How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter the Right Way

Identify the filter before choosing your tools

Before you reach for a brush, we'd identify the filter type because even two filters in the same GE dishwasher have different cleaning limits. That check also saves you from trying to remove a filter on a self-cleaning model that usually has no removable one.

Read your model's maintenance and removal instructions before taking anything out. Maytag's filter-cleaning guidance (opens in a new tab) makes this a prerequisite because instructions vary between models. Use the manufacturer examples below when they match the assembly described for your dishwasher.

Manual-clean filters collect food particles and need regular attention. Self-cleaning filters dislodge particles automatically. Older GE dishwashers and some current GE models have self-cleaning filtration, so your machine's age alone doesn't determine which maintenance it needs.

Visible buildup tells you when to clean

Look for visible food or residue before deciding how much cleaning is needed. The filter catches particles to keep them out of the pump and off your dishes, so removing that buildup helps it clear the wash water and perform those jobs.

Start with loose food and residue, then address anything that remains attached using the method for your filter below. Maytag's warm-water rinse removes most soil, while calcium deposits and stuck-on food may need gentle scrubbing. GE also identifies hard-water calcium deposits as a reason its Fine Filter may need extra attention.

Bosch's example includes the spray arm

For the removable assembly covered by Bosch's US filter-cleaning guide (opens in a new tab), the filter sits at the bottom of the dishwasher. Check your Bosch model's removal instructions, including how its spray arm comes off, before using this sequence.

1. Remove the lower rack and spray arm so you can reach the filter.
2. Twist and pull out the filter together with its mesh screen.
3. Wash it under running water with mild soap and a soft brush, removing the debris.
4. Put both the filter and spray arm back in the dishwasher.

The spray arm is part of this removal and replacement sequence, so include it in the job. If you need help with your Bosch assembly, contact Bosch US Support at 1-800-944-2904.

GE's two filters need different treatment

On GE models with both removable filters, the Ultra Fine Filter and the Fine Filter mesh plate have separate cleaning instructions. GE's US filter guide (opens in a new tab) distinguishes them because a tool allowed on the mesh plate can damage the Ultra Fine Filter.

Remove the bottom rack, turn the Ultra Fine Filter counterclockwise and lift it out. Rinse it with warm soapy water, using a sponge to carefully remove stubborn particles. Don't scrub this filter with brushes or scouring pads, because they can damage it.

If you're also cleaning the Fine Filter, leave the Ultra Fine Filter out for now. Turn each of the two retaining posts toward the back bottom of the tub counterclockwise, then remove the Fine Filter mesh plate.

Rinse the Fine Filter with warm soapy water. GE warns that brushes and scouring pads can scratch its surface, but specifically allows a soft brush or sponge when stubborn soil or hard-water calcium deposits need extra help. Keep that allowance specific to the Fine Filter.

Replace the cleaned Fine Filter and Ultra Fine Filter, then turn the two retaining posts clockwise to secure the Fine Filter. When placing the Ultra Fine Filter, use the arrow embossed in the Fine Filter as your alignment guide and turn the Ultra Fine Filter clockwise to lock it.

Maytag's example finishes with a lock check

For the two-part assembly in Maytag's cleaning example (opens in a new tab), remove the lower rack and look in a back corner of the tub or around the bottom spray arm's base. Handle the parts carefully, because damage to the filter can affect dishwasher performance.

Some Maytag-described systems are called triple filters but have two removable parts. The upper assembly collects larger items, foreign objects and very fine food particles, while the lower filter keeps food from recirculating.

Turn the upper filter a quarter turn counterclockwise and take it out. Gently lift the lower filter slightly, then pull it forward to remove it.

Rinse under warm tap water. If food won't rinse away, soak the filter in warm water for a few minutes, then gently work on remaining calcium deposits or stuck-on bits with a soft brush, sponge or old toothbrush. Don't use a wire brush or scouring pad, which may damage the filter.

1. Return the lower filter under the tabs at the bottom of the tub, positioned so the upper filter will line up with the round opening.
2. Insert the upper filter into the opening in the lower filter.
3. Turn clockwise until you feel the upper filter drop into position. If it still turns freely, continue clockwise until it locks.

Before running the dishwasher, make sure both assemblies are back in their locked positions to prevent damage. Maytag says the upper and lower arrows don't have to align perfectly: a filter that won't turn clockwise is usually locked and ready to run.

JennAir adds a rinse-and-dry step

For the triple filter system in JennAir's US cleaning guide (opens in a new tab), you'll handle an upper assembly and a lower filter. The upper assembly keeps objects and fine food particles out of the pump, while the lower filter keeps food from returning to your dishes.

Turn the upper assembly a quarter turn counterclockwise and lift it out. Grasp the lower filter through its circular opening, lift slightly and pull it forward.

Use warm running water to rinse away loose debris, with warm soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth available for cleaning. For stubborn soil or calcium deposits, gently use a soft brush, reaching the crevices. Avoid wire brushes, scouring pads and similar abrasive tools because they can damage the filters.

Rinse thoroughly to remove soap and debris, then let the filter air dry or pat it dry with a towel before reinserting it. Secure the lower filter and lock the upper assembly. If the upper assembly turns freely, it isn't locked.

Thermador's example separates the filter for washing

Locate the assembly at the bottom of the dishwasher, then unscrew it. Thermador's US cleaning instructions (opens in a new tab) call for disassembling the removed filter before rinsing it under running water.

Use a soft brush to remove debris from the disassembled filter. Reassemble it, return it to the bottom of the dishwasher and lock it in place. If you need help completing the job, call Thermador US Customer Support at 1-800-735-4328.

How often depends on your machine and loads

Choose your schedule by manufacturer and use. These recommendations differ, and some include a reason to clean sooner than the next planned date.

GE recommends inspecting and cleaning its Fine and Ultra Fine Filters (opens in a new tab) every other month or more frequently depending on use. A decline in wash performance or gritty dishes also calls for cleaning.

JennAir recommends monthly cleaning (opens in a new tab), particularly with frequent use. If you have a large family or run the dishwasher daily, consider every two weeks to prevent debris buildup.

Thermador recommends every one to four months (opens in a new tab), depending on use, plus cleaning after loads with large amounts of food soil and starch. That heavily soiled load is its own cleaning trigger.

Maytag's schedule changes with how you load

Maytag's filter schedule (opens in a new tab) ranges from once a year to once a week, depending on use. Its more detailed recommendations account for both weekly loads and how you prepare dishes, so choose the combination that matches your household.

At one to three loads per week, Maytag recommends annual filter cleaning if you wash dishes first or scrape and rinse them. Scraping alone changes that to twice a year. If you neither scrape nor rinse, clean every two months.

At four to seven loads per week, the first three recommendations stay the same: annually after washing or scraping and rinsing, and twice yearly after scraping alone. With neither scraping nor rinsing, the interval becomes monthly.

At eight to twelve loads per week, clean annually if you wash dishes before loading, twice yearly if you scrape and rinse, or every three months if you only scrape. With neither scraping nor rinsing, clean every two weeks.

At thirteen to fourteen loads per week, use those same annual, twice-yearly or three-month intervals for the corresponding preparation habits. If you neither scrape nor rinse at that load count, clean the filter weekly.