A dishwasher that suddenly smells sour, leaves grit on plates, or drains slowly may have a dirty or damaged filter hiding at the bottom of the tub. The good news is that checking it is usually a simple job you can do at home. The important catch: many dishwasher filters are designed to be cleaned, not replaced, so first you’ll want to identify the kind you have and find the right part for your model.
Table of Contents
First, Check Whether Your Dishwasher Filter Needs Replacing
A dishwasher filter catches food scraps and other debris before they can circulate through the wash system or clog the drain. On many newer models, it’s a removable filter assembly near the bottom of the dishwasher. Some models have a filter you can take out and wash, while others use a self-cleaning system or a different filter design.
That means a dirty filter doesn’t automatically need replacing. If it’s intact, cleaning it may solve the problem. Replace it if it’s cracked, warped, badly worn, missing a piece, or still letting debris through after a careful cleaning. A damaged filter can allow food particles to circulate, which may leave residue on dishes and put extra strain on the drain system.
| Filter type | What you may notice | Typical next step |
|---|---|---|
| Removable manual filter | A mesh or plastic assembly at the bottom of the tub that twists or lifts out | Clean it first; replace it if damaged or if the manufacturer lists it as a replaceable part |
| Self-cleaning system | No user-removable filter assembly, or a design that doesn’t match a typical twist-out filter | Check the manual before removing anything; clean the accessible sump area as directed |
| Separate screen or filter parts | A flat screen plus one or more removable filter pieces | Check the parts diagram so you order and install the correct component |
Find the Right Replacement Filter
Dishwasher filters are not universal. Even filters that look similar can differ in diameter, height, locking tabs, mesh size, or shape. A part that nearly fits may fail to lock into place, let food scraps pass through, or interfere with the spray arm.
Locate the dishwasher model number
Look for the model number on a label around the inside edge of the door or on the door frame. Depending on the brand, the label may be visible when you open the dishwasher. Write down the full model number, including any letters or numbers after a dash. A similar model name isn’t always enough to identify the right filter.
Use that number to check your owner’s manual, the manufacturer’s parts website, or a reputable appliance-parts seller. The manual can also show whether the filter is meant to be removed, how it locks in, and which filter parts your machine uses. If you’re unsure, compare the listing’s model compatibility and product images with your existing filter.
Check whether the filter is sold as one part or several
Some dishwashers use a filter assembly made of a coarse filter and a fine filter. Others have a separate flat screen. If only one piece is damaged, you may be able to replace just that part, but check the parts diagram before ordering. Replacing the wrong piece can leave gaps where debris slips through.
Choose a genuine manufacturer part or a clearly listed compatible part for your exact model. Be cautious with listings that say “fits most dishwashers” without naming your model. The filter needs to seat and seal properly, so a close visual match isn’t a reliable fit test.
What You’ll Need
- The correct replacement filter, if yours is damaged
- Your dishwasher’s owner’s manual or model number
- A soft brush or old toothbrush
- Warm water and a little dish soap
- A towel or sponge for water in the filter area
Most filters don’t require special tools. Avoid reaching into the sump area with bare fingers if you can’t see what’s there; broken glass or sharp food debris may be hidden under water or residue. Use a towel or suitable protective gloves, and stop if you find a sharp object you can’t safely remove.
How to Replace a Dishwasher Filter
1. Turn off the dishwasher and let it cool
Make sure the dishwasher has finished its cycle and the interior has cooled. Turn the machine off before you start. If your manual recommends disconnecting power for this kind of maintenance, follow its instructions. Don’t pull a built-in dishwasher out from the cabinet to reach a plug; if you need to isolate power, use the appropriate breaker only if you can identify it safely.
You usually don’t need to disconnect the water supply to change a removable filter. If the manual gives model-specific instructions, follow those rather than a general guide.
2. Remove the lower rack
Slide the lower rack out so you can reach the floor of the dishwasher. Lift it out if your model allows that, and set it somewhere stable. This gives you room to work without putting weight on the spray arm or knocking the filter parts out of position.
Look at the filter before removing it. Take a quick photo if the parts aren’t obvious. That small step can help you remember the order and direction of the filter pieces when it’s time to put the new one in.
3. Remove the old filter according to your model
Many removable filters twist to unlock, then lift out. Others lift straight up or have a separate screen that comes out first. Turn or lift gently; don’t force a stuck filter, pry it with a screwdriver, or twist a part that the manual says should lift out. The locking tabs can break, and a broken tab may prevent the replacement from sealing properly.
If you can’t tell how it releases, pause and check the manual or a model-specific video from the manufacturer. Filter removal varies, even between dishwashers made by the same brand.
4. Clean the filter area and inspect the opening
Before fitting the replacement, wipe away loose food and standing water around the filter opening. Check for labels, bones, seeds, or other debris that could block water flow. Be careful around sharp fragments, and don’t push debris farther into the drain opening.
Don’t pour drain cleaner into the dishwasher or use a sharp tool to scrape the sump. Those approaches can damage components or create a safety hazard. If you see a large blockage or something lodged where you can’t reach it safely, stop and consult the manual or a qualified appliance technician.
5. Install the replacement filter
Set the new filter into the opening in the same orientation as the old one. If the assembly has multiple pieces, install them in the order shown in the manual or parts diagram. Line up the tabs or marks, then turn or press the filter until it sits securely.
Don’t rely on force to make it fit. A correctly matched filter should seat without bending or being pushed hard. Check that it lies flat, locks as intended, and doesn’t wobble. If it won’t sit properly, remove it and recheck the part number, orientation, and order of the pieces.
6. Check nearby moving parts and run a short cycle
Put the lower rack back and check that the spray arm can turn freely. A filter or rack that’s out of place can interfere with the arm’s movement. Then run a short rinse or wash cycle while you’re nearby. Listen for unusual rattling and check afterward for standing water, leaks, or debris around the filter.
If the dishwasher still drains poorly, the filter may not have been the only issue. A blocked drain hose, clogged air gap, pump problem, or plumbing restriction can cause similar symptoms. Don’t keep running the machine if it’s leaking or making a new grinding sound; investigate the cause before using it again.
How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter Instead of Replacing It
If your filter is dirty but undamaged, cleaning it is often all that’s needed. Remove it as described in your manual, rinse it under warm running water, and use a soft brush with a little dish soap to loosen stuck-on food or grease. Pay attention to the mesh, since clogged openings can keep water from flowing through the filter properly.
Rinse away all the soap, then reinstall the filter and make sure it locks into place. Don’t use a wire brush, abrasive pad, or sharp object on fine mesh. They can tear or deform it, turning a cleanable filter into one that needs replacing. Avoid bleach or harsh cleaners unless the manufacturer specifically says they’re safe for your model.
How often you need to clean the filter depends on how often you run the dishwasher and how much food is left on dishes. If you frequently wash plates with visible scraps, check the filter more often. A quick look every few weeks is a practical starting point; adjust based on what you find and the care instructions in your manual.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ordering by appearance alone: A filter can look right but have different tabs or dimensions. Match it to the full model number.
- Forcing the filter out or in: Twisting the wrong way or pressing too hard can break the locking parts.
- Running the dishwasher without the filter: The filter protects the drain system and helps catch debris. Reinstall it before using the machine.
- Ignoring the manual: Some models use a different filter design or don’t have a routine user-removable filter.
- Assuming every drainage problem is a filter problem: If a clean, correctly installed filter doesn’t help, another part of the drain system may need attention.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my dishwasher filter needs replacing?
Replace it if it’s cracked, warped, missing pieces, or no longer locks securely. If it’s simply coated with food or grease, clean it first. Check your manual if you’re not sure whether your model’s filter is replaceable.
Can I run my dishwasher without the filter?
No. The filter catches debris before it can enter the drain system or circulate through the dishwasher. Running the machine without it can lead to clogs, poor cleaning, or damage.
How often should I replace a dishwasher filter?
There isn’t one replacement schedule for every dishwasher. Filters are often cleaned regularly and replaced only when damaged or when the manufacturer recommends it. Use the manual and inspect the filter during cleaning.
Why is my dishwasher still not draining after I replace the filter?
The filter may not be the cause, or it may not be seated correctly. Check the installation and the accessible drain area. If the problem continues, the drain hose, air gap, pump, or household plumbing may need attention.
Conclusion
To replace a dishwasher filter, identify your exact model, confirm that the filter is meant to be replaced, and follow the removal and installation instructions for that machine. Many filters only need a gentle cleaning, while a cracked or ill-fitting one should be replaced with the correct part. Take your time, don’t force the fittings, and make sure the filter locks into place before running the dishwasher.
