The Right Way to Clean a Dishwasher Filter, According to Experts
If your dishwasher has a filter, clean it regularly to keep the machine in tip-top shape.
Kaitlin Green; Design: Emily Henderson
Dishwashers are, for many, invaluable household appliances that efficiently clean and sanitize dishes. But even the hardest working cleaning machines need their fair share of cleaning and maintenance. Cleaning your dishwasher filter is vital to keeping your dishwasher running smoothly so your dishes come out squeaky clean and streak-free.
If you’ve never attempted to clean your dishwasher filter, you’re not alone. We turned to a cleaning expert and a home appliance specialist to find out the best way to clean your dishwasher filter and how often you should do so.
Meet Our Expert
Melissa Maker, cleaning expert and founder of Clean My Space
Jeff Sweet, Corporate Manager of Product Marketing at Sub-Zero Group, Inc.
Materials You'll Need
Good quality dish soap, like Dawn Platinum
Warm water
Soft brush, like an old toothbrush or sink scrub brush
Microfiber cloth
Instructions
When it’s time to roll up your sleeves and deep clean your dishwasher filter, try this tried and true method from Melissa Maker, cleaning expert and founder of Clean My Space.
Turn off the dishwasher and ensure it is cool.
Remove the lower rack to access the filter.
Take out the filter by following your dishwasher’s instruction manual. Usually this involves turning it counterclockwise.
Rinse the filter under warm water to remove loose debris. You can do a cursory scrub as well.
Using about a teaspoon of dish soap, soak the filter in a sink or basin filled with warm, soapy water for 10-15 minutes.
Scrub the filter gently with a soft brush to dislodge any remaining particles.
Rinse thoroughly and ensure all soap and debris are removed.
Wipe the filter with a microfiber cloth.
Reinstall the filter and lower rack into the dishwasher.
Tips
“Some dishwashers do not have removable filters,” says Maker. “If this is the case with yours, you'll just have to brush it with a toothbrush or sink brush and soapy water before running the cleaning cycle.”
How Often You Should Clean Your Dishwasher Filter
According to Maker, you should clean your dishwasher filter at least every one to two months, depending on your usage. If you tend to run it every day or multiple times per day, you’ll want to clean the filter more often. She also recommends using a dishwasher cleaning tablet to help maintain the filter between cleanings.
“Even if you clean your dishwasher filter regularly you might need to clean it more often if you’re using it more frequently,” says Jeff Sweet, a corporate manager of product marketing at Sub-Zero Group, Inc. This is particularly common during the holidays when the kitchen is always bustling with cooking, baking, and entertaining.
Related: The Right Way to Clean Your Dishwasher for Optimal Efficiency
How to Know When It's Time to Clean Your Dishwasher Filter
If you’re not sure when to give your dishwasher filter a deep clean, pay attention to some of the most telltale hints that it needs your attention. “The main signs that a dishwasher may need to be cleaned are unpleasant odors in the appliance and dishes being spotty or cloudy after a cycle,” says Sweet.
You may also begin to notice water pooling at the bottom of the dishwasher, which Maker explains is another way to tell your dishwasher filter needs cleaning. A leaky dishwasher is not only inconvenient and ineffective, but it can also cause severe damage to your floors over time.
There are several ways to keep your dishwasher filter cleaner longer, like not overfilling each dishwasher load and using good-quality dishwashing detergent. High-quality detergent helps break down food particles and prevents the build-up of residue. Maker also recommends scraping away any large chunks of food off your dishes before placing them in the dishwasher to help keep large debris out of the filter.
Related: The Best Way to Load and Use Your Dishwasher
Read the original article on Martha Stewart.
