The essentials in 30 seconds
Most dishwashers have a removable filter at the bottom of the tub, usually a cylinder that twists out counterclockwise and a flat mesh plate underneath. Take out the bottom rack, twist and lift the filter out, rinse it under warm running water, then clean stubborn bits or hard-water deposits with warm soapy water and a soft brush or sponge. Never use a wire brush or scouring pad: they damage the mesh. Put it back and make sure it is locked into place, because running the dishwasher without the filter properly fitted can damage it. How often depends on the brand and how much you use it: Whirlpool says once a month, every two weeks with daily use; GE every other month or more; Frigidaire every 2 to 3 months; Bosch every few months.
- Clean it sooner if dishes come out dirty or gritty, or the machine smells.
- Some dishwashers have a self-cleaning filter with nothing to remove.
- Your owner's manual has the exact steps for your model.
How often should you clean a dishwasher filter?
| Manufacturer | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whirlpool | Once a month | Every two weeks for large families or daily use |
| GE Appliances | Every other month or more, depending on use | Applies to models with Fine and Ultra Fine filters |
| Frigidaire | Every 2 to 3 months | Filter and glass trap |
| Bosch (US) | Every few months | Filter at the bottom of the dishwasher |
Whatever your brand, clean it sooner if you notice the signs Whirlpool and GE list: dishes coming out dirty, dishes feeling gritty, bad odours, visible food or objects on the filter, or worse cleaning performance.
How to clean a dishwasher filter
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01
Gather what you need
A soft sponge or cloth, warm soapy water, a small soft brush such as an old toothbrush, and a towel.
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02
Take out the bottom rack
This gives you access to the filter at the bottom of the tub.
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03
Remove the filter
On most models, twist the upper filter (the cylinder) a quarter turn counterclockwise and lift it out. Then lift out the lower or fine filter, following your manual.
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04
Rinse
Hold it under warm running water until most of the dirt is gone.
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05
Clean stubborn dirt
Use warm soapy water and a soft brush or sponge, getting into every crevice. Hard-water calcium deposits may need the soft brush.
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06
Rinse again
Until no soap or debris remains, then let it air dry or pat it with a towel.
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07
Refit and lock it
Put the lower filter back first, then the upper one, and turn it clockwise until it locks.
Whirlpool, GE, Bosch and Frigidaire filters
- Whirlpool: turn the Upper Filter Assembly a quarter turn counterclockwise and lift it out, then grasp the Lower Filter by its circular opening, lift slightly and pull it forward. To refit, make sure the lower filter is secure and the upper one is locked: if the upper filter turns freely, it is not locked.
- GE Appliances: with the bottom rack out, twist the Ultra Fine Filter counterclockwise and lift it out. To remove the Fine Filter (mesh plate), twist the two retaining posts at the back counterclockwise. Refit the Ultra Fine Filter using the arrow embossed on the Fine Filter as a guide and twist it clockwise to lock it.
- Bosch: the filter is at the bottom of the dishwasher. Remove it and clean it under running water with soap and a soft brush.
- Frigidaire: clean the filter and the glass trap every 2 to 3 months. Frigidaire also recommends cleaning the whole dishwasher every 3 months if it smells.
- Other brands: follow your owner's manual, which has the steps for your exact model.
What not to do
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Rinse under warm running water | Use a wire brush |
| Warm soapy water and a soft brush or sponge | Use scouring pads, which damage or scratch the filter |
| Make sure the filter locks back into place | Run the dishwasher without the filters fitted |
| Check the manual if you cannot find a removable filter | Force out a part that is not designed to come out |
What if my dishwasher has no removable filter?
Not every dishwasher has one. Whirlpool explains that some models have self-cleaning filters that use the force of the water to dislodge particles, while manual filters need regular cleaning. GE notes that older models and some current ones use self-cleaning filtration with usually no removable filter to clean. Your owner's manual says what you can remove and clean yourself.
When the filter is not the problem
If the filter is clean and dishes still come out dirty, the problem may be the spray arms, loading or detergent: see how to clean a dishwasher. If water stays in the bottom after a cycle, Frigidaire notes that poor draining can cause odours: see dishwasher not draining.
How to clean a dishwasher filter: frequently asked questions
How do I clean my dishwasher filter?
Take out the bottom rack, twist the filter counterclockwise and lift it out, rinse it under warm water, clean stubborn dirt with warm soapy water and a soft brush or sponge, then lock it back in place.
How often should I clean my dishwasher filter?
Whirlpool says once a month, or every two weeks with daily use. GE says every other month or more, Frigidaire every 2 to 3 months and Bosch every few months.
Can I use a brush to clean a dishwasher filter?
A soft brush, yes. Never use a wire brush or scouring pad, which can damage the filter.
How do I clean a Whirlpool dishwasher filter?
Turn the upper filter a quarter turn counterclockwise and lift it out, then pull out the lower filter. Rinse both, and refit them so the upper filter locks and does not turn freely.
How do I clean a GE dishwasher filter?
Twist the Ultra Fine Filter counterclockwise to remove it, then twist the two posts to release the Fine Filter. Rinse with warm soapy water and a sponge, then refit using the embossed arrow.
What happens if I don't clean the dishwasher filter?
Dishes can come out dirty or gritty, the dishwasher can smell and cleaning performance drops.
Sources
Manufacturer guidance, checked on 2 November 2026 (02/11/2026).
- Whirlpool · How to clean the dishwasher filters ↗Role of the filter; manual and self-cleaning filters; once a month, every two weeks with daily use; signs of a dirty filter; supplies; removing, rinsing and brushing; upper filter a quarter turn counterclockwise and lower filter; no wire brush or scouring pad; do not run without the filters; locked if it does not turn freely.
- GE Appliances · Dishwasher: how to clean Fine and Ultra Fine filters ↗Every other month or more depending on use; gritty dishes and poor washing as signs; self-cleaning filtration on older and some current models; removing the Ultra Fine Filter and Fine Filter; warm soapy water and sponge; scouring pads or brushes can damage the filter; embossed arrow for alignment.
- Bosch US · Dishwasher cleaning and maintenance ↗Clean the filter every few months; located at the bottom; run it under water with soap and a soft brush.
- Frigidaire · Dishwasher odors ↗Clean the filter and glass trap every 2 to 3 months; clean the unit every 3 months; poor draining causes odours.
Filter clean but dishes still dirty?
Note the brand, model number and what happens on each cycle before calling a technician.