HOW TO REMOVE, CLEAN
AND REPLACE A DISHWASHER FILTER
Cleaning a dishwasher filter is easier than you might think.
Our guide shows you how to remove, clean and reinstall your dishwasher filter in a few simple steps.
Help keep your dishwasher performing at its peak by cleaning your dishwasher filter periodically. You may need to clean your dishwasher filter when:
Soil or other objects can be seen on the Upper Filter Assembly.
Cleaning performance has dropped significantly (food remains on dishes after a cycle).
You can feel grit and grime on your dishes after they are cleaned.
HOW TO CLEAN A DISHWASHER FILTER
Follow these simple steps to clean your filter and keep your dishwasher performing at its best.
STEP 1: FIND YOUR DISHWASHER FILTER
To access the dishwasher filter, remove your lower dish rack to expose the bottom of your dishwasher. You can find the filter in a back corner of the tub bottom, or around the base of the bottom spray arm.
Some dishwashers have a triple filter system with two parts: an upper filter assembly and a lower filter.
The upper filter assembly keeps oversized items and foreign objects, along with very fine food particles, out of the pump.
The lower filter keeps food from being recirculated onto your dishes.
STEP 2: REMOVE YOUR DISHWASHER FILTER
Give the upper filter a quarter turn counterclockwise and take it out. Next, grab the lower filter, lifting it slightly, then pulling it forward to take it out as well.
Step 3: Clean your dishwasher filter
Rinsing your filter under the faucet will remove most soils and debris. If food particles don’t rinse off easily, soak the filter in warm water for a few minutes. Calcium deposits or other stuck-on bits might require gentle scrubbing with a soft brush, sponge or an old toothbrush to get clean. Do not use a wire brush or scouring pad, as they may damage the filter.
DFCM20013
DFCM20012
STEP 4: REINSTALL YOUR DISHWASHER FILTER
Once your filter is clean, reinstall it in your dishwasher.
Return your lower filter to the bottom of the dishwasher tub, locating it properly under the tabs, so that the upper filter will line up with the round opening in the tub bottom.
Place the upper filter into the opening in the top of the lower filter.
Turn the filter clockwise. You should feel it drop into position. If your filter still turns freely, it’s not seated properly, so keep turning it clockwise until it locks into place.
Avoid damaging your dishwasher by ensuring that both the lower and upper filter assemblies are returned to the locked position before running.
The arrows on your upper and lower filters don’t have to align perfectly — a filter that won't turn clockwise is locked and ready to run.
For specific information and maintenance instructions for your particular dishwasher model, consult your product manual.
REPLACING A DAMAGED DISHWASHER FILTER
If your filter is damaged or worn, it should be replaced.
Check out the Maytag replacement parts site to find the part you need. Once you have your new filter, follow the instructions above to install it in the dishwasher.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CLEAN YOUR DISHWASHER FILTER?
Removing, cleaning and reinstalling your dishwasher filter is easy and takes only a few minutes. Check out the chart below for some recommendations on how often you should clean your filter based on the number of loads you run per week and whether you rinse or scrape your dishes before loading.
Number of Loads Per Week |
If you wash before loading |
If you scrape and rinse before loading |
If you only scrape before loading1 |
If you do not scrape or rinse before loading |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1–3 |
Once per year |
Once per year |
Twice per year |
Every two months |
| 4–7 |
Once per year |
Once per year |
Twice per year |
Once per month |
| 8–12 |
Once per year |
Twice per year |
Every three months |
Every two weeks |
| 13–14 |
Once per year |
Twice per year |
Every three months |
Once per week |
WANT FILTRATION THAT NEEDS NO ROUTINE MAINTENANCE?
Select Maytag® dishwasher models feature Dual Power Filtration, an industry-first combination of 100% microfiltration and a 4-blade stainless steel chopper. It filters out then chops up any food in its path, so there's no need for routine maintenance.
MORE DISHWASHER BASICS
Find out what could be causing your dishwasher to clog and learn how to tackle it head on.
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1. Manufacturer’s recommendation
