How to Clean Your Dishwasher Filter (Better-Clean Dishes)

Dishes coming out gritty, or the dishwasher starting to smell? There's a filter at the bottom that catches food, and most people never clean it. It takes about five minutes.

1. Step 1: Find The Filter

Pull out the bottom rack. The filter is usually in the floor of the tub, near the bottom spray arm, often a round cylinder with a flat screen around it. If yours looks different, check the manual.

2. Step 2: Twist And Lift

On many models, like Whirlpool's, you turn the top part a quarter turn counterclockwise, and lift it out. Then lift the flat lower screen slightly, and slide it forward.

3. Step 3: Rinse And Scrub Gently

Rinse both parts under warm running water. For stuck on gunk, or white hard water buildup, use a soft brush or an old toothbrush. Never a wire brush or scouring pad. They can damage the mesh.

4. Step 4: Put It Back And Lock It

Set the lower screen back in place first, then drop in the top part and turn it until it locks. If it spins freely, it isn't locked yet. Never run the dishwasher without the filter in.