How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter and Interior
Clean a dishwasher filter, wipe the door seal, and run a maintenance cycle to fix cloudy glasses, smells, and poor cleaning—step by step.
- Difficulty
- Beginner-friendly
- Time
- 20–40 minutes
- Est. cost
- $0–$10 (vinegar / cleaner)
- Season
- year round
By Keepstead Editorial Team · Published September 6, 2026 · 2 min read
Last reviewed September 6, 2026
Quick answer
Pull the bottom rack, twist out the dishwasher filter, rinse food debris, wipe the door gasket, and run an empty hot cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or vinegar if your manual allows. Do this monthly in busy kitchens to improve cleaning and reduce odor.
Cloudy glasses and leftover food are not always “bad detergent.” A clogged filter and dirty spray arms are common—and homeowner-safe to clean. Pair kitchen appliance care with periodic refrigerator coil cleaning.
What you need
Tools needed
- Soft brush or old toothbrush
- Dish soap
- Microfiber cloth
- White vinegar or dishwasher cleaner (if manual allows)
- Towel for floor drips
Step-by-step
- Skip power tools — You are cleaning, not repairing wiring or the pump.
- Remove the bottom rack to access the filter (usually a twist-lock cylinder at the tub floor).
- Unscrew/lift the filter per your model. Rinse under warm water; scrub gently. Do not bend fine mesh.
- Check spray arm holes for seeds or glass grit; rinse if removable per manual.
- Wipe the door gasket and front lip where grease collects.
- Reinstall the filter firmly—loose filters rattle and reduce cleaning.
- Run an empty hot cycle with a cup of vinegar on the top rack only if your manufacturer permits vinegar, or use a labeled dishwasher cleaner.
Cleaning schedule
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Rinse filter | Monthly (or when cloudy results appear) |
| Wipe gasket | Monthly |
| Cleaner / vinegar cycle | Every 1–3 months |
| Check air gap / drain hose (if accessible) | If water backs into sink |
Add dishwasher filter checks to your annual maintenance schedule.
When cleaning is not enough
- Error codes or will not start → appliance technician
- Persistent leaks at the door → gasket or leveling issue
- Burning smell or tripped breaker → stop and call a pro
- Shared drain backups → plumber vs DIY
Bottom line
A clean filter is the highest-value dishwasher maintenance most homeowners skip. Ten minutes of rinsing often restores performance better than buying stronger detergent.
Frequently asked questions
- How often should I clean my dishwasher filter?
- Many manufacturers suggest checking the filter monthly and deep-cleaning every 1–3 months, more often if you have hard water or scrape plates lightly. Consult your model manual for the filter location.
- Why does my dishwasher smell even after a cycle?
- Food debris in the filter, door gasket, or drain path holds odor. Clean the filter, wipe the seal, and run an empty hot cycle with dishwasher cleaner or vinegar per your manual.
- Can dishwasher cleaning fix a clogged kitchen sink?
- Sometimes a shared drain is involved, but a slow sink usually needs drain or P-trap work—see how to unclog a kitchen sink. Do not run the dishwasher if the sink is fully blocked.
Related guides
Annual Home Maintenance Schedule for New Homeowners
Plan yearly home maintenance by season—HVAC, plumbing, safety devices, exterior, and systems—with links to detailed checklists.
How to Clean a Range Hood Filter
Clean reusable range hood grease filters safely, identify filters that need replacement, and choose a practical cleaning schedule.
How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink Drain
Clear a clogged kitchen sink safely—hot water, plunger, baking soda, and P-trap cleaning—plus when to stop DIY and call a plumber.
When Should You Call a Plumber Instead of DIY?
Toilet running, slow drain, or leak at the wall? See which plumbing jobs are safe DIY—and which need a licensed plumber before you start.
This guide is for general informational purposes. Conditions vary by home, local codes, and equipment. See our disclaimer.