Clean the dishwasher filter
A clogged filter leaves dishes gritty and the machine smelling.
Who: You can do it yourself. On models with a filter you clean by hand.
How often: Manual-filter models: monthly (Whirlpool) to every other month (GE); Bosch 3-6 times a year; self-cleaning models: nothing to clean. For: the dishwasher.
Which do you have?
- If yours is self-cleaning (maintenance-free). Nothing to clean. Whirlpool’s maintenance-free cup needs nothing unless it fills. Turn this reminder off.
Safety first
- No wire brush, scouring pad or steel wool.
- Never run it with the filters out or unlocked.
What you need
- A sponge, warm soapy water, an old toothbrush and a towel.
The part, and finding the right one
- Filter (dishwasher). Most models have a removable filter at the bottom: rinse it monthly to every other month. Some models clean themselves. The manual shows yours; a damaged one is replaced by model number.
On a home’s record, each piece of equipment’s page links its manual and a search for its parts by brand and model. All filters and parts
How to do it
- Is there a removable filter? If not, wipe the tub floor and drain area and stop there.
- Take the bottom rack out, and pick out toothpicks, glass and pits by hand.
- Remove the filter: Whirlpool, turn the upper a quarter turn counterclockwise and lift, then lift the lower and pull it forward; GE, twist the ultra-fine filter counterclockwise and lift; Bosch, unscrew the large-object trap, lift the set out and separate the micro filter; Samsung and LG, counterclockwise and pull up.
- Rinse under running water; a soft brush for scale.
- Reinstall and lock it: Whirlpool, if the upper turns freely it isn’t locked; Bosch, screw it until the arrows align; Samsung, putting it back wrong causes drain errors.
If yours is a Bosch
A three-part set that unscrews (step 3).
Normal
- Food on the filter.
Needs attention
- Gritty or dirty dishes, an odor, a grinding noise (something is stuck), or Samsung’s 1E code.
Call an appliance repair technician if
- Large scraps past the filters can block the drain pump; the manual gives the power-off steps.
Keep track of it
Add your home to My homes: each piece of equipment gets this on its own schedule, with “Mark done” and reminders you can turn on.
Sources
Your owner’s manual comes first: where it says something different for your model, follow it.
Still stuck?
Email us at hello@tradewrench.com. Tell us which page you were on and what you were trying to do.