How to clean a dishwasher filter

In short

Take out the lower basket, twist and lift the filter unit out of the base, separate it, and rinse every part under the tap with a soft brush. Wipe food out of the sump, refit the filter so it locks, and check the spray arms turn freely. Wear gloves: broken glass collects in the filter area.

How often

Check the filters regularly and whenever dishes come out dirty or water is left in the base. AEG also suggests a dishwasher cleaner at least every two months; Bosch suggests a maintenance wash every 4 to 6 months.

Step by step

Stop and call an engineer instead if:
  • The next step would mean removing a cover or panel, or working on the pump, valves, heater, motor, door lock or wiring. That is a job for a qualified engineer.
  • The code or problem comes back after you’ve done the safe checks on this page.

Clean the dishwasher filters

Before you start
  • Switch off and unplug the appliance at the wall socket before you touch hoses, filters or the back of the machine. Make sure your hands and the plug area are dry.
  • Wear protective gloves. Broken glass and sharp debris can collect in the filter and pump area, and it is hard to see.
Dishwasher filter assembly Twist to unlock, lift out Coarse filter Flat fine filter sits flat in the base Wear gloves: glass collects here. Refit until it locks.
Dishwasher filter assembly. Positions vary by model — check your manual.
  1. Take out the lower basket.
  2. Twist and lift the filter unit out of the base of the tub, then separate the parts as your manual shows.
  3. Rinse every part under running water. Use a soft brush for stubborn debris and nothing abrasive.
  4. Wipe food remains out of the sump area around the filter opening.
  5. Refit the filters so they lie flat and lock in position. On many models arrows line up when they are locked.

Don’t run the dishwasher without the filters fitted.

Check the spray arms turn and aren’t blocked

Before you start
  • Switch off and unplug the appliance at the wall socket before you touch hoses, filters or the back of the machine. Make sure your hands and the plug area are dry.
  1. With the dishwasher switched off, turn each spray arm by hand. It should spin freely without hitting plates, pans or utensils.
  2. Look at the nozzle holes. Clear food or limescale with a cocktail stick or tweezers.
  3. If your manual shows how to remove the spray arms, rinse them through under the tap and refit them firmly.

Run a dishwasher maintenance wash

  1. Clean the filters first.
  2. Run an empty hot programme with a dishwasher cleaner, or your machine’s care programme if it has one. Follow the cleaner’s instructions.
  3. Wipe the door seal and door edge, where the wash water doesn’t reach.

Problems this helps with

Sources

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We write every page in our own words from manufacturer guidance and check it against the sources above. If your manual says something different, follow your manual. How we check.