How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter

Your dishwasher cleans your dishes — but who cleans your dishwasher? A clogged dishwasher filter is one of the most common reasons dishes come out dirty, smelly or with gritty residue. The good news: cleaning the filter takes about 5 minutes and dramatically improves performance. Here's how to do it.

How Often Should You Clean the Filter?

As a general guide:

• Light use (1–2 cycles per week): Clean every 1–2 months
• Regular use (daily cycles): Clean every 2–4 weeks
• Heavy use with greasy pots: Clean every 1–2 weeks

Signs it needs cleaning: dishes feel gritty, the dishwasher smells bad, or water isn't draining properly.

Where Is the Dishwasher Filter?

On most modern dishwashers, the filter is located at the base of the washing chamber — on the floor of the dishwasher, usually at the back or centre. It typically consists of two parts: a cylindrical fine mesh filter and a flat coarse filter underneath it.

Consult your dishwasher's manual if you can't locate it. It will usually be in Section 3 or 4 of the manual under "Maintenance" or "Cleaning".

Step-by-Step: How to Clean the Filter

Step 1: Remove the Lower Dish Rack

Pull out the bottom rack completely to access the base of the dishwasher.

Step 2: Remove the Filter

Turn the cylindrical filter anticlockwise (usually a quarter turn) and lift it out. Then lift out the flat mesh filter underneath. Some models have a single combined filter.

Step 3: Rinse Under Warm Water

Hold the filters under running warm water and rinse away loose food particles. This removes most of the debris.

Step 4: Use a Soft Brush for Stubborn Residue

An old toothbrush works perfectly here. Gently scrub the mesh using warm water and a small amount of washing-up liquid. Don't use abrasive scrubbers — they can damage the fine mesh.

Step 5: Check the Sump Area

While the filter is out, shine a torch into the sump area (the well where the filter sits). Remove any visible food debris with a cloth or paper towel. This area can collect broken glass fragments, so be careful.

Step 6: Replace the Filter

Put the flat filter back first, then insert the cylindrical filter and turn clockwise until it clicks into place. Make sure it's fully seated — a loose filter lets debris reach the pump.

Step 7: Run a Hot Wash

Run the dishwasher on its hottest cycle (or a self-clean cycle if available) with a cup of white vinegar in the bottom to deodorise and clean the interior.

Other Dishwasher Maintenance Tips

• Clean the door seal — wipe monthly with a damp cloth to remove mould and food residue
• Clean the spray arms — unscrew and rinse every few months; check for blocked holes
• Use rinse aid — keeps glasses spot-free and helps the filter stay cleaner
• Use the right amount of detergent — too much leaves a film; too little means poor cleaning

When Cleaning Isn't Enough

If your dishwasher still isn't cleaning properly after filter maintenance, the issue may be with the spray arms, water inlet valve or pump. These are more involved repairs best left to a technician.

If your dishwasher is older and experiencing multiple issues, it may be time for a replacement. Browse our dishwasher range at Oceania Appliances — free delivery across Sydney, 3–6 month warranty on every appliance.

Oceania Appliances — helping Sydney households keep their appliances in top condition.