How to Clean a Maytag Dishwasher Filter: Step-by-Step With Photos
You can clean a Maytag dishwasher filter in about 10 minutes without any special tools. The filter sits at the bottom of the tub under the lower spray arm, and most models use a twist-lock or tabbed assembly that lifts out by hand. If you notice cloudy dishes, longer cycle times, or a musty smell, a clogged filter is the first thing to check.
Before you start: Make sure the dishwasher is turned off and empty. If a cycle just finished, wait 10 minutes for the heating element and water to cool. Unplugging is not required for filter cleaning, but if you feel safer, you can disconnect power.
What You’ll Need
- Soft-bristle brush (an old toothbrush works fine)
- Kitchen sponge or microfiber cloth
- Mild dish soap (no bleach or abrasive cleaners)
- Small bowl or container to hold the filter parts
- Flashlight (helps spot hidden debris in the housing)
Find and Remove the Filter Assembly
Pull out the bottom rack so you have clear access to the floor of the dishwasher. Look for a cylindrical or disc-shaped cap near the back center of the tub. On most Maytag models with a removable filter (such as the MDB4949SHZ or MDB7959SKZ), that cap has a raised handle or a set of tabs around its edge.
Turn the cap counterclockwise about a quarter turn. It should release with light resistance. If it feels stuck, check for a buried utensil or a piece of broken glass jamming the threads. Lift the cap straight up, then pull out the cylindrical mesh filter underneath. On some models, a flat fine-mesh screen sits below the cylinder — lift that out too.
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The Actual Cleaning: Six Moves
1. Rinse off the loose debris
Hold the cylindrical filter under warm running water. Angle it so the water flows through the mesh from the inside out — that pushes trapped particles out of the holes rather than wedging them deeper. If you have a spray nozzle on your sink, use it here.
2. Scrub the mesh with a soft brush
Apply a drop of dish soap to the brush and work it across both the inside and outside of the cylinder. Focus on the fine mesh area at the bottom, where grease and tiny food particles tend to cake on. For the flat screen underneath, scrub both sides in a circular motion. Most common miss: the small O-ring groove under the cap — debris hides there, and if left uncleaned, it can cause a slow leak around the cap during the wash cycle.
3. Rinse thoroughly and inspect
Rinse each part until the water runs clear. Hold them up to a light or use your flashlight — if you still see clogged holes or a greasy film, repeat the scrub step. A clean filter should let light pass through the mesh evenly.
4. Wipe out the filter housing
Reach into the open cavity in the dishwasher floor with a damp cloth or sponge. You’ll often find a thin layer of sludge or a loose food chunk sitting at the bottom. Do NOT use a metal tool to scrape — you can scratch the plastic housing and create rough spots that trap future debris.
5. Reassemble in the correct order
Drop the flat screen back in (flat side down), then seat the cylindrical filter on top. Press down gently and turn the cap clockwise until it clicks or sits flush. A loose cap will rattle during the cycle and may let unfiltered water bypass the filter entirely.
6. Checkpoint: Confirm the Filter Is Seated Right
Run the dishwasher empty on a normal cycle. Listen for a smooth hum from the pump and check that the water drains fully within the first few minutes of the drain phase. If you hear a grinding sound or see standing water after the cycle ends, the filter is either seated wrong or still partially blocked.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Filter won’t turn or lift out
A silverware tine or a shard of broken dishware can jam the twist-lock mechanism. Shine a flashlight around the edge of the cap and fish out any visible obstruction with needle-nose pliers. If the cap is still stuck, pour a cup of hot water into the housing and let it sit for two minutes to soften any hardened grease.
Cloudy or wet dishes after cleaning the filter
The filter might be clean, but the spray arms could have clogged nozzles. Pull the lower spray arm off (it usually unsnaps or unscrews) and rinse it under the tap. A paperclip works well to poke out any food lodged in the spray holes.
Standing water in the tub after a cycle
A clean filter is the first thing to rule out, but a blocked drain hose or a failing drain pump can cause the same symptom. Check the filter first — if it’s spotless and you still have standing water, you’re looking at a drain path issue that may need a service call.
How Often Should You Clean It?
The right frequency depends on how you use the dishwasher. Here’s a quick decision guide to help you choose a schedule.
| Usage Pattern | Recommended Cleaning Interval | Key Sign It’s Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 loads per week, pre-rinsed dishes | Every 2–3 months | No visible debris on the filter, but slightly longer cycle times |
| Daily loads, normal scraping (no prerinse) | Monthly | Greasy film on the filter mesh; occasional water left in the sump |
| Heavy use with baked-on food or large families | Every 2–3 weeks | Visible food chunks on the filter; poor drying; unusual pump noise |
If you’re still unsure about your model’s specific design, check this step by step guide to cleaning a maytag dishwasher filter for model-by-model photos.
Quick Pass/Fail Check Before Reinstalling
- The mesh lets light through when you hold it up to a window or flashlight.
- No greasy or sticky film remains on the cylinder or flat screen.
- The filter housing is free of sludge, loose debris, and hard-water scale.
- The cap twists into place smoothly and sits flush with the tub floor.
- A test cycle drains completely and the dishes come out dry with no food residue.
If any of those checks fails, give the filter another scrub or rinse before reinstalling. To understand why sticking to this routine saves you from costly repairs, read more about the importance of regularly cleaning maytag dishwasher filters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Maytag dishwashers have a cleanable filter?
No. Some older Maytag models (pre-2010) and certain budget lines use a self-cleaning grinder system that doesn’t have a removable filter. If you don’t see a twist-cap assembly at the bottom of the tub, your model likely uses the grinder system and doesn’t need manual filter cleaning. Check your owner’s manual or look up the model number on Maytag’s support site to confirm.
Can I put the filter in the dishwasher to clean it?
Some upper racks are safe for the cylindrical filter, but the heat cycle can warp the flat mesh screen. Hand-washing both parts with soap and a brush is safer and takes less time than running a separate cycle anyway.
What happens if I never clean the filter?
The pump works harder to push water through the clogged mesh, which can burn out the drain pump motor or cause the control board to throw an error code like F7E1 (long drain time). You may also notice a musty smell coming from the dishwasher as trapped food particles begin to rot inside the housing.
Will a dirty filter cause dishes to spot?
Yes — it’s one of the most common causes. When the filter is clogged, food-laden water recirculates back onto the dishes instead of being filtered out. The result is gritty residue, cloudy glassware, and calcium-looking spots that don’t rinse off.