If you notice dirty dishes after washing, it may be time to clean your dishwasher filter. In this way, you can help your dishwasher function optimally by completing a simple maintenance task at the right time. Cleaning this part is important for newer kitchen appliances because food residue and even mold can quickly accumulate there. This is because most models after 2010 no longer have a self-cleaning function. Additionally, a well-maintained dishwasher filter can mean the difference between sparkling clean dishes and dishes contaminated with unsightly, unhygienic food residue. Find out below what you need to pay attention to and which cleaning methods can make this household work easier.
What you should know before removing the filter from your dishwasher for cleaning
The purpose of the dishwasher filter is to prevent food residue from getting into theDishwasher on dishessuch as plates, pans, cutlery, glasses and the like flow back after the water and detergent have washed them away. However, to perform its function, this hard-working part of the machine must be free of debris. There are two types of dishwasher filter assemblies: self-cleaning and manual. Dishwashers with self-cleaning filters rely on a built-in grinder to pulverize food like a trash can, which is then washed away down the drain. These filters are called “self-cleaning” because there is no routine buildup for the owner to manage. The downside to this convenience is that these dishwashers tend to be much louder than those with manually cleaned filters.
Other filters on newer devices need to be cleaned at least once a month, if not more often, depending on usage and pre-rinsing habits. You should also pay attention to visual and olfactory cues. Gritty feeling orwet dishes after washing, as well as leftover food or unpleasant smells can also alert you if you need to clean filters in your dishwasher.
To determine what type of filter you have, you can check your owner's manual. Also look on the bottom of the dishwasher under the rotating arm. If you notice a removable cylindrical part, it is a manual filter. Luckily, this is easy to remove and clean in just a few minutes. Just have dish soap and a soft cleaning tool like a sponge or old toothbrush handy before you begin. This means the part can be cleaned in just a few simple steps.
What home remedies and tools can you use to clean filters in the dishwasher?
The best way to freshen up a dishwasher filter is to treat it thoroughly with distilled white vinegar and baking soda at least once a month. However, you can also use a commercially available dishwasher cleaner. If the clean dishes feel gritty after washing, there are food residues on them, and the dishwasher has a very unpleasant smell, you should clean the filter more often.
Although newer models require manual cleaning, the process is not as time-consuming or difficult. Cleaning the filter only takes a few minutes and uses materials you probably already have on hand. Other items you may need are a sink or large bowl, dish towel, soft-bristled brush, dishwashing detergent with degreaser, and distilled white vinegar.
Remove the dishwashing filter
Since filters are most often located on the interior floor of the dishwasher, they are easier to find and remove if you remove the bottom rack of the dishwasher. Most manual filters are round, have a screw cap, and often have arrows indicating which way to turn the cylinder to remove it. However, some models have a single cylindrical component, while others are equipped with a secondary flat filter below the cylinder.
Most flat filters do not lock into place and can simply be lifted out through the hole in the middle of the filter. You usually don't need any special tools for this. Rotate the cylindrical filter according to the guide arrows to unlock it. Loosen the part by turning it counterclockwise. Once unlocked, gently pull up to remove it from the bottom of the dishwasher. If there is a second flat filter, remove that too.
Prepare cleaning solution and soak the filter
First, fill your kitchen sink, sink, or large bowl with hot water and add a few drops of dish soap. Use a good stuff that contains a degreaser for easier cleaning. Then place the filter in the cleaning solution and let it soak for a few minutes to loosen the residue. This is particularly helpful if there are residues of paper labels stuck to the filter. Use a sponge, old toothbrush, or soft-bristled scrub brush to remove debris trapped in the filter.
Soaking in vinegar is also an effective method if you want to clean your dishwasher filters. First, take out the dishwasher filter again and rinse it under running water. You can use your soft-bristled toothbrush to remove stubborn food particles. Next, place it in a mixture of warm water and white distilled vinegar. Finally, let this solution sit for at least 30 minutes. So feel free to use vinegar if you want to use inexpensive home remedies that are non-toxic and chemical-free to get rid of soap scum and food residue more easily.
Clean the filter housing and bottom of the dishwasher
Dip a sponge or tea towel into the hot, soapy water and wipe the opening where the filter was removed to remove any food or grease buildup. Since you've already wiped down the filter opening and the bottom basket has been removed from the dishwasher, it's the perfect time to quickly wipe down the basket, spray arms, and interior of the dishwasher. So while the filter dries, you can take a closer look at the area it is in. You may need a flashlight to properly inspect the area. Remove any food debris and clean the area with a damp cloth. Then the freshly washed, clean filter can return to its clean home.
Clean the filter in the dishwasher and put it back
When you're done cleaning the dishwasher, first put the bottom filter back in. Make sure that it is correctly aligned with its hole that leads to the drain hose. Once you have replaced the bottom filter, put the top part back in place and turn it one notch, usually counterclockwise, to lock it in place. It is important that you rotate the top filter until it clicks into place and no longer wobbles or rotates at all. Running your dishwasher with a loose filter can cause significant damage to the appliance. Therefore, check that everything feels stable and locked in place before putting the lower rack back in the dishwasher.
More tips on maintaining and caring for dishwasher filters
Depending on your usage and pre-charging habits, manual filters need to be cleaned once a month to achieve efficient results. How often you need to clean the dishwashing filter depends on how dirty your dishes are before you put them away. For example, one dishwasher manufacturer lists helpful recommendations on how often the filter should be cleaned depending on whether you:
- Wash the dishes before loading them.
- Scrape off leftover food before loading.
- Load dishes without rinsing or scraping.
You can check out this handy list of filter cleaning recommendations, but you should also consult your owner's manual to find the right cleaning schedule for your model. If you're putting off cleaning your filter, it's important to pay attention to sights and smells - like dishes that feel gritty, leftover food, the dishwasher not draining, or unpleasant odors. These can be reminders that it's time to clean your dishwasher filter. Other tips to ensure your dishwasher runs efficiently and keeps the filter clean longer include:
- Rinse off any leftover food before putting it in the dishwasher.
- Load your dishwasher correctly.
- Use suitable dishwasher tabs and cleaning agents
- To keep your dishwasher running well, it is also important to clean and maintain other parts of your dishwasher.
Good maintenance can also extend the life of your dishwasher and keep it running well beyond the average lifespan of this important household appliance. Even with regular filter cleaning, a home warranty can help if the dishwasher and other appliances and home systems in your home suddenly fail.
