Remove only the customer-removable filter parts shown in the manual, clean them under water without deforming the mesh, clear accessible debris and lock every part back into position before running the pump. First, disconnect power or keep controls locked, let hot components cool and remove the lower rack.
What this covers
- A dishwasher with a manual-clean or removable filter assembly
What it does not cover
Try in this order
0 of 10 completedEstablish the exact starting state
ReversibleDisconnect power or keep controls locked, let hot components cool and remove the lower rack.
Separate the fault or decision boundary
ReversiblePhotograph filter orientation and inspect for glass, labels, bones and standing-water level.
Apply the narrowest correction
ReversibleUnlock, rinse and gently brush the filter; remove accessible debris without reaching into hidden blades or wiring.
Prepare the machine and remove the lower rack
ReversibleMake sure the dishwasher is off and cool, and pull out the lower rack. Have a cloth, a soft brush and gloves ready, and keep the controls locked so nobody starts a cycle while the filter is out.
Photograph the filter's orientation and look for hazards
ReversibleTake a photograph before you remove anything so you can put it back the same way. Look for broken glass, labels, bones and seeds in the sump, and note the water level.
Rinse the filter and reinstall it fully locked
ReversibleUnlock and lift out the customer-removable filter parts, rinse them under running water with a soft brush, and clear the debris you can reach. Refit and lock every part, spin the spray arms and run a short empty rinse to check drainage.
Take out the lower rack and turn the upper filter a quarter turn
ReversibleRemove the bottom rack, then turn the upper filter assembly a quarter turn counterclockwise and lift it out. Note how the pieces sit so you can refit them in the same way.
Pull the lower filter forward and rinse both under running water
ReversibleRemove the lower filter by pulling it forward. Rinse each part under running water until most soil is gone, and use a soft small brush for anything stuck on. Check the tub floor under the filter for glass, bones or labels.
Refit until each part locks and never run without them
ReversibleReinstall the lower filter and then the upper assembly so both lock. Whirlpool says not to operate the dishwasher without the filters properly installed, since debris then reaches the pump and spray arms.
Verify before escalating
ReversibleReinstall firmly, rotate the spray arms and run a short empty rinse while checking drainage and leaks.
Whirlpool filter system
How the two-part filter comes apart and how often to clean it
Whirlpool's published procedure is a useful reference because most filter systems follow the same two-part pattern; confirm yours in the manual.
- Interval
- Whirlpool says to clean the filter once a month, particularly with frequent use, and every two weeks for a large family or a dishwasher run daily.
- Two filters
- The system has an upper filter assembly and a lower filter at the bottom of the tub. The upper filter comes out with a quarter turn counterclockwise and a lift; the lower filter is grasped and pulled forward.
- Signs it is due
- Dirty dishes, unpleasant odors, visible debris on the filter, a drop in cleaning performance or gritty dishes.
- What not to use
- Use running water and, for stubborn particles, a small brush such as an old toothbrush. Whirlpool says not to use a wire brush or a scouring pad because they can damage the filter, and not to run the dishwasher without the filters properly installed.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Do not reach into hidden blades, the pump or wiring, and wear gloves in case there is broken glass in the sump.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions about “Clean a dishwasher filter and sump safely”
How often should I clean the dishwasher filter?+
About once a month is common advice, and more often if you do not rinse plates or often see grit on the dishes.
What happens if the filter is left dirty?+
The dishes may come out gritty, the machine may smell, and the drain can become slow.
Can I put the filter in the dishwasher to clean it?+
Some makers say to clean it by hand. Follow your manual, and use a soft brush and not a hard pad.
Is there a filter in every dishwasher?+
Most have one. Some use a food grinder instead, so check your manual.
How do I know the filter, not the pump, is the problem?+
Whirlpool lists dirty dishes, odors, visible debris on the filter, reduced cleaning and gritty dishes as signs the filter needs cleaning. If those clear after a clean, the filter was the cause.
Can I use a wire brush on a stubborn spot?+
No. Whirlpool says not to use a wire brush or scouring pad because they may damage the filters. Use an old toothbrush and running water.
Is it safe to run a cycle without the filter for a quick wash?+
Whirlpool says not to operate the dishwasher without the filters properly installed. Without them food debris circulates and can block the pump and spray arms.
Which parts of the dishwasher filter are safe to remove?+
Only the parts the manual shows as removable, usually a cylindrical filter and a flat mesh screen. Do not force parts that do not twist or lift out, and do not run without them refitted.
What should I use to clean the filter?+
Warm water and a soft brush or sponge. Avoid harsh scrapers that bend the mesh, since a distorted screen lets debris through to the pump.
How do I know it is refitted correctly?+
The pieces should sit flat and lock with a slight click or twist. A loose filter can cause noise, poor cleaning or leaks, so check it after every clean.