t remove cooked-on residue from the mesh. Hand-scrubbing is required.
What if my dishwasher has no visible filter?
You likely have a self-cleaning model with a hard food disposer. Check your owner’s manual for a metal grind screen near the sump area. If that screen is clogged, you can vacuum it clean or replace it.
Does cleaning the filter improve drying performance?
Indirectly, yes. A clean filter allows proper water flow, which helps the final rinse cycle operate at the correct temperature and pressure—both factors that affect how well dishes dry.