How to clean a dishwasher filter (and how often)
Short answer: Most manual dishwasher filters need cleaning every three to six months, per KitchenAid. Heavy use with unscraped dishes can call for every two weeks. Twist the filter out, rinse it in warm water, scrub gently with a soft brush, and lock it back in place. Never use a wire brush.
Does my dishwasher have a manual or self-cleaning filter?
Most newer dishwashers use a removable filter you clean by hand. It usually sits at the bottom of the tub, under the lower rack. It often has two parts: an upper filter assembly and a flat lower filter.
Some models use a different system. KitchenAid says select models with its Advanced Clean Water Wash System have a maintenance-free filter that needs no regular cleaning.
Many older dishwashers use a self-cleaning design, often with a hard food grinder, which needs little routine care. Check your owner’s manual if you are not sure which type you have. Filter location and removal steps vary by model.
How often should you clean a dishwasher filter?
KitchenAid puts the range at “once a year to once a week,” with an average of every three to six months. Bosch says “every few months.” The right interval depends on how many loads you run and how much food goes in with the dishes.
KitchenAid’s schedule for manual filters:
| Loads per week | Rinsed and scraped | Scraped only | Not scraped or rinsed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | Once a year | Twice a year | Every other month |
| 4-7 | Once a year | Twice a year | Monthly |
| 8-12 | Twice a year | Every 3 months | Every 2 weeks |
Signs your dishwasher filter is dirty
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Odor. KitchenAid notes that buildup can cause unwanted smells. Other common signs (general experience, not from the manufacturers):
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Gritty or spotty dishes. Food particles may be recirculating.
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Standing water. Water left after a cycle can point to a clogged filter.
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Visible debris. Food chunks or labels sitting on the filter.
Standing water can also come from a kinked drain hose or clogged sink drain. Clean the filter first, then check the drain path or call for service.
How to remove and clean the filter
These steps follow KitchenAid and Bosch instructions. Your model may differ slightly.
- Pull out the bottom rack. Remove it fully so you can reach the tub floor.
- Twist out the upper filter. Turn it a quarter turn counterclockwise and lift it out. Bosch describes the same motion: rotate the knob left and lift.
- Remove the lower filter. Lift it slightly and pull it forward.
- Rinse in warm water. Soak for a few minutes if food is stuck on.
- Scrub gently. Use an old toothbrush, a soft sponge, or a soft scrub brush. Bosch says warm water with dish soap.
- Deep clean if needed. KitchenAid suggests soaking in warm water and white vinegar for at least 30 minutes.
- Wipe the filter housing. Remove any debris from the opening in the tub floor before you reinstall.
Do not use a wire brush or wire sponge. KitchenAid says these “may damage the filter,” and a damaged filter can lead to poor performance.
How to reinstall the filter correctly
Set the lower filter back in place first. Then insert the upper assembly and turn it clockwise until it locks. If it keeps spinning freely, it is not seated.
KitchenAid says to verify that both the upper and lower filters are locked, and warns that an improperly locked filter can damage the dishwasher. As a precaution, never run the dishwasher without the filter; follow your owner’s manual. If a filter is cracked or warped, replace it with the manufacturer’s part.
Should you pre-rinse dishes?
No, scrape instead. ENERGY STAR says rinsing dishes before loading increases total water and energy use. Scrape food into the trash and let the dishwasher and detergent do the cleaning. If dishes will sit overnight, ENERGY STAR suggests using the dishwasher’s rinse feature.
ENERGY STAR says a certified dishwasher can save 8,400 gallons of water a year compared with washing by hand.
Scraping still matters for the filter. KitchenAid’s schedule shows unscraped dishes can push cleaning from twice a year to every two weeks.
Quick answers
How often should I clean my dishwasher filter? Every three to six months on average, per KitchenAid. Clean it monthly or more if you run many loads without scraping plates.
Can I clean a dishwasher filter with vinegar? Yes. KitchenAid suggests soaking the filter in warm water and white vinegar for at least 30 minutes after rinsing off loose debris.
Can I use a wire brush on a dishwasher filter? No. KitchenAid says wire brushes and wire sponges can damage the filter. Use a soft brush or sponge.
Why is there standing water in my dishwasher? A clogged filter is a common, easy-to-fix cause. If cleaning it does not help, check the drain hose and sink drain.
Do I need to rinse dishes before loading the dishwasher? No. ENERGY STAR says pre-rinsing wastes water and energy. Scrape food off instead.
Is it safe to run the dishwasher without the filter? Treat it as a no. KitchenAid warns that even an improperly locked filter can damage the dishwasher, so never run it without the filter and check your manual.