Appliances have made our lives easier by taking over manual household tasks like washing dishes and clothes. However, it’s important to remember that these appliances still require maintenance. Did you know that your dishwasher has a filter that needs regular cleaning? Let’s dive into how to locate and clean your dishwasher’s filter, and why it’s crucial to do so.
How to Find Your Dishwasher’s Filter
There are two types of dishwasher filters: self-cleaning and manual. To find out the location, type, and cleaning instructions for your dishwasher’s filter, the easiest way is to refer to the owner’s manual. If you don’t have the manual anymore, you can search for the manufacturer and your dishwasher’s model number online. Websites like Manualsonline.com or Manual Owl can be helpful resources.
Self-Cleaning vs. Manual Dishwasher Filters
Interestingly, most newer dishwashers have manual filters, while older models tend to have self-cleaning filters. To determine which type of filter you have, open the dishwasher, pull out the bottom drawer, and inspect the bottom. If you see a series of holes or a plastic grid covering the filter, it’s likely a self-cleaning filter. On the other hand, if you find a circular cap in a corner of the tub or around the base of the bottom spray arm, it’s probably a manual filter.
Self-Cleaning Dishwasher Filters
Self-cleaning dishwasher filters have a built-in grinder, similar to a garbage disposal, that pulverizes the food particles before they are flushed away with water. These filters don’t get clogged as easily as manual filters but still require basic maintenance. To keep them in good condition, occasionally run an empty dishwasher on a normal cycle using white vinegar instead of detergent. Afterward, wipe the edges of the door and tub with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining grime. It’s that simple! However, for the rest of this article, we’ll focus on manual filters, as they are more common nowadays.
Manual Dishwasher Filters
Manual dishwasher filters don’t have a food pulverizer or powerful rushing water like self-cleaning filters. This means they need to be removed and cleaned regularly. The first time you clean your manual filter might be a bit gross, but if you clean it every 30 days, there won’t be as much buildup, and the process will become easier.
To clean your manual filter, locate the filter cap and give it a quarter turn clockwise before gently lifting it out. The filter itself will either be a cylindrical tube or a circular plastic grid. Some dishwasher filters have two parts: the upper filter assembly, which collects food particles and debris, and a lower filter that prevents the food bits from recirculating within the dishwasher. If your filter has a second part, carefully lift it up and pull it forward to remove it.
How to Clean Your Dishwasher’s Filter
Start by rinsing the dishwasher filter under warm, running water in the sink. If there isn’t much buildup, this may be sufficient. However, if there is grease, mineral buildup, or other residue, fill a bucket or your sink with warm water and add a few squirts of mild dishwashing liquid. Let the filter soak for a few minutes, then check its progress.
If there is still residue, use a soft toothbrush (nothing with abrasive bristles) to gently remove it, then rinse the filter with warm water. Repeat this process until the filter is clean and the water runs clear when you rinse it.
While the filter is drying, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe the inside of the filter’s compartment. If it’s particularly grimy, you can spray a mixture of half water and half white vinegar inside the compartment and wipe everything out. Afterward, rinse the cloth or get a new one and wipe the bottom of the dishwasher tub and the edges of the door.
Finally, put the clean filter back into its compartment in the dishwasher, ensuring that everything fits together and locks into place.
Why You Should Clean Your Dishwasher’s Filter
All the food crumbs, particles, and remnants left on plates, dishes, and silverware end up in the dishwasher’s filter. However, when the filter is coated or clogged with waterlogged, rotting food debris, it can’t prevent those bits from recirculating and ending up back on your kitchenware. Additionally, a clogged filter hinders a thorough rinse cycle, resulting in residue or stuck-on food when you open the dishwasher to unload.
A clogged filter also makes your dishwasher work harder than usual, reducing its lifespan. Moreover, it could lead to a clogged drain, causing backed-up dirty water and a messy situation you definitely want to avoid.
Why Does My Dishwasher Smell?
Have you noticed a foul odor coming from your dishwasher, especially when it’s running? The culprit could be your dirty filter, even if you’ve tried cleaning it with white vinegar and baking soda. The combination of food debris and moisture creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, resulting in unpleasant smells. Regularly cleaning your dishwasher’s filter is the best way to eliminate these odors and maintain a sanitary environment.
Remember, taking care of your appliances, including cleaning their filters, ensures they continue to work efficiently and last longer. So, don’t forget to give your dishwasher some TLC by cleaning its filter regularly!
Photo: Freepik.com
