How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter

How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter – Maybe you’ve smelled a bad odor in your kitchen, but don’t know where it’s coming from. Well, it could be coming from your dishwasher filter! 

This filter has an important function, which is to help you clean your dishes and cutlery so that they look shiny without taking up too much time and effort.

So, the filter is dirty and smelly, your dishwashing results can be less clean and leave a bad smell. And for the worse, it can be a perfect place for bacterias to grow! Yikes! 

So, for those of you who use a dishwasher at home, it’s really important to know how to clean a dishwasher filter so that it stays durable and functions properly. 

Dire to know more about it? Let’s see how to clean it here!

How to Clean a Dishwasher in 6 Easy Steps

Before you start cleaning the dishwasher filter, you need to prepare the tools and materials you will need.

Of course, these tools and materials can be found at home or maybe some of them you can buy at the market if you don’t have them.Check out the dishwasher filter cleaning tools and materials below:

• Large container or bowl
• Clean cloth or sponge
• Old toothbrush
• Nylon brush with soft bristles
• Cleaning solution or dishwashing liquid 
• White vinegar (optional)

1. Identify Your Dishwasher Filter

As mentioned earlier, the dishwasher filter is the most important part of your dishwasher, as it is responsible for cleaning all the dishes during the washing process. 

It works by preventing food particles and residue from reattaching to the dishes, resulting in a clean and shiny appearance.

Before you start cleaning the filter, it is important to recognize the model first. Typically, dishwashers manufactured before 2010 have self-cleaning filters. 

However, these older models are often quite noisy, so many people prefer newer dishwashers with quieter filter technology.

The difference is that the filters on older machines are usually plastic boxes with a round section, while the filters on the latest models are similar to the filters in the sink, which are round with a filter.

2. Locate the Dishwasher Filter

After identifying the dishwasher filter model, the next thing you have to do is finding the location of your filter. 

The trick is, you can first remove the bottom rack, then look for this dishwasher filter usually located on the bottom inside of the dishwasher. The dishwasher filters are usually round and locked in place.

Another trick that you can use if you’re about to remove the filter is you can first look for instructions in the form of an arrow near the filter, that way you know which way the cylinder must be turned so that the filter can be removed.

Make sure you remove this part of the dishwasher filter slowly. And, if you do find a second flat filter, then remove it too.

Besides, some of these dishwasher filters are made into a single cylinder and there is also a secondary flat filter that is under the cylinder. 

But, usually flat filters don’t have a lock in place, making it easier for you to remove them.

3. Clean Your Filter

After successfully removing the dishwasher filter, it’s time to clean it. 

First, prepare a cleaning solution with the ingredients you have prepared earlier then pour hot or warm water into a large container, then add a few drops of dish soap. 

After that, put the dishwasher filter into the container and make sure it is fully submerged and let it sit for a few minutes so that the dirt can be easily removed. This stage is also important to get rid of odors, grease, or stubborn stains on the filter. 

After that, use a sponge, an old toothbrush, or a soft-bristled nylon brush to brush the filter, especially the inside, until all the dirt is removed. Don’t forget to wear protective gloves when cleaning the filter to keep your hands safe!

4. Rinse Your Filter Well

The next step is to rinse the dishwasher filter thoroughly. Once the dishwasher filter is free of dirt and particles, rinse it with hot water.

Make sure to rinse thoroughly so that all traces of dirt are removed and nothing sticks. 

Also, check that the filter is oil-free to the touch, so that the result is completely clean and ready to use again!

Also Read: “How to Measure a Dishwasher in 3 Easy Steps!“

5. Don’t Forget to Clean and Wipe the Filter Housing

In addition to the dishwasher filter, don’t forget to clean the ‘house’ or the place where the filter is.

Dip a sponge or napkin into soap mixed with hot water, then gently wipe the hole where the filter is and make sure all traces of food or fat are removed and the area is clean.

Also, clean other parts of the dishwasher that you can reach, such as the rack, the water sprayer, and the inside of the machine. 

Make sure you read the instructions in the manual to get the most out of cleaning all these parts!

6. Reinstall the Filter

Reverse the steps you used to remove the filter. First, if there is a flat filter, carefully reinstall the filter.

Make sure it is positioned correctly so that there are no gaps that could cause problems when the engine is operating.

After that, take the cylinder filter that you have cleaned. Put this filter into place and make sure to lock it securely.

Hearing a click or feeling the filter click into place is a sign that everything is properly in place.

So there you have it a complete guide of how to clean a dishwasher filter that we’ve prepared just for you!