How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher Filter?

Most modern dishwashers don't have a garbage disposal-style grinder anymore. Instead, they rely on a filter at the bottom of the tub to catch food particles, which means that filter needs to be cleaned regularly or it will eventually cause problems.

How often should you clean it?

For most households, once a month is a reasonable target. If you often skip scraping plates before loading them, or if you notice a smell or cloudy glasses, check the filter every two weeks instead. Homes with well water or naturally hard water, common in parts of Daviess County, may also need more frequent cleaning since mineral buildup can combine with trapped food debris.

How to clean a dishwasher filter

• Locate the filter at the bottom of the tub, usually a round or cylindrical piece near the spray arm.
• Twist and lift it out according to your model's instructions. Most simply twist a quarter turn and lift straight up.
• Rinse it under warm water and use a soft brush to remove trapped food and residue.
• Check the area underneath the filter for debris before placing it back and locking it into position.

What happens if you skip this step

A clogged filter is one of the most common reasons dishes come out with a cloudy film, a gritty texture, or a lingering odor, even when the dishwasher seems to be running normally. Left long enough, a badly clogged filter can also restrict water flow and put extra strain on the drain pump.

When it's more than the filter

If you've cleaned the filter and glasses are still coming out cloudy, the cause is more likely mineral scale from hard water building up on the spray arms and heating element rather than trapped food. This is especially common across Owensboro, where the water supply carries enough mineral content over time to leave a visible film on glassware.

If cleaning the filter and spray arms doesn't solve the problem, it may be worth having a technician take a look at the water inlet valve or rinse aid dispenser. Our dishwasher repair page covers the most common issues and typical repair costs in more detail.