HOW TO UNCLOG A DISHWASHER

For easier access to the inside of your dishwasher, remove all dishes from the racks and empty out all utensils and glassware.

Once your machine is unplugged and emptied, pull out the bottom rack. Place clean, dry towels at the bottom of your dishwasher to absorb any remaining water. If there is a large amount of standing water at the bottom of your dishwasher, use a cup to scoop out the water into a bucket or large bowl.

If your dishwasher has a filter, it might be the source of the clog. Tough food particles or wet chunks of paper from container labels can get caught in the filter and keep water from draining. As a first step, clean the filter, then rerun the dishwasher to see if it drains.

The filter is located at the bottom of the dishwasher. Some dishwashers tuck it in the back corner, while other filters can be found around the base of the bottom spray arm.

The filter usually has a cage or grille covering it. On some models you can remove the dishwasher filter by hand, while others will need a screwdriver.

With the cage removed, you can pull out the filter. If yours is clogged, you will probably see food particles or other visible debris blocking the fine mesh.

Luckily, a clogged dishwasher filter is easy to clean. Run it under the kitchen faucet to rinse off any food particles and debris. You can also gently scrub the filter with warm water and a soft brush, like an old toothbrush, perhaps—but don’t use a wire brush or scouring pad. You can damage the filter if you’re not careful. To keep your entire dishwasher clean and performing its best, add a dishwasher cleaning tablet like this option from affresh^®.

Replace your clean filter and remember to put the cover back on.

Many built-in dishwashers are designed to drain using your sink’s garbage disposal. Leftover food in the disposal can cause improper dishwasher draining. If your kitchen sink has a garbage disposal, turn it on to clear out any remaining food.

If the garbage disposal is not the cause, you may need to inspect the air gap cylinder. This keeps water flowing properly during a wash cycle and prevents water from backing up into the bottom of your dishwasher. Locate the cylinder by checking behind your sink near the dishwasher hose. If you notice any buildup in the air gap cylinder, clean it out and reconnect it at its proper location, ensuring the cylinder is tightly secured.

If your dishwasher is still not draining right, there may be another reason your dishwasher drain is clogged. A broken drain motor or a clogged drain hose can also cause standing water in your dishwasher. A stuck drain valve bracket may indicate burnt out electrical components in your dishwasher. All of these issues are better left to the professionals. Call a service technician to check it out for you.

Some causes of a clogged dishwasher, like a clogged drain hose or a malfunctioning drain motor, require the help of a licensed professional.