Your dishes are coming out of the “clean” cycle with bits of rice still stuck to them. Or maybe you opened the dishwasher this morning and got hit with a smell that made you take a step back. Sound familiar? In many cases, the filter is the first thing worth checking. I’ve been pulling filters out of dishwashers for years, and it’s almost always the first place I look before touching anything else pumps, hoses, or seals. It’s a five-minute job once you know what you’re doing, and knowing how to clean a dishwasher filter properly solves more problems than people expect. Let’s get into it.
Signs Your Filter Is the Problem
Before getting into the steps, it helps to know what you’re actually looking at. Here’s what usually points to a dirty filter rather than something more serious:
- Food particles left on dishes that should be clean
- A musty or sour smell when you open the door
- Standing water at the bottom of the tub after a cycle
- Glasses coming out cloudy or with a greasy film
If your dishwasher won’t drain, don’t panic a clogged filter is one of the most common causes, since trapped food debris can interfere with proper drainage. Check the filter before you start pulling apart pumps or hoses. The same goes if your dishwasher isn’t drying properly: standing water left behind by poor drainage can leave dishes damp or spotty, so the filter is worth ruling out first.
What You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here that’s the beauty of this job:
- Warm water
- A soft-bristle brush (an old toothbrush works well)
- Dish soap
- A microfiber cloth
Skip anything abrasive steel wool or a scouring pad can scratch the plastic mesh and make the filter harder to clean effectively. With these on hand, you’re fully set up for how to clean a dishwasher filter without buying anything special.
Step-by-Step: Cleaning the Filter
1. Find the filter
On most modern dishwashers, the filter sits at the bottom of the tub, usually near the back or underneath the lower spray arm. It’s typically a cylindrical piece with mesh or slotted sides. Some older models, including certain Maytag units, use a self-cleaning filter that doesn’t require removal check your manual if you’re not sure which type you have.
2. Twist and remove it
Most filters twist counterclockwise about a quarter turn and then lift straight out. Some models have two sections that separate for cleaning. On Bosch dishwashers specifically, look for a small locking tab cleaning is usually all that’s needed unless the filter itself is cracked or damaged, in which case replacement makes more sense than repeated cleaning. For model-specific instructions, you can also check Bosch’s official dishwasher filter cleaning guide before removing the filter.
3. Rinse it under hot water
This alone knocks loose a surprising amount of buildup. Hold it under the tap and watch what comes off before you even reach for soap.
4. Scrub with soap
Work dish soap into the mesh with a toothbrush, focusing on the fine layer where grease and food particles collect. This step is often helpful for persistent dishwasher odors, since trapped food residue can contribute to unpleasant smells.
5. Check for mold while you’re in there
Look at the filter housing and the rubber gasket around it for black or pink buildup, which can indicate mold. Clean affected areas according to your dishwasher manufacturer’s instructions, especially around rubber seals and other components. Avoid bleach on rubber parts, since it can damage some materials over time.
6. Rinse and reseat it
One more rinse, then set the filter back in place and twist clockwise until it clicks or locks. It should sit flush. If it’s sticking up or wobbling, it isn’t seated correctly, and water may not drain properly on the next cycle. Whirlpool’s official dishwasher filter guide also provides manufacturer guidance on cleaning and properly reinstalling dishwasher filters.
7. Run an empty hot cycle
Finish with an empty cycle if your dishwasher manufacturer recommends one, using a dishwasher-safe cleaning tablet according to the product instructions. Doing this periodically alongside regular filter cleaning can help keep buildup under control.
Store-Bought Tablets vs. Homemade Options
Store-bought dishwasher cleaning tablets are convenient for periodic deep cleaning. If you use one, run the machine empty according to the product’s instructions and your dishwasher manufacturer’s recommendations. Avoid experimenting with homemade chemical mixtures unless your manufacturer specifically recommends them, since different dishwasher materials and finishes can react differently to cleaning products.
Why the Smell Keeps Coming Back
A lot of people try to mask a bad smell with an air freshener clip or a splash of lemon juice, and it never actually solves anything. If you’re regularly searching for why your dishwasher smells like rotten eggs, decomposing food and residue are possible causes, but persistent odors can also come from the drain system or other parts of the appliance. Clean the filter properly first, then investigate further if the smell remains.
A Few Brand-Specific Notes
Bosch won’t drain mid-cycle: Hold Start/Reset for a few seconds to force a drain. The exact process varies by model, so check your manual if it doesn’t respond.
Bosch showing no lights or response at all: That’s usually an electrical or control-panel issue, not a filter problem the filter won’t fix a unit that isn’t powering on.
LG drain pump: Keeping the filter clean helps prevent debris from interfering with drainage and can reduce problems involving the drain system.
A Few More Things People Ask
- When to call for repairs: Start with filter and spray-arm cleaning before assuming you need a technician. If the problem continues after basic cleaning, professional diagnosis may be necessary.
- Repair costs: Service call pricing varies by brand, location, and the problem involved, while cleaning the filter yourself costs nothing and takes only a few minutes.
- Is it worth calling a repairman just for this: A technician can clean and inspect the filter for you, but it’s simple enough to do yourself and may save you a service fee.
- Can cast iron go in the dishwasher: No dishwasher cycles can strip seasoning from bare cast iron and encourage rust. Hand-wash it instead.
When It’s More Than the Filter
If you’ve cleaned the filter and you’re still dealing with standing water, poor drainage, or a burning smell, the problem may involve a blocked hose, a failing drain pump, or another component. At that point, calling in a professional is safer than guessing especially for anything involving the motor or control board. A technician will typically check the filter first anyway, so ruling it out yourself beforehand may save a service call. If you’re considering replacing the unit rather than repairing it, it’s worth checking dishwasher dimensions and sizing first to make sure a new model actually fits your space.
Quick Recap
Knowing how to clean a dishwasher filter really comes down to a few simple steps: pull it out, scrub the mesh, rinse it well, and reseat it correctly. Do that regularly according to your dishwasher manufacturer’s recommendations, and you can help prevent food buildup, unpleasant odors, and drainage problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to turn off my dishwasher to clean the filter?
Usually not you don’t need to cut power just to remove the filter. Check your manual if you also plan to inspect the pump area, since that may require different precautions.
Can I use bleach to clean a moldy filter?
Avoid bleach on rubber gaskets and seals, since it can damage some materials over time. Follow your dishwasher manufacturer’s cleaning instructions for mold or other buildup.
How do I know if I need a new filter instead of just cleaning it?
A cracked frame, torn mesh, or a loose fit means it’s time to replace the filter rather than clean it again.
Is it normal for the filter to smell bad even after cleaning?
A faint smell right after cleaning can happen and should fade. A strong smell that lingers usually means some debris or residue remains check the filter, gasket, and surrounding area again.
