The short answer: it depends on how often you run it and whether you scrape plates. Maytag's chart goes from about once a week for heavy use with unscraped dishes to once a year if you rinse or wash dishes before loading. If you'd rather not work it out, checking the filter once a month is an easy default; Maytag notes that even dishwashers with advanced filtration may need monthly filter cleaning.
The dishwasher filter is one of the quick kitchen jobs in our lookup of how often to clean and replace things at home. Here's the chart, where the filter lives and how to clean it.
Chart: loads per week and scraping habits
Find your row (loads per week) and your column (what you do before loading). The cell is how often Maytag says to clean the filter.
| Loads per week | Wash dishes before loading | Scrape and rinse | Scrape only | No scraping or rinsing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 | Yearly | Yearly | Twice a year | Every 2 months |
| 4 to 7 | Yearly | Yearly | Twice a year | Monthly |
| 8 to 12 | Yearly | Twice a year | Every 3 months | Every 2 weeks |
| 13 to 14 | Yearly | Twice a year | Every 3 months | Weekly |
Two things stand out. Scraping food into the bin before loading changes the schedule more than anything else. And a household that runs the dishwasher about twice a day without scraping is looking at a weekly clean.
Where the filter is
Pull out the bottom rack and look at the floor of the tub. On most Maytag models the filter sits in a back corner or around the base of the lower spray arm. Some have two parts: an upper filter you twist out and a lower filter underneath it.
Not every dishwasher has a filter you need to clean. Maytag says models with a hard food disposer, which uses a chopper to break up food, can be maintenance-free. If you can't find a filter, your manual will say which type you have.
How to clean it (5 steps)
- Take it out. Turn the upper filter a quarter turn counterclockwise and lift it out. Then lift the lower filter slightly, pull it forward and take it out.
- Rinse. Hold both parts under warm running water. If food is stuck, let them soak for a few minutes.
- Scrub gently. Use a soft brush, a sponge or an old toothbrush on stuck-on residue or mineral buildup. Don't use a wire brush or scouring pad; they can damage the filter.
- Soak if it's stubborn. Maytag suggests soaking for at least 30 minutes in equal parts white vinegar and warm water.
- Put it back. Set the lower filter under its tabs, seat the upper filter in its opening and turn it clockwise until it drops in and locks. Check that both parts are locked before you run a cycle.
These steps are Maytag's, and other models differ, so read your manual before you take anything apart. If the filter is damaged or worn, replace it rather than putting it back.
Signs it's clogged
- Food, grit or grime left on "clean" dishes.
- Glasses or dishes that look scratched or etched.
- Water that won't drain properly.
- A bad smell when you open the door.
- A leak.
- Visible soil on the filter itself.
Maytag lists each of these as a reason to check the filter. It's a quick thing to rule out before you call for a repair.
Other dishwasher care
- Clean the whole dishwasher every 3 to 6 months (Maytag). Your manual will say which cleaner or cycle to use.
- Scrape plates into the bin. Going by the chart, it's the habit that stretches the time between filter cleans the most.
- Pair it with the other kitchen filters. The range hood filter is a monthly clean too, so doing both on the same day keeps it to one job. The fridge water filter comes around less often.
Rinsing out the dishwasher filter is also a job an older child can take over once you've shown them how. Our age-by-age chore chart has more ideas for each age.
Questions people ask
Do all dishwashers have a removable filter?
Many do, but not all. Maytag says models with a hard food disposer, which chops up food, can be maintenance-free. Your manual will tell you which kind you have.
What happens if you never clean it?
Food builds up in the filter, so dishes can come out gritty, water may not drain properly and the machine can start to smell or leak. Maytag lists all of these as reasons to check the filter.
Can I use vinegar?
Yes, for stubborn buildup. Maytag suggests a warm rinse first, then soaking the filter for at least 30 minutes in equal parts white vinegar and warm water.
Why does my dishwasher smell?
Maytag lists a bad smell as a sign to check the filter for trapped food. Clean the filter, and if the smell stays, clean the whole dishwasher.
How often should I run a dishwasher cleaner?
Maytag says to clean the whole dishwasher every 3 to 6 months. Follow your manual for which product or cycle to use.
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Sources
General guidance only. Follow your manufacturer's instructions, and call a licensed professional for gas, electrical, roofing or anything that feels unsafe.