Dishwasher Filter Cleaning: A Comprehensive Guide
How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher Filter?
Appliance expert Tim Willis recommends cleaning your dishwasher filter once a month to remove excess dish detergent and food residue that can affect its performance.
Warning Signs of a Dirty Dishwasher Filter
If you haven’t been cleaning your dishwasher filter regularly, you may notice the following signs:
- Foul odor when opening the dishwasher door
- Dishes not being cleaned properly
- Water in the bottom of the dishwasher after a cycle
- Longer wash cycles
Do This Instead of Pre-Rinsing
Pre-rinsing dishes can prevent you from getting the most out of your dishwasher’s detergent. Instead, scrape off food remains and let the dishwasher and detergent do their jobs. Pre-rinsing may be necessary for heavily soiled dishes or older dishwashers.
Expert Tips for Cleaning the Dishwasher Filter
Cleaning your dishwasher filter is simple. Depending on your model, you may need to gently pull or twist the filter to remove it. Rinse the filter under hot water and test it by running water through it slowly. If the water flows through easily, the filter is clean. If not, scrub it further.
If your filter is consistently gunky, consider using dishwashing detergent pods, which come in regulated doses and minimize detergent buildup in the filter.
What to Do With a Self-Cleaning Filter
Some newer dishwasher models have self-cleaning filters that grind up food particles and flush them away. However, even self-cleaning filters may require occasional maintenance depending on the dish detergent used or if you have hard water.
Additional Tips for Optimal Dishwasher Performance
- Use the right amount of detergent. Overfilling or underfilling the detergent dispenser can affect the filter’s performance.
- Choose the right detergent for your dishwasher. Some detergents can leave behind more residue than others.
- Run the dishwasher regularly, even if it’s not full. This helps prevent food residue from accumulating in the filter and causing problems.
- Check the dishwasher drain regularly. Clogged drains can prevent water from draining properly and lead to filter issues.
- Clean the dishwasher periodically using a dishwasher cleaner. This helps remove mineral deposits and other buildup that can affect the filter’s performance.
By following these tips, you can keep your dishwasher filter clean and your dishwasher running efficiently.