Dishwasher filter
There are few things grosser than finishing a glass of water and realizing that the seemingly clean cup is covered in residue. If your dishwasher isn’t holding up its end of the bargain lately, it could be that its filter needs to be cleaned.
In the past, many models of dishwashers came with self-cleaning filters, which made them lower maintenance but significantly louder. With most homeowners now placing quiet operation at the top of their must-have list while shopping, manufacturers changed direction to meet consumer demand.
While families that pre-wash their dishes can go a year between cleaning the filter, the average household washing a load a day should do a thorough cleaning once a month to keep the dishwasher running properly.
How do you know it’s time to clean your dishwasher?
If your dishes aren’t coming out clean — and your rinse aid is full — or you can see food particles in the bottom of your dishwasher, it’s definitely time for a thorough cleaning.
Grab a soft bristled brush, dish soap, and white vinegar to complete this task.
To get started with this task, pull out the bottom rack of your dishwasher and locate the filter. Most are in the back corner of the tub or surrounding the bottom spray arm. If you’re having difficulty locating yours, check your owner’s manual.
Typically, filters have two parts. Twist the top part gently to release, then lift the top and bottom part of the filter out.
Spray water over the filter and in the crevices to release large particles. To get rid of deposits and smaller debris, use dish soap and a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub and dislodge gunk. Be careful to not damage the filter. Thoroughly rinse the filter again.
Replace the filter in your dishwasher and twist to secure it. If you can still spin the top part of your filter, it’s not completely in. Be sure to secure it so that you don’t damage your machine.
No matter what kind of filter that your dishwasher has, running a cleaning cycle once a month will keep it looking and smelling fresh. Pour two cups of white vinegar in a shallow bowl and place it on the top rack of your empty dishwasher. Run a heavy-duty cleaning cycle then let air dry. Once the dishwasher has cooled, use a clean rag or paper towels to wipe down the inside and remove any remaining residue.
