How to Clean a Whirlpool Dishwasher Filter (and How Often)
Most current Whirlpool dishwashers have a two-part filter in the bottom of the tub: an upper filter assembly you twist out and a flat lower filter under it. Cleaning takes about five minutes with running water and a soft brush.
How to remove and clean it
From Whirlpool Product Help:
- Pull out the bottom rack to reach the floor of the tub.
- Turn the upper filter assembly a quarter turn counterclockwise and lift it out.
- Grasp the lower filter by its circular opening, lift it slightly and pull it forward.
- Rinse both under running water until most of the soil is gone.
- For stuck-on soil or hard-water deposits, use a soft brush. Whirlpool says not to use a wire brush or scouring pad, which can damage the filters.
- Put the lower filter back under its locating tabs, set the upper assembly into its opening, and turn it clockwise until it drops into place and locks.
Keep turning the upper assembly until it locks.
How often to clean it
Whirlpool gives two answers depending on where you look:
- Whirlpool’s help page says that as a general rule you should clean the filter once a month, especially with frequent use, and every two weeks if you have a large family or run the dishwasher daily.
- Whirlpool’s blog gives a range of every three to six months, scaled to how many loads you run and whether you scrape dishes first.
The two fit together. If you run a load most days or rarely scrape plates, monthly (or every two weeks) is right. If you run a few loads a week and scrape first, every few months is enough. Either way, these signs mean it’s time:
- Dishes come out dirty or gritty.
- The dishwasher smells.
- You can see food or objects on the filter.
- Cleaning performance has dropped.
Got a fridge with a water filter too? See how often to replace a refrigerator water filter, or find yours with the Whirlpool water filter finder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run the dishwasher without the filter?
Put it back before the next load. The filter is what traps food soil during the wash, which is why a dirty one leaves grit on dishes.
Can I put the filter in the dishwasher to clean it?
Whirlpool’s instructions are to rinse it under running water and use a soft brush if needed. Stick to that.
The filter is torn or cracked. Can I keep using it?
A damaged filter lets debris through, so replace it. Look up the replacement by your dishwasher’s model number.
Sources: Whirlpool Product Help: How to Clean the Dishwasher Filters; Whirlpool blog: fixing, removing and replacing dishwasher filters.