How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter: Types and Steps

The three filter types you will find

Every dishwasher that uses a filter has the same job for it: stop food particles from recirculating through the spray arms and clogging the pump. The filter sits in the sump, the recess at the bottom of the tub, and it is the part that separates the water you reuse during a cycle from the debris that should go down the drain. ENERGY STAR notes that new certified models include innovations such as improved water filtration, so the filter design is a real part of what you are choosing when you buy.

There are three basic filter designs. Which one your machine has determines how much cleaning you should plan for. The first is a self-cleaning filter, which is actually a small grinder built into the sump. It shreds food scraps into tiny particles that flow out with the waste water, so you do not need to remove and scrub a mesh cylinder. This design is common in American-style built-in dishwashers. The second is a manual filter, a removable cylinder that wraps a fine mesh around a coarse plastic frame. You twist it out, rinse it, and put it back, usually every few weeks. The third is a coarse flat screen that sits under the lower spray arm and catches large bits before they reach the pump. Many machines use a combination of a manual cylinder and a coarse screen, so you may need to deal with both on the same model.

Where to find the filter

In nearly every model, the filter is at the bottom center of the tub, directly under the lower spray arm. Pull out the bottom rack and look at the floor. You will see a circular cap, a flat grid, or a short cylinder sitting in a deep recess. That recess is the sump, and the cap or cylinder you see is the top of the filter assembly.

If you see no removable part at all, your machine may use a self-cleaning grinder that is hidden below the floor. If you see a cap with a raised tab or a marked arrow, that is the twist-off top of a manual filter. The owner's manual for your model will show the exact release method, usually with a small wrench or hand icon. Countertop and compact dishwashers often place the filter in the same location, but because the tub is smaller, you may need to remove the bottom rack entirely to get your hand in. Some compact models use a simple pull-out mesh at the base, which is even easier to reach.

How to remove and rinse a manual filter

Manual filters twist out as one unit. Turn the cap counterclockwise about a quarter turn, or lift straight up on push-in designs. The cylinder comes free with the coarse cover and the fine mesh sleeve attached. Rinse the whole assembly under warm running water and use a soft brush to sweep debris out of the mesh. Do not use steel wool or abrasive pads, because they scratch the mesh and let particles pass through.

A manual filter is a two-layer assembly. The coarse outer cover catches large food pieces, while the inner fine mesh traps the smaller particles that would otherwise recirculate onto your dishes. If you only rinse the outside, you may miss the debris that has worked its way into the mesh. That is why it is worth separating the two layers and flushing from the inside out.

Once you have the filter in your hands, work over a sink. Hold it under a stream of warm water and use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to loosen anything stuck between the mesh strands. Pay attention to the corners where the mesh meets the plastic frame, because that is where grease and fine particles tend to build up. When the water runs clear and the mesh looks clean, shake off the excess and reassemble the two layers.

• Twist the cap counterclockwise until it unlocks. If it resists, look for a clip or tab before forcing it.
• Separate the coarse cover from the mesh sleeve so water can flow through both sides.
• Rinse from the inside of the mesh out, so trapped food washes away instead of deeper into the weave.
• Use a soft brush or an old toothbrush on stubborn spots, then shake off excess water.
• Align the cap and twist clockwise until it sits flat. A raised edge means it is not locked into place.

Self-cleaning filters: what still needs attention

A self-cleaning filter uses a grinder in the sump to shred food into particles small enough to leave with the waste water. Because there is no fine mesh to clog, you do not pull out and scrub a cylinder on these models. That does not mean the area never needs attention. The coarse strainer that protects the grinder can still trap bones, pits, seeds, and strings that the grinder cannot break down.

ENERGY STAR criteria for dishwashers set limits on both energy and water use, so a certified model is efficient with the water that carries food through the drain. A self-cleaning filter works with that flow, but only if the strainer stays clear. If you leave large debris sitting on the strainer for a long time, it can slow the drain and cause water to pool in the sump.

Even with a self-cleaning system, it is smart to take a look under the spray arm every month. Lift out the strainer or sump cover and remove anything that has collected. If you see a film of grease, wipe it with a damp cloth. The grinder itself needs no maintenance; it is designed to handle whatever the strainer lets through, up to the size of a small bone. But you should never put your hand into the sump while the machine is connected to power.

• Check the strainer or sump cover monthly and lift out anything that has collected.
• If the tub smells, run a rinse cycle with no detergent; smells usually mean trapped food somewhere.
• If you see standing water in the sump, the drain path may be blocked, which is a separate issue from the filter itself.

Keeping the coarse filter clear

Some machines pair a manual cylinder with a coarse flat screen under the lower spray arm. The cylinder catches fine particles from the wash water, and the flat screen keeps larger food bits from settling in the sump. In most designs both come out in the same twist-and-lift step, but on a few models the screen lifts separately after the cylinder is out.

When you remove the coarse screen, hold it under running water and use your fingers or a brush to push food off both sides. The screen has relatively large openings, so it does not clog the way a fine mesh does, but it can still become covered with a film of grease and small bits that reduce water flow. A quick rinse every few weeks is enough to keep it clear. If your model uses the coarse screen alone without a manual cylinder, you may need to clean it more often, because it is the only barrier between the wash water and the pump.

Filter care by dishwasher type

The type of filter a dishwasher uses does not change with size or mounting style, but access does. Countertop and compact models often use a simple pull-out mesh filter at the base of the tub, and it is worth checking how easily it comes out before you buy. Countertop dishwashers with a top-accessible filter are easier to maintain than ones that require tilting the unit.

Built-in dishwashers follow the same three designs. European-style built-ins such as Bosch typically use a manual cylinder filter, while many American-style built-ins use a self-cleaning grinder. Bosch, which is known for its quiet dishwashers, places the filter at the bottom center and provides a twist-and-lift mechanism that is the same across its line. Fisher & Paykel, which says its appliances are designed to reduce energy and water use without compromising performance, uses the same filter types in its dishwashing line, but its drawer models place the sump in a slightly different location because of the drawer configuration.

Portable dishwashers connect to a faucet but carry the same filter options as built-ins, so check the filter before choosing a model. If quiet operation matters to you, look at models with a self-cleaning filter, because removing and reinstalling a manual filter twice a month is a small chore that some owners prefer to skip. The trade-off is that self-cleaning filters may be louder during the grind phase, though manufacturers have worked to reduce that noise.

For anyone shopping on a budget, the budget-friendly options guide includes models that use both filter types. A manual filter is common at this level, so expect to set aside a few minutes every few weeks. At a higher tier, premium choices may include self-cleaning filters and additional sump features that reduce the need for intervention.

A realistic cleaning routine

How often you clean a manual filter depends on how much food you let into the machine. If you scrape plates well and run mostly full loads, you can go a month between cleanings. If you rinse very little and load dishes with sticky residue, you may need to clean the filter every week or two. A good habit is to check the filter every time you empty the dishwasher, and give it a quick rinse if you see visible food. That takes less than a minute.

For self-cleaning filters, there is no routine removal. Instead, you should do a monthly visual check of the sump area and wipe the strainer if anything sits on it. Some owners also run a dishwasher cleaner through an empty cycle every few months to break down grease that may accumulate in the sump and on internal surfaces. That is not a replacement for filter maintenance, but it complements it.

To reduce how often you need to clean, scrape plates into the trash before loading, but do not rinse dishes under running tap water. ENERGY STAR advises scraping rather than rinsing, because rinsing adds to your total water use. Run the dishwasher when it is full, since the machine uses the same amount of energy and water whether you run it half empty or full. A full load will not increase the amount of food that reaches the filter, but it does mean each cycle cleans a larger load, so you run fewer cycles and remove less food overall.

A simple schedule to follow: after every load, glance at the filter area. Once a month, do a deeper clean of whatever filter type you have, including brushing the mesh on a manual filter. Once a season, check the spray arms for clogs and inspect the sump for anything that has hardened. If you see a buildup of scale or grease that does not come off with brushing, the problem may be hard water, which is a separate issue covered in what water hardness does to a dishwasher.

Signs that your filter needs attention

You do not have to wait for a calendar reminder. There are several clear signs that a filter is clogged or overdue for cleaning. The most obvious is that dishes come out with food particles on them, especially in the areas directly below the spray arms. Another is a musty smell from the tub, which often comes from food that has been sitting in a damp filter. Standing water in the bottom of the tub after a cycle is a more serious sign: it may mean the drain path is blocked, and a dirty filter is a common cause.

If you notice any of these, stop the machine and remove the filter. Clean it thoroughly as described. If the issue persists after cleaning, the problem may lie deeper in the pump or drain hose. In that case, check the spray arms and drain line, and refer to the owner's manual for troubleshooting steps.

Cleaning the filter is a simple maintenance task that most people can do without tools. It takes a few minutes and can extend the life of your dishwasher by preventing debris from reaching the pump and valves. It also keeps your dishwasher running efficiently, which matters because an ENERGY STAR certified dishwasher uses less energy and water per cycle. Keeping the filter clear is part of that efficiency equation.

What to pick for your cleaning preference

Questions

How often should I clean the dishwasher filter?

For a manual filter, every few weeks is a good baseline. If you scrape dishes well, you can stretch it to once a month; if you see food on dishes or a smell, clean it sooner. For a self-cleaning filter, check the strainer monthly and remove any large debris. The coarse screen on any model should be rinsed whenever you clean the manual cylinder.

Can I run the dishwasher without the filter?

No. The filter is what keeps food particles from reaching the pump and spray arms. Running without it lets debris recirculate onto your dishes and can clog the pump, which is an expensive repair. Always reinstall the filter after cleaning.

Where is the filter located on my dishwasher?

It is at the bottom of the tub, under the lower spray arm. Pull out the bottom rack and look at the floor. You will see a circular cap, a flat grid, or a short cylinder. If you do not see a removable part, your model may have a self-cleaning grinder hidden below the floor. Check the owner's manual for the exact location.

What is the difference between self-cleaning and manual filters?

A self-cleaning filter uses a small grinder to shred food into particles that wash away, so you do not remove a mesh cylinder. A manual filter is a removable cylinder with a fine mesh that you must twist out and rinse periodically. Both protect the pump, but the manual type needs regular maintenance.

Why does my dishwasher smell even after cleaning the filter?

A smell after filter cleaning can come from food stuck in the spray arms, the drain hose, or the sump area. Run a rinse cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or a cup of white vinegar in the top rack. If the smell persists, check the spray arm openings and the drain line for clogs. Hard water can also cause a mineral smell, which is a different issue.