The grossest thing in your kitchen has an easy fix—here's how
Here's how to clean your dishwasher filter
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Reviewed / Samantha Mangino
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Is your dishwasher not smelling quite right? Are you finding bits of food left on your dishes after a wash? Before you call for a repair or write angry letters to the retailer, you might want to learn how to clean your dishwasher filter first.
Your dishwasher filter captures all the food bits that are on your dishes. When it becomes clogged it can result in your dishes having food stuck on them even after washing.
Whether you own a Bosch, GE, or LG, there’s a good chance you have a removable screen filter that catches large food particles and prevents them from clogging up the dishwasher’s drain. On most dishwashers, you can easily take it out with a half counter-clockwise turn.
Haven't cleaned your dishwasher filter in a while? It's time to give it a scrub.
This cylindrical design is different from the hard food disposer found in older models, a design that has become much less common lately. So, go ahead and check out which one you have—we’ll wait.
Once you've located your dishwasher filter, it only takes 30 seconds to clean and will keep your appliance running smoothly. Here's how to clean your dishwasher filter.
Materials needed
All you need to clean your dishwasher filter is dish soap and a sponge.
How to clean your dishwasher filter
Step 1: Remove dishwasher filter
Your dishwasher filter should have a marking to indicate which way to turn the filter to unlock it. Once it clicks to unlock, lift it out of dishwasher.
Step 2: Wash dishwasher filter
Using warm water and dish soap start to scrub away at any build-up and debris. A kitchen sponge should get the job done but for any stuck on pieces, a scrub brush may be necessary.
Step 3: Rinse dishwasher filter.
Once you've scrubbed away at the build-up rinse it thoroughly to get all the soap off. If there's any debris still in the filter, give it another scrub and rinse.
Step 4: Return dishwasher filter to the dishwasher
When your dishwasher filter is sparkling, place it back in the dishwasher and turn it in the direction your filter indicates to lock it into place.
Step 5: Keep your cleaning up regularly
You'll want to keep cleaning your dishwasher filter regularly to avoid gritty dishes with leftover food sticking to plates. It's best to clean your dishwasher filter every one to two weeks.
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