How Often Should I Clean My Dishwasher Filter?

How Often Should I Clean My Dishwasher Filter?

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Information current as of 09/05/2026.

Clean your dishwasher filter according to your model’s owner manual rather than using one universal schedule. Bosch recommends cleaning the filter every few months; Whirlpool guidance ranges from every two weeks to once a year depending on usage, loading habits, and water hardness. Inspect it regularly and clean it when visibly soiled or when dishes become gritty, cleaning performance declines, odors develop, or drainage slows.

Choose the cleaning frequency for your dishwasher

Start with the owner manual for your specific dishwasher. Manufacturer guidance varies: Bosch recommends cleaning the filter every few months, while Whirlpool says frequency depends on the number of loads, how dishes are prepared before loading, and the model. Whirlpool support gives once a month as a general rule, with every two weeks suggested for households that run the dishwasher daily or have frequent use. Some Whirlpool manuals recommend cleaning at least monthly when water hardness exceeds 15 grains. These intervals are not universal, and some dishwashers may use maintenance-free or self-cleaning filter systems.

Clean the filter safely

  1. Remove the filter as directed by the owner manual. 2. Rinse it under running water until most soil is gone. 3. For stubborn food debris or calcium deposits, use mild soap and a soft brush. 4. Do not use a wire brush or abrasive scouring pad, which can damage the filter. 5. Reinstall and lock the filter securely before operating the dishwasher.

Use symptoms to decide whether cleaning is due

Inspect and clean the filter if you see food particles or soil on it, dishes remain dirty, dishes feel gritty, or cleaning performance has declined. Unpleasant odors or water remaining in the dishwasher can also occur when a filter is blocked or drainage is impaired.

Know when routine filter cleaning is not enough

If the dishwasher still does not drain normally after the filter is cleaned and correctly reinstalled, do not simply repeat routine filter cleaning. Further drainage troubleshooting may be needed. Persistent odors, standing water, or poor cleaning can require checking other areas such as the drain, pump, hose, or garbage-disposer connection. A damaged or worn filter should be replaced rather than merely cleaned.

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