HOW TO REMOVE AND CLEAN A DISHWASHER FILTER

CLEANING THE DISHWASHER FILTER: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Locate your dishwasher filter, typically at the back corner of the tub or around the base of the bottom spray arm. After removing your dishwasher filter, you’ll want to rinse it under warm water, using a soft brush to remove any stuck-on residue. Then, carefully reinstall your dishwasher filter. 

Be sure to always read your product manual before removing or cleaning any part of your dishwasher, as instructions may vary between models. Read on for more guidance on how to clean your dishwasher filter.

1. FIND AND REMOVE THE DISHWASHER FILTER

To access the dishwasher filter, remove your lower dish rack to expose the bottom of your dishwasher. You can typically 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.

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.

3. REINSTALL YOUR DISHWASHER FILTER

Once your filter is clean, reinstall it in your dishwasher by following these steps:

• Return your lower filter to the bottom of the dishwasher tub, placing it properly under the tabs, so that the upper filter lines 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 usually locked and ready to run.

HOW TO DEEP CLEAN A DISHWASHER FILTER WITH VINEGAR

For stubborn messes, try using vinegar. You can follow the same steps above, adding a vinegar soak after the warm water rinse. Soak the filter for at least 30 minutes in a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and warm water.

HOW TO REPLACE 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 in your product manual to install it. You can also contact Maytag brand to help troubleshoot your dishwasher’s issues or to schedule a service call.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CLEAN YOUR DISHWASHER FILTER?

Depending on how frequently you’re using your dishwasher, you can 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 should rinse or scrape your dishes before loading.

DO ALL DISHWASHERS HAVE FILTERS THAT NEED TO BE CLEANED?

It depends. Some dishwashers may have advanced filtration that helps filter out food debris; however, you may still need to clean the filter monthly. You can also choose a dishwasher with a hard food disposer, which uses a chopper to disintegrate food particles, so it can be maintenance-free.

DISHWASHER FILTER MAINTENANCE TIPS

It’s important to have a good maintenance and cleaning routine in place to help your dishwasher perform its best and deliver clean dishes. Here are some tasks you may want to consider adding to your routine:

• Clean your dishwasher regularly: Routinely cleaning your dishwasher can help keep your dishwasher at a more manageable cleaning level and can help prevent buildup and odors. 

• Check your filter: If your dishwasher is leaking, not draining properly, or giving off an odor, check your filter to see if it is clogged by food debris. 

• Load your dishwasher properly: Put dishes in your dishwasher the correct way and get maximum cleaning coverage when you learn how to load your dishwasher properly.