A clean dishwasher filter is one of the simplest ways to keep your appliance running at its best - yet it's one of the most overlooked maintenance tasks in the kitchen. If your dishes are coming out cloudy, smelly, or still dirty, the filter is almost always the first thing to check.
A dirty filter restricts water flow and is one of the most common reasons for poor washing results, unpleasant odours, and drainage problems. The good news? Cleaning it takes less than 10 minutes and requires no tools.
What Does a Dishwasher Filter Actually Do?
The filter sits at the base of your dishwasher and traps food particles, grease, and debris during each wash cycle. Without it, that waste would recirculate through the water and redeposit onto your dishes - or worse, clog the pump and drainage system.
Most modern dishwashers use a manual filter (as opposed to the self-cleaning grinders found in older models), which means regular cleaning falls to you.
Signs Your Dishwasher Filter Needs Cleaning
Don't wait until problems become serious. Look out for these warning signs:
- Dishes and glasses appear cloudy or gritty after a full cycle
- A bad smell coming from inside the dishwasher
- Standing water at the bottom after a cycle ends
- Longer-than-usual cycle times or poor draining
- Visible food debris on the base of the dishwasher
If you're noticing any of these, it's almost certainly time to clean the filter.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter
Here's the full process at a glance - scroll down for the detail on each step.
1. Turn Off the Power
Unplug the dishwasher or switch it off at the wall before doing anything else. Safety first - even for simple maintenance tasks.
2. Remove the Lower Rack
Slide out the bottom rack completely to give yourself clear access to the sump area at the base of the machine.
3. Locate the Filter
Most dishwashers have either a cylindrical filter (a tall, tube-shaped component) or a flat mesh filter set into the floor of the machine - many models have both, working together. Twist the cylindrical filter anti-clockwise and lift it out. The flat filter below it should lift out separately.
Not sure where your filter is? Check your dishwasher's manual or search your model number online - it takes 30 seconds and saves a lot of guesswork.
4. Clean the Filter
Rinse both filter components under warm running water. Use a soft brush - an old toothbrush works perfectly — to scrub away grease, food particles, and any built-up residue. Avoid harsh scourers or wire brushes, which can damage the fine mesh.
For stubborn grease or limescale, soak the filter in a bowl of warm, soapy water for 10 minutes before scrubbing. A small splash of white vinegar in the soaking water can help break down mineral deposits.
5. Check the Filter Cavity and Spray Arms
Before reinserting the filter, take a moment to wipe out the filter housing with a damp cloth and remove any debris from the sump. Also check the spray arms - the rotating arms that jet water onto your dishes. Their small holes can become blocked with limescale or food particles, so poke them clear with a toothpick if needed.
6. Reassemble and Run a Rinse Cycle
Refit the flat filter first, then replace the cylindrical filter and twist it clockwise until it locks firmly in place. Slide the bottom rack back in, plug in the machine, and run a short rinse or quick-wash cycle to flush everything through.
How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher Filter?
As a general rule, once a month is the right cadence for most households. If you use your dishwasher daily or regularly wash heavily soiled pots and pans, every two to three weeks is better.
Preventing Future Blockages
A little habit-building goes a long way:
- Scrape plates before loading - you don't need to rinse them, but remove large food scraps.
- Clean the filter monthly - set a reminder if it helps.
- Use dishwasher cleaner tablets every 1-3 months to dissolve grease and limescale from internal components.
- Run a hot cycle with white vinegar occasionally - place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and run a hot wash to deodorise and descale the interior.
- Check the door seal while you're at it - wiping down the rubber gasket prevents mould and keeps the door closing properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my dishwasher has a removable filter? Most dishwashers manufactured after the mid-2000s have a manual, removable filter. Look for a cylindrical component in the centre of the base. If there's nothing obvious, check your model's manual.
Can I put the dishwasher filter in the dishwasher to clean it? It might seem logical, but it's not recommended. The high heat and water pressure can damage the fine mesh. Handwashing under warm running water with a soft brush is the safest and most effective method.
What if my dishwasher still smells after cleaning the filter? The odour may be coming from the door seal, the spray arms, or limescale buildup inside the drum. Run an empty cycle with a dedicated dishwasher cleaner or a cup of white vinegar on the top rack to freshen things up.
Why is there still standing water after I've cleaned the filter? If drainage problems persist after a thorough filter clean, the issue may lie further into the drainage system - a blocked drain hose, a faulty pump, or a problem with the sump. At that point, it's worth calling a professional.
When to Call a Professional
Cleaning the filter resolves the majority of dishwasher performance issues, but not all. If your machine is still not draining, making unusual noises, or producing error codes after a full clean and rinse cycle, the problem may be mechanical.
Need professional help? Use the search bar at the top of this page to find a trusted dishwasher repair specialist near you.