How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter

Your dishwasher filter has two essential functions: it protects the pump from getting clogged or damaged by food debris, and it also helps prevent the remnants of last night’s dinner from recirculating back onto your dishes. This function plays a crucial role in ensuring your dishes and glassware come out virtually spotless.

A man inspecting a clean wine glass and bowl while unloading a dishwasher in a modern kitchen.

Types of dishwasher filter: Manual vs Self-cleaning

There are two common filter types:

Manual filters

Manual filters are typically removable and feature a mesh net that catches bits of food. This requires monthly cleaning, or more often depending on usage. If neglected, this can restrict water flow, cause an unpleasant smell, and leave food remnants behind. All these will, of course, hinder the overall clean of your dishwasher. This makes manual dishwasher filter cleaning essential for optimal performance.

Self-cleaning filters

Self-cleaning filters, on the other hand, don’t need much maintenance on your side as there’s often no build-up to worry about. This is because they have a built-in grinder that breaks down food chunks, which then wash down the drain with the water. The downside is that these types of filters tend to be noisier than manual filters due to the grinding process.

Step-by-step guide on how to clean your dishwasher filter

Cleaning your dishwasher filter doesn’t take long, but it makes a big difference in performance. Just follow these simple instructions:

A transparent pipe with water flowing through it, highlighting grease removal. The pipe is set against a blue background with text that reads: 'Removes Grease & Limescale.'

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

: Look for signs such as visible food particles after a wash, foul smell, standing water at the bottom of the dishwasher, or a drop in cleaning performance. These are common indicators of a clogged filter that requires immediate cleaning.
: Skipping regular cleaning can cause poor wash results, drainage problems, stench, and in some cases, damage to internal components like the pump.
: Most modern dishwashers do. However, some older models may have self-cleaning filters that are not designed for manual removal. Check the manual to be sure.
: Yes, using a dishwasher cleaner is beneficial. Regular cleaning helps prolong your dishwasher’s life, maintain its efficiency, and keep it running smoothly.
: Finish^® dishwasher cleaner has been formulated to protect your dishwasher in two ways:
By removing any grease or debris left over by food residue.
By breaking down the build-up of limescale, which can be caused by calcium in water.
: For a deep, thorough clean, Finish^® recommends using a liquid dishwasher cleaner during an empty cycle. In-wash cleaners can be used regularly for maintenance, but a liquid dishwasher cleaner works effectively on common problem spots and hidden parts of the machine, such as the filters, spray arms, and pipes. It can also remove limescale, helping to keep your dishwasher in optimal condition.
: To use your Finish^® dishwasher cleaner, first make sure that the dishwasher is empty, and clear the filter of any leftover food.
Remove the sticker from the cap of your dishwasher cleaner bottle. Do not remove the cap itself.
Place the bottle upside down in the bottom rack.
Close the dishwasher and run a high-temperature cycle of at least 60⁰C. Do not add any other detergent or cleaning agent to the wash.
After the full cycle has completed, open the dishwasher, remove the bottle, and recycle it.
: Your detergent needs to complement the cleansing action of your dishwasher. Automatic dishwashing detergent is specially formulated to disperse food residue and greasy soiling, hold it in suspension, and remove it in the final rinse. It does all this while producing little or no suds.
For best results use the detergent recommended by the manufacturer of your machine. Finish^® is the #1 recommended brand by leading dishwasher manufacturers, such as Bosch^[1].
To upgrade your dishwasher routine, we also recommend using Finish^® Jet Dry^® Rinse Aid to help prevent residues, dry, shine, and protect your glasses.
Leading dishwasher brands (based on dishwasher unit market share) recommend Finish^® products in Canada. Recommendations as part of co-marketing agreements.

.cds-accordion__item-content-wrapper { height: auto !important; } .cds-accordion__item-content { opacity: 1 !important; } .cds-accordion__opener .icon__prefix { display: none !important; } .cds-accordion__opener .icon__suffix { display: none !important; }