We all love the convenience of a dishwasher, but be honest some of us overlook or don't even know about cleaning the filter of a dishwasher. A dirty filter can be the reason why your dishwasher isn't working properly, or why it's producing, unpleasant odors, and sometimes can cause costly repairs. Keeping it clean ensures our dishes come out sparkling clean and our appliance runs smoothly. If you are experiencing issues with your dishwasher or want to learn more about the services Appliance Doc offers check out the dishwasher repair page.
Understanding The Importance Of Dishwasher Filter Cleaning
Maintaining a clean dishwasher filter is vital. The filter traps larger food pieces that didn't get washed off in the quick sink rinse, grease chunks, and glass from broken dishes. When these debris build up the dishwasher's efficiency reduces tremendously making the dishwasher moot.
A dirty filter can cause foul smells. Food residue left on the filter decomposes over time, causing smells that can stink up the entire kitchen if not addressed. Regularly cleaning your dishwasher helps avoid expensive repairs down the road. Clogged filters put extra strain on the dishwasher's circulation pump and drain motor, risking damage that might require eventually having to replace one or both of these motors. Reduce wear on other critical components like the spray arms and internal tubing by allowing smooth water flow during the wash cycle.
How often should you clean the machine?
Cleaning frequency depends on how often the appliance is used. For households running daily loads or washing heavily soiled dishes (e.g., casseroles), weekly cleaning might be necessary. Lighter uses may only need monthly attention.
PRO TIP: Rinse your plates, pots and pans in the sink quickly to remove large chunks of food before putting it in the dishwasher. This will put less strain on the dishwasher filter and allow for more robust flow of water.
Following this advice will ensure your dishwasher operates like new for longer, thereby saving you money in repair costs and replacement.
How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher Filter?
Maintaining a clean dishwasher filter is vital for good operation. Frequency depends on how often the dishwasher is used, with daily maintenance and monthly deep cleaning recommended.
Daily Maintenance
Daily maintenance keeps the filters free of large debris. Before starting your cycle remove visible large food pieces from the base of the dishwasher.
Check for Residue:Â Look at the bottom of your machine.
Wipe Debris:Â Use a paper towel to quickly clear it out.
Inspect Spray Arms:Â Ensure they aren't obstructed by particles.
Monthly Deep Cleaning
Monthly deep cleaning keeps the performance of the dishwasher optimal over time. Here is an overview of how to perform a deep clean on a dishwasher.
Remove Filter: Locate and take out the filter following your manufacturer’s guide.
Rinse Under Water:Â Hold it under running water to wash away grease buildup.
Scrub Gently:Â Use a brush to remove the more stubborn residue.
Clean Surroundings:Â Wipe around the area where the filter sits with warm soapy water.
By following these steps your dishwasher will work efficiently and reduce wear on key components of the machine, so be sure to keep with your daily and monthly cleaning schedule.
More In-depth Step-By-Step Guide To Cleaning Your Dishwasher Filter
Gather the Necessary Supplies
Gather a hard brush or rough sponge, dish soap, warm water and a towel. Being prepared will make the cleaning process easier.
Remove The Bottom Rack
Pull out the bottom rack and place it on the side to access the filter and sump pump area.
Locate And Remove The Filter
Find the filter located at the bottom center of the dishwasher, underneath the spray arm. The filter system usually consists of a coarse filter, a fine filter, and sometimes a microfilter, all housed within a filter housing. Before you begin make sure the dishwasher is empty and dry. Depending on your model, turn the filter assembly counterclockwise or clockwise to unlock it. Slowly lift the unit out together, which will include all the filter components. Once you pull the filter contraption out you can now disassemble the filter parts for thorough cleaning.
PRO TIP: Be sure to remember the order in which the parts were assembled, this way when it comes time to put it back together you will know how to reassemble the filter unit.
Rinse And Scrub The Filter
Rinse the filter under warm running water. Use a brush or sponge with tough bristles using dish soap to remove any stubborn dirt or grease trapped in the mesh.
Check Sump Area
While the filter components are removed from the sump now is a great time to inspect and clean out the sump area. Look carefully with a flashlight and remove any visible pieces of debris. Be careful as sometimes you may find sharp pieces of glass from broken glass cups. For the more dirty spots use a brush and scrub away until the dirt is removed.
Reassemble The Dishwasher
Place the clean filter back into its original position. If you were smart you would have recorded the order in which the parts fitted as I mentioned previously. Align and position the parts one at a time in the order it came, you may need to twist the parts either clockwise or counterclockwise to click them into place. Slide the whole filter unit back into the sump area and slowly turn the unit until you feel it click into place. click the spray arm back on and slide the bottom rack back into the dishwasher. Make sure the rack is positioned properly on the tracks before shutting the dishwasher door.
Maintaining your dishwasher's cleanliness maximizes efficiency and prolongs your appliance's life, ultimately saving you money on repairs and/or replacements.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes people often fall prey to and ways to avoid them.
Using Harsh Chemicals
Using harsh chemicals can damage the filter and other dishwasher parts. Instead, use mild dish soap and warm tap water to clean the filter. Strong substances like bleach or ammonia may corrode the dishwasher filter parts or leave residues that affect future washes and may damage your dishes.
Ignoring Gasket Cleaning
Gasket cleaning, the seal around the door of the dishwasher, is also vital and many overlook this. Dirty gaskets can lead to grime buildup on the seal, causing leaks. Be sure to regularly wipe down the gasket on a monthly basis using a damp wash cloth. Many times we get calls of leaky dishwashers and a technician has to come and wipe down the gasket costing you the client money. It is simple and easy for anyone to do.
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