How often should you clean your dishwasher filter?

These tasks are more about efficiency, longevity, and comfort. Not a huge deal if you miss one, but it pays off over time.

Staying on schedule matters beyond the repair bill: a consistent maintenance record is one of the factors in a home's Roots Home Health Score, and well-kept homes typically sell faster and closer to asking price.

How to do it

The filter at the bottom of the tub catches food so it doesn't recirculate onto clean dishes. Once it clogs, cleaning gets worse and water can sit stagnant in the base.

1. Pull out the lower rack and twist out the cylindrical filter at the bottom of the tub.
2. Rinse it under hot water and scrub the mesh with a soft brush; pick out any stuck debris.
3. Wipe the filter well and around the sump before dropping the filter back in and locking it.
4. Run a short empty cycle if the tub smelled.

Alternatives & optional extras

• Hard-water homes get a mineral film on the filter; a soak in white vinegar loosens it.
• Older dishwashers have a self-cleaning hard-food grinder instead of a fine filter; those need cleaning far less often.

Time: 10 minutes · Typical cost: Free

If you skip it

A clogged filter recirculates food particles onto your dishes and leaves standing water that turns the tub sour.

Other dishwasher maintenance

• Inspect dishwasher supply line and drain hose — once a year
• Run dishwasher cleaning cycle — every 6 months

Related systems to keep on schedule

• Refrigerator — start with: replace refrigerator water filter, every 6 months
• Washing machine — start with: inspect washer supply hoses, every 6 months
• Dryer — start with: clean dryer vent duct, every 6 months
• Range hood — start with: degrease range hood filter, every 3 months