An open dishwasher with the lower rack pulled out and a round cylindrical filter being lifted from the bottom of the tub, in a bright kitchen

Kitchen appliances

How to clean a dishwasher filter

4 sources

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Quick answer

Whirlpool and Bosch dishwashers have a filter at the bottom of the tub, under the lower rack, and it needs a rinse now and then. Whirlpool says to twist the upper filter out, lift the lower filter, rinse both under running water with a soft brush, and lock them back in. Bosch says to clean the filter every few months, or every month if you have hard water.

For the rest of the machine (Whirlpool brand):

affresh Dishwasher Cleaner, 6 tablets

Cleaning it, step by step

Whirlpool's steps for its two-part filter. Never run the dishwasher with the filters loose or missing.

Pull out the lower rack. Whirlpool says the filter is usually in a back corner of the tub or around the base of the lower spray arm.
Remove the upper filter. On Whirlpool's two-part filters, turn the upper filter assembly a quarter turn counterclockwise and lift it out. Bosch's steps also turn the filter knob to the left and lift.
Remove the lower filter. Whirlpool says to grasp it, lift slightly and pull forward.
Rinse. Run water over both parts. For stuck food or hard-water deposits, use a soft brush. Whirlpool says not to use a wire brush or scouring pad, which can damage the filter.
Put it back and lock it. Seat the lower filter flat, then turn the upper filter clockwise until it locks. If it still turns freely, it isn't locked.

Guides in this section

GuideHow often to clean itFrom once a year to once a week, depending on how you load.Read guide

Fix guideDishwasher not drainingFilter and sump first, then the hose and sink connection.Read guide

GuideDishwasher filter typesTwo-part, three-part, or a no-clean system with a cup.Read guide

Never run it without the filter. Whirlpool says not to run the dishwasher with the filters loose or missing.

How we work: steps come from Whirlpool's product help pages and Bosch's support pages. Check your own manual, because filters vary by model. We don't test dishwashers ourselves. Sources are listed below.

Questions people ask

Where is the filter in my dishwasher?

Whirlpool says it's under the bottom rack, usually in a back corner of the tub or around the base of the lower spray arm.

How do I get the dishwasher filter out?

On Whirlpool's two-part filters, turn the upper filter a quarter turn counterclockwise and lift it out, then lift the lower filter slightly and pull it forward.

What should I clean the filter with?

Whirlpool says to rinse it under running water and use a soft brush for stuck soil or hard-water deposits. Don't use a wire brush or scouring pad.

Sources

Last checked Oct 23, 2026. Steps come from Whirlpool's product help pages and Bosch's support pages and manual. Turn off power at the breaker before working on a dishwasher that won't drain.