If your dishwasher smells a little funky, leaves bits of food on plates, or seems less effective than it used to, the filter is one of the first things to check. A dirty dishwasher filter can trap grease, food particles, and other debris, preventing your machine from draining and cleaning properly.
The good news? Cleaning it usually takes 10–15 minutes, and you don’t need special equipment.
Why Your Dishwasher Filter Gets Dirty
Every dishwasher cycle washes food residue off your dishes. Instead of letting all those particles go straight down the drain, the filter catches them.
Over time, the filter can become coated with:
- Grease and cooking oils
- Small pieces of food
- Coffee grounds and crumbs
- Soap residue
- Mineral buildup
When that happens, you may notice cloudy glasses, food stuck to dishes, unpleasant odors, or standing water at the bottom of the dishwasher.
How Often Should You Clean the Dishwasher Filter?
For most households, once a month is a good starting point.
You may need to clean it more often if you:
- Run the dishwasher every day.
- Frequently wash dishes with lots of food residue.
- Have a large family.
- Notice odors or food particles after a cycle.
- Don’t usually scrape plates before loading them.
If you check the filter and it looks clean, you can extend the interval. The important thing is to inspect it rather than waiting for a problem.
How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter Step by Step
1. Empty the dishwasher
Remove dishes, utensils, and the bottom rack so you can reach the filter easily.
If the dishwasher has just finished a cycle, give it a few minutes to cool down.
2. Find the filter
In many modern dishwashers, the filter is located on the bottom of the tub, underneath or near the lower spray arm.
Look for a round or rectangular filter assembly. Some filters twist out, while others may have a small locking mechanism.
Don’t force it. Dishwasher filter designs vary, so if it doesn’t turn easily, check your owner’s manual for the removal method.
3. Remove the filter
Usually, you’ll turn the filter counterclockwise and lift it out.
If there are two pieces—such as a coarse filter and fine filter—remove them carefully and remember how they fit together.
This is also a good moment to look underneath the filter for obvious food debris.
4. Rinse the filter
Take the filter to the sink and rinse it under warm running water.
Use your fingers or a soft brush, such as an old toothbrush, to loosen stuck-on food and grease.
Pay particular attention to the mesh openings. Even when a filter looks clean, grease can clog the tiny holes.
5. Deal with stubborn buildup
If ordinary rinsing doesn’t remove the grime, let the filter soak in warm water for a while.
Then gently brush away the remaining residue.
Avoid using a wire brush or anything abrasive that could damage the filter mesh.
6. Check the dishwasher floor
Before putting the filter back, inspect the area underneath it.
Remove any loose food particles or debris you can safely reach.
Be careful here: broken glass or sharp objects can sometimes collect around the dishwasher’s filter or drain area. Don’t reach blindly into the opening.
7. Reinstall the filter
Put the filter back in exactly as it was positioned.
If it has a locking mechanism, turn or secure it until it is firmly locked.
This step matters more than it seems. A filter that isn’t properly seated can interfere with the dishwasher’s operation.
8. Put the bottom rack back
Once the filter is secure, reinstall the bottom rack.
That’s it. Your dishwasher is ready to use.
Do You Need Dishwasher Cleaner Too?
Not necessarily.
Cleaning the filter and cleaning the dishwasher itself are two different jobs. A dishwasher cleaner can help with grease, mineral deposits, and buildup inside the machine, but it doesn’t replace physically cleaning a dirty filter.
If the filter is visibly dirty, start there.
What About Vinegar and Baking Soda?
You’ll find plenty of advice recommending vinegar or baking soda for dishwasher cleaning.
They’re not necessary for routine filter cleaning. Warm water and gentle brushing are usually enough.
If you’re dealing with heavy mineral buildup or persistent odors, check your dishwasher manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations first. Some manufacturers specifically recommend particular cleaners or procedures and discourage others.
Why Is My Dishwasher Still Smelly After Cleaning the Filter?
A clean filter doesn’t always solve a dishwasher odor problem.
If the smell remains, check for:
- Food debris around the filter area
- Standing water
- Dirty door seals
- Buildup around the bottom of the dishwasher
- A partially blocked drain or drain hose
- An improperly installed filter
- A garbage-disposal connection that wasn’t properly cleared after installation
If there’s persistent standing water, poor drainage, leaks, or an unusual noise, it’s better to investigate the drainage system rather than repeatedly cleaning the filter.
Common Dishwasher Filter-Cleaning Mistakes
Leaving the filter in place
Spraying the dishwasher interior doesn’t properly clean a filter that’s coated with grease and debris. Remove it and rinse it separately.
Scrubbing too aggressively
The filter is designed to catch particles, but its mesh can be damaged by aggressive tools. Use a soft brush.
Forgetting to lock the filter
A filter that isn’t properly secured can cause problems during operation. Make sure it’s seated and locked according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Assuming every dishwasher has the same filter
They don’t. Filter shapes, removal methods, and cleaning instructions vary by model.
When in doubt, your dishwasher’s manual takes priority over a generic cleaning guide.
A Simple Dishwasher Maintenance Routine
You don’t need a complicated cleaning schedule.
Every load: Scrape large food scraps from dishes.
Once a month: Inspect and clean the filter.
Every few months: Check the door gasket, spray arms, and dishwasher interior for buildup.
When something changes: If dishes suddenly aren’t getting clean, the dishwasher smells bad, or water isn’t draining properly, inspect the filter and drainage area rather than simply running another cycle.
The Bottom Line
Cleaning a dishwasher filter is one of those small maintenance jobs that can make a noticeable difference. Remove the filter, rinse it with warm water, gently brush away buildup, check the area underneath, and reinstall it securely.
Do that regularly, and you’re less likely to deal with food residue, odors, and poor cleaning performance.
And if your dishwasher has a model-specific filter design, don’t guess—check the manufacturer’s instructions before removing anything that doesn’t obviously twist or lift out.