How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter
Cleaning a dishwasher filter is easier than you might think. Our guide shows you how to remove, clean and reinstall your dishwasher filter in a few simple steps.
For specific information and maintenance instructions for your particular dishwasher model, consult your product manual.
Step 1: Find & remove your dishwasher filter
To access the dishwasher filter, remove your lower dish rack to expose the bottom of your dishwasher. You can find the filter in a back corner of the tub bottom, or around the base of the bottom spray arm. A damaged filter can adversely affect the performance of the dishwasher, so when removing your filter, do so carefully to avoid any damage.
Some dishwashers have a triple filter system with two parts: an upper filter assembly and a lower filter. The upper filter assembly collects oversized items and foreign objects, along with very fine food particles, while the lower filter keeps food from being recirculated within the dishwasher.
Give the upper filter a quarter turn counterclockwise and take it out.
Gently remove the lower filter by lifting it slightly, then pulling it forward to take it out as well.
Step 2: Clean your dishwasher filter
Rinsing your filter under the faucet with warm water will remove most soils and residue. If food particles don’t rinse off easily, soak the filter in warm water for a few minutes.
Calcium deposits or other stuck-on bits might require gentle scrubbing with a soft brush, sponge or an old toothbrush to get clean.
Do not use a wire brush or scouring pad, as they may damage the filter.
STEP 3: REINSTALL YOUR DISHWASHER FILTER
Once your filter is clean, reinstall it in your dishwasher.
Return your lower filter to the bottom of the dishwasher tub, locating it properly under the tabs, so that the upper filter will line up with the round opening in the tub bottom.
Place the upper filter into the opening in the top of the lower filter.
Turn the filter clockwise. You should feel it drop into position. If your filter still turns freely, it’s not seated properly, so keep turning it clockwise until it locks into place.
Avoid damaging your dishwasher by ensuring that both the lower and upper filter assemblies are returned to the locked position before running.
The arrows on your upper and lower filters don’t have to align perfectly — a filter that won't turn clockwise is locked and ready to run.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CLEAN YOUR DISHWASHER FILTER?
Depending on how frequently you’re using your dishwasher, you should clean your filter anywhere from once a year to once a week, but you can help keep your dishwasher performing at its peak by cleaning your dishwasher every three to six months.
You may need to clean your dishwasher filter if:
Soil or other residue can be seen on the upper filter assembly.
Cleaning performance has dropped significantly (food remains on dishes after a cycle).
- You can feel grit and grime on your dishes after they are cleaned.
- Your dishes or glasses are getting scratched or etched by debris.
Check out the chart below for some recommendations on how often you should clean your filter based on the number of loads you run per week and whether you rinse or scrape your dishes before loading.
IF YOU WASH 1 TO 3 LOADS PER WEEK
If you wash dishes before loading: Clean the filter once per year
If you scrape and rinse before loading: Clean the filter once per year
If you scrape only before loading: Clean the filter twice per year
If you don’t scrape or rinse before loading: Clean the filter every two months
IF YOU WASH 4 TO 7 LOADS PER WEEK
If you wash dishes before loading: Clean the filter once per year
If you scrape and rinse before loading: Clean the filter once per year
If you scrape only before loading: Clean the filter twice per year
If you don’t scrape or rinse before loading: Clean the filter once per month
IF YOU WASH 8 TO 12 LOADS PER WEEK
If you wash dishes before loading: Clean the filter once per year
If you scrape and rinse before loading: Clean the filter twice per year
If you scrape only before loading: Clean the filter every three months
If you don’t scrape or rinse before loading: Clean the filter every two weeks
IF YOU WASH 13 TO 14 LOADS PER WEEK
If you wash dishes before loading: Clean the filter once per year
If you scrape and rinse before loading: Clean the filter twice per year
If you scrape only before loading: Clean the filter every three months
If you don’t scrape or rinse before loading: Clean the filter once per week
UPGRADE TO SKIP THE PRE-WORK
You can skip the need for pre-rinsing, soaking or scrubbing with Dual Power Filtration available on Maytag® dishwashers, so doing your dishes can be fast and easy.
REPLACING A DAMAGED DISHWASHER FILTER
If your filter is damaged or worn, it should be replaced.
Check out the Maytag replacement parts site to find the part you need. Once you have your new filter, follow the instructions above to install it in the dishwasher.
Want self-cleaning dishwasher filtration with lower routine maintenance?
Select Maytag® dishwasher models feature Dual Power Filtration. It filters out then chops up any food in its path, so there's no need for routine maintenance.
SHOP MAYTAG® DISHWASHERS
If you’re looking to add a new dishwasher to your kitchen, Maytag brand offers a selection of powerful dishwashers that will get the job done the first time.
MORE DISHWASHER BASICS
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How to Unclog a Dishwasher That Won’t Drain Learn how to unclog a dishwasher in this step-by-step guide. Find out why your dishwasher isn’t draining and how to get rid of standing water in a dishwasher. -
Parts of a Dishwasher: Diagram & Guide Learn about different parts of a dishwasher, where they are inside the dishwasher and how to find replacement dishwasher parts. -
How Does a Dishwasher Actually Work? Discover what’s going on inside your dishwasher during a cycle. Find out how long most dishwashers run, how they drain and how it beats handwashing.
