How to Clean KitchenAid Dishwasher Filter the Right Way

You know that smell in your dishwasher that won’t go away? Or when your dishes just don’t come out clean anymore? Yeah, we’ve all been there. The real fix? It’s often hiding right in your dishwasher filter. You might not realize it, but a dirty filter can cause all sorts of problems. If you’ve been wondering how to clean KitchenAid dishwasher filter properly, you’re in the right place. This article will give you the exact steps in the easiest way possible, to help you clean it like a pro. No stress. No fancy tools. Just clean dishes again.

Turn Off and Unload the Dishwasher

Before you even touch the filter, you have to make sure everything is safe. Start by turning off your KitchenAid dishwasher. You don’t need to unplug it from the wall if it’s hard to reach, but make sure it’s not running. Just press the power button until the lights go off. This keeps you safe while you’re working inside the machine.

Now, open the door and pull out the bottom rack. Take out all the dishes if you haven’t already. You need the dishwasher to be empty so you can reach the filter at the bottom. Make sure the bottom is dry. If there’s standing water, wipe it away with a towel. Sometimes water can stay at the bottom and hide dirt or food bits. Cleaning the filter with water still inside can get messy and make things harder.

Look around the bottom of the tub. That’s where your filter lives. It’s usually in the center, near the spray arm. You might see some food scraps or bits stuck nearby. Don’t worry. We’ll deal with that in the next parts. The important thing is to start with an empty, dry space so you can see what you’re doing.

This part may sound simple, but it’s really important. If the dishwasher is on, or full of dishes, it’s hard to clean the filter properly. You might also drop something or get hurt. Plus, having a clear view of the filter helps you do a better job.

Also, while you’re unloading the dishwasher, take a moment to look at your dishes. Are there bits of food still stuck on them? Are the glasses cloudy? If you say yes to these, it’s a clear sign your filter needs some love. The dirtier your filter is, the worse your dishwasher will perform.

A clean start is the best start. Once the dishwasher is off and empty, you’re ready to go deeper into the cleaning job.

• Make sure the dishwasher is turned off
• Take out all the dishes
• Pull out the bottom rack
• Wipe away any standing water
• Look for the filter near the center bottom

Remove the Filter From the Dishwasher

Now that everything is off and out of the way, it’s time to take out the filter. Don’t worry, it’s not hard. Most KitchenAid dishwashers have an easy-to-remove filter system. You don’t need any tools. Just your hands.

Look in the bottom of the dishwasher, right in the middle. You should see a round or oval piece that looks like a cover. That’s the upper part of the filter. It might be made of plastic and mesh. Reach in and twist it counterclockwise. That means turning it to the left. It should come loose after just a little twist. If it doesn’t move right away, don’t force it. Try gently moving it back and forth while turning left. Sometimes it’s stuck because of dirt.

Once that part is loose, lift it up. You’ll see another part underneath it. This is the lower filter. It’s usually a flat mesh piece that catches the bigger bits of food. Gently pull that out too. Both parts should come out easily.

Take a good look at what’s on the filters. You might find old food, grease, hair, or even pieces of plastic or paper. This is totally normal. But it also shows why cleaning the filter is so important. If all that stuff stays there, your dishwasher can’t clean your dishes properly.

Don’t forget to check the area around where the filter was sitting. There could be some food or slime hiding there too. Use a paper towel or your fingers to pull it out. You can even use a small brush, like an old toothbrush, to clean around the edges if it’s really dirty.

This step is key. If you skip removing the filter or rush through it, the rest of the cleaning won’t help much. You need to take the whole filter out so you can clean it well.

• Find the round top of the filter at the bottom center
• Twist it counterclockwise (to the left) to unlock
• Lift out the upper filter piece
• Remove the flat lower filter underneath
• Check for food bits, paper, and slime
• Clean around the filter area gently

Wash the Filter by Hand

Now that you’ve got both parts of the filter out, it’s time to give them a proper cleaning. This part is very satisfying, especially when you see how dirty the filters were. You don’t need anything special—just a soft brush, dish soap, and warm water. That’s it.

Take the filters to your kitchen sink. Fill the sink with warm water. It doesn’t have to be super hot, but warm enough to help loosen the grease and food stuck on the filters. Add a few drops of regular dish soap into the water. Mix it around a bit to make it sudsy.

Drop both filter parts into the soapy water. Let them soak for a few minutes. While they soak, you’ll notice some of the dirt and grease start to come off on its own. That’s a good sign.

Now, take your soft brush—an old toothbrush works great—and start scrubbing the filters. Scrub gently. You don’t want to damage the mesh or plastic. Move the brush in circles and focus on areas where food is stuck. The upper filter usually has a fine screen that catches grease and little crumbs. Make sure to clean both sides of it. The lower filter might have larger holes and more solid food particles. Scrub both pieces until you don’t see any more dirt or grease.

Once you’re done scrubbing, rinse both filters under clean running water. Warm water is best because it washes away soap and leftover grime. Hold each filter under the water and rotate it to get every part clean. If the water still runs dirty, go back and scrub again. It should run clear when you’re finished.

After rinsing, shake off the extra water and place the filters on a clean towel to dry. You don’t have to wait for them to dry completely before putting them back, but letting them air out for a few minutes is always a good idea.

• Fill sink with warm soapy water
• Soak filters for a few minutes
• Scrub gently with a soft brush or toothbrush
• Focus on grease and stuck food
• Rinse under warm running water until clean
• Shake off extra water and let dry on towel

Clean the Filter Area Inside the Dishwasher

While your filters are drying, it’s the perfect time to clean the inside of the dishwasher where the filters sit. That area also collects food, grease, and even mold if it hasn’t been cleaned in a while.

Look closely at the spot where you removed the filters. You might see small bits of food, a thin layer of grease, or even a bad smell coming from there. All of that needs to be cleaned out so your dishwasher runs better.

Start by wiping down the area with a dry paper towel. This helps pick up loose crumbs and grease. Next, take a wet cloth or sponge and some dish soap. Wipe the area again. Make sure to get into all the corners. You can use an old toothbrush to scrub around the edges and in small spaces where your hand can’t reach.

If the area smells bad, sprinkle some baking soda on the damp sponge and scrub a little more. Baking soda helps get rid of smells and cleans without scratching anything. Let it sit for a minute or two, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.

If you see a white or yellowish layer, that’s probably mineral buildup from hard water. You can remove that by dipping your cloth in a mix of white vinegar and water. Gently scrub the area. Vinegar helps break down that hard water film and makes everything shine again.

It’s also a good idea to check under the spray arm if you can. Sometimes, food gets trapped there and adds to the problem. Wipe around and under it, but don’t remove it unless you’re comfortable doing that.

This part doesn’t take too long, but it makes a big difference. A clean filter area keeps smells away, improves water flow, and helps your dishwasher work better.

• Wipe with a dry towel to remove loose bits
• Clean with dish soap and a sponge or cloth
• Use toothbrush for small corners
• Use baking soda for bad smells
• Scrub with vinegar for hard water stains
• Check and clean under spray arm if needed

Reinstall the Filter Correctly

After everything is clean and dry, it’s time to put the filters back. This part is simple but important. If you don’t place them correctly, your dishwasher might not work right. So take your time and do it right.

Start with the lower filter—the flat one. Look at the bottom of the dishwasher where it was. You’ll see a place where it fits perfectly. Lay the filter down flat, making sure the holes line up. If it’s not sitting right, don’t force it. Move it slightly until it rests properly.

Next, take the round upper filter and place it over the lower one. It should fit into a slot or turn into place. Turn it clockwise (to the right) to lock it in. You’ll feel it click or tighten when it’s locked. If it spins freely, it’s not locked. Always make sure it’s locked before you move on.

Why is this step so important? Because if the filter isn’t locked in place, food and debris can get under it and clog the pump. That can damage your dishwasher and cost you a lot of money. Also, an unlocked filter can cause the dishwasher to make strange noises or even stop working.

Once you’re sure the filters are in place, put the bottom rack back into the dishwasher. Slide it back gently, making sure it rolls in smoothly.

Check everything one more time. Does the filter look secure? Is the rack back in its spot? If yes, then you’re done with this part.

• Place the lower filter back in flat
• Make sure it lines up with the holes
• Put the round upper filter back over it
• Turn it clockwise to lock it
• Make sure it doesn’t spin freely
• Slide bottom rack back in place

Run a Cleaning Cycle After Filter Cleaning

Now that everything is clean and back where it should be, it’s a good idea to run a full cleaning cycle. This final step gives your dishwasher a fresh start. It clears out any leftover dirt and helps the whole machine smell better.

Close the dishwasher door and select the hottest, longest cycle your machine offers. This is often labeled as “Heavy Duty” or “Sanitize.” Do not put any dishes inside. This cycle is just for cleaning the inside of the machine.

Add a cup of white vinegar in a bowl or cup and place it upright in the top rack. Vinegar helps clean out the inner parts, kills bacteria, and makes everything smell better. If you want extra cleaning power, you can also sprinkle some baking soda at the bottom before starting the cycle.

Press start and let the dishwasher run through the full cycle. When it’s done, open the door and let the inside air out for 15 to 30 minutes. This helps dry it out and keeps mold from growing.

Check how the dishwasher smells now. It should smell clean and fresh. Open the filter area and check if it’s still clean. If yes, then you did a great job!

Running this cleaning cycle is like giving your dishwasher a mini-spa day. It rewards your hard work by making sure everything stays clean and working great.

• Close door and choose hottest, longest cycle
• Add a cup of vinegar on the top rack
• Optional: sprinkle baking soda at bottom
• Let dishwasher run full cycle without dishes
• Let door stay open after to dry inside
• Check filter area and enjoy fresh smell

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your KitchenAid dishwasher filter isn’t hard, but it makes a big difference. A clean filter means cleaner dishes, no bad smells, and a dishwasher that works better and lasts longer. By following each step carefully, you’ll save money, time, and avoid frustration. Make this a regular habit, maybe once a month, to keep your dishwasher in top shape. With just a little effort, you’ll always get that sparkling clean feeling every time you open the dishwasher door.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to clean my KitchenAid dishwasher filter by hand?

Yes, it’s completely safe to clean your KitchenAid dishwasher filter by hand. In fact, that’s the best way to do it. You don’t need any strong chemicals or tools—just warm water, dish soap, and a soft brush. Scrubbing the filter gently helps remove grease, food, and other dirt without damaging the filter screen. Cleaning it by hand gives you full control and lets you inspect for any cracks or worn-out parts. Doing this often helps your dishwasher stay cleaner and run better.

Can I use vinegar and baking soda to clean the filter?

You can use vinegar and baking soda, but not directly on the filter while it’s in the dishwasher. These ingredients are great for cleaning the inside of your dishwasher and killing smells. To clean the filter itself, remove it first and scrub it with dish soap and water. After that, while it’s drying, you can use vinegar and baking soda to clean the filter area inside the dishwasher. Together, they make a powerful cleaning team, but it’s best to use them in the right way and not mix them on the filter directly.

Do I need to remove the filter every time I use the dishwasher?

No, you don’t need to remove the filter every time you run your dishwasher. But you should check it at least once a week if you use your dishwasher daily. Most people clean the filter every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how often they cook and how dirty the dishes are. If you rinse your plates before loading, your filter may stay clean longer. If you don’t, food builds up faster. Listen for unusual noises or look for dirty dishes—they’re signs your filter might need cleaning.

Is it okay to run the dishwasher without the filter?

No, it’s not okay to run your KitchenAid dishwasher without the filter. The filter protects the pump and other parts from getting clogged with food or other stuff. Without it, food particles could damage the machine, and your dishes won’t get clean. It can also lead to leaks or strange noises. If your filter is damaged or missing, replace it before using the dishwasher again. Always make sure the filter is properly locked into place before you run a cycle.

Can a dirty filter cause bad smells?

Yes, a dirty filter is one of the main causes of bad smells in dishwashers. Food particles, grease, and bacteria build up in the filter over time. When it’s not cleaned, it starts to smell like something rotten. That smell can spread inside your dishwasher and even make your dishes smell weird. Cleaning the filter regularly helps remove the source of the smell. You can also use vinegar and baking soda to freshen things up, but keeping the filter clean is the most important step.

Do I need any tools to remove the KitchenAid dishwasher filter?

No tools are needed to remove the KitchenAid dishwasher filter. Most models are designed to be user-friendly, so you can twist and lift the filter out by hand. The upper round part usually turns to the left (counterclockwise) to unlock. Once you remove it, you can easily lift out the lower flat filter underneath. If it feels stuck, try wiggling it gently—never force it. If you’re unsure, check your user manual or look for a quick video online. It’s a simple task anyone can do with just their hands.

Is it okay to wash the filter in the dishwasher?

It’s not recommended to wash the filter in the dishwasher itself. The dishwasher isn’t designed to clean the filter while it’s in place. In fact, leaving it in during a cleaning cycle can make things worse by spreading the dirt around. The best way is to take it out and clean it by hand using warm water, dish soap, and a brush. Washing it this way ensures that all the trapped food and grease are removed, and the filter keeps working like it should.

Can cleaning the filter fix dirty dishes?

Yes, cleaning the filter can definitely help fix the problem of dirty dishes. When the filter is clogged, water can’t flow properly, and bits of old food get stuck on your plates and glasses. Once you clean the filter, water pressure improves, and your dishwasher can clean more effectively. If you’ve noticed that your dishes are still dirty after a full cycle, the filter is often the main reason. Just one good cleaning can make a big difference and bring your dishwasher back to life.