You want your dishwasher to work great every time, right? But sometimes, your Whirlpool dishwasher might not clean dishes well or smell funny. The main reason is often the filter being dirty. Cleaning your dishwasher filter is very important. It helps your dishwasher stay fresh and clean your dishes better. I know it might seem tricky, but don’t worry! I’ll guide you step by step, using easy words and simple ideas so you can do it yourself without any trouble.
Understanding Your Whirlpool Dishwasher Filter and Why Cleaning It Matters
When you open your dishwasher, you might not think much about the filter, but this little part does a big job. The filter catches food bits and dirt from your dishes so they don’t go back into the water. Over time, this filter gets full of tiny pieces of food, grease, and even hard water minerals. If it stays dirty for too long, your dishwasher won’t wash your plates properly. You might see spots, or your dishwasher may smell bad. Sometimes, water doesn’t drain well either.
What Is a Dishwasher Filter?
The dishwasher filter is a small part, usually at the bottom inside your dishwasher. It looks like a small screen or mesh that traps bits of food. There are two types of filters in many Whirlpool dishwashers:
- Manual Filter: You clean this one yourself. It stops big food pieces from clogging the drain.
- Self-Cleaning Filter: It cleans itself by grinding food bits into small pieces, but it still needs some care now and then.
Most Whirlpool dishwashers have a manual filter or a combination, so cleaning it is important to keep things working well.
Why Should You Clean Your Dishwasher Filter?
If you never clean the filter, it can cause many problems:
- Your dishes won’t be clean and can have food stuck on them.
- The dishwasher can smell bad because of old food trapped inside.
- Water won’t drain properly, causing puddles in the bottom.
- Your dishwasher parts can wear out faster, leading to costly repairs.
- It can even cause the dishwasher to stop working.
Cleaning the filter is simple and keeps your dishwasher running smoothly for years. Doing this every month or two is a smart way to protect your kitchen helper.
Tools You Need Before Cleaning
You don’t need many things to clean the filter:
- A soft brush or old toothbrush
- Warm water
- Mild dish soap
- A towel or cloth to dry the parts
Now, you’re ready to learn how to clean your Whirlpool dishwasher filter step by step.
How to Remove and Clean the Whirlpool Dishwasher Filter Step by Step
Cleaning your dishwasher filter is not hard, but it’s important to do it carefully. Follow these easy steps to get your filter clean and your dishwasher working like new.
Step 1: Get Ready and Turn Off the Dishwasher
Before you start, make sure your dishwasher is completely off. You don’t want it to start running while you’re cleaning. Also, open the dishwasher door fully and pull out the bottom rack so you can reach the filter easily.
Step 2: Locate the Filter at the Bottom
Look at the bottom of your dishwasher inside. You will see a round or rectangular part in the middle or near the back. This is the filter cover. Sometimes, it has a handle or small tabs you can twist or lift.
Step 3: Remove the Filter
Most Whirlpool dishwasher filters twist out. Hold the filter and turn it counterclockwise (to the left). It should come out easily. If your dishwasher has two parts (a mesh filter and a main filter), take both out carefully.
Step 4: Check the Filter for Food and Dirt
Look closely at the filter. You might see bits of food, grease, or sticky stuff stuck inside. This is what causes problems, so you want to clean it well.
Step 5: Wash the Filter with Warm Soapy Water
Fill your sink or a large bowl with warm water and add a little dish soap. Put the filter in the water and use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently scrub away dirt and food pieces. Don’t use anything hard or sharp because the filter can break.
If there is grease or sticky stuff, soak the filter for 10-15 minutes to loosen it before scrubbing. After scrubbing, rinse the filter under running water until it looks clean and no soap is left.
Step 6: Clean the Filter Area Inside the Dishwasher
While the filter is out, check inside the dishwasher where the filter was. Wipe around the area with a damp cloth to remove any food pieces or dirt stuck inside.
Step 7: Put the Filter Back in Place
Once the filter is clean and dry, put it back where it belongs. Twist it clockwise (to the right) until it locks firmly in place. Make sure it’s secure but don’t force it.
Step 8: Replace the Bottom Rack and Close the Door
Put the bottom rack back into the dishwasher. Close the door and you are done with cleaning the filter!
Extra Tips for Best Results
- Clean your dishwasher filter every 1-2 months, or more often if you use your dishwasher daily.
- Avoid putting large food scraps into the dishwasher. Rinse plates lightly to reduce filter clogging.
- Use a dishwasher cleaner every few months to keep the whole machine fresh.
- Check your dishwasher manual if you are not sure where the filter is or how to remove it safely.
Troubleshooting and Maintaining Your Whirlpool Dishwasher Filter
Cleaning the filter is great, but sometimes problems happen even after cleaning. Here are some common issues and how you can fix or avoid them to keep your dishwasher working perfectly.
Why Is My Dishwasher Still Smelling Bad After Cleaning the Filter?
If your dishwasher still smells bad after cleaning the filter, there might be food stuck in other places like the spray arms or drain. You can remove and clean the spray arms by twisting them off and rinsing. Also, check the drain hose for clogs. Running a cycle with white vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner helps kill odors and clean inside parts.
Why Is Water Not Draining Well?
If water stays at the bottom after a wash, the filter might still have bits of food blocking water flow. Make sure it is clean and placed properly. Also, check the drain hose for blockages. Sometimes, the drain pump could be faulty and may need professional help.
How to Keep the Filter Clean Longer?
Try to scrape off big food pieces from plates before putting them in the dishwasher. Use the dishwasher regularly because long gaps between uses can cause build-up. Running hot water in the kitchen sink before starting the dishwasher can help the dishwasher fill with hot water and clean better.
How Often Should You Replace the Filter?
Most Whirlpool filters last many years with regular cleaning. If the filter gets damaged, torn, or very worn, you should replace it. Replacement filters are easy to buy online or at home appliance stores. Check your dishwasher model to get the right filter.
What If I Don’t Clean the Filter?
Not cleaning the filter will cause your dishwasher to work poorly and can cause damage to the motor or pump. It will cost you more money to fix or replace parts. Regular cleaning is an easy way to avoid these problems.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your Whirlpool dishwasher filter is one of the easiest ways to keep your dishes clean and your dishwasher working well. It may seem like a small task, but it makes a big difference. Doing this every month or two keeps bad smells away and stops water problems. With just a few simple steps and some basic tools, you can do it yourself quickly. Taking care of your dishwasher filter means fewer repairs, longer life for your machine, and cleaner plates for your family. Remember, a clean filter is a happy dishwasher!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it necessary to clean the dishwasher filter every time I use the dishwasher?
It is not needed to clean the filter after every use, but doing it every month or two is a good idea. Cleaning too often isn’t harmful but might be extra work. Most people clean the filter regularly to keep it working well. If you use your dishwasher a lot or wash very dirty dishes, cleaning more often helps keep things fresh. A clean filter means no bad smells and dishes that come out sparkling.
Can I use vinegar or other household items to clean the filter?
Yes, you can use vinegar to help clean your dishwasher filter. Vinegar helps break down grease and food stuck on the filter. Soak the filter in a bowl with warm water and vinegar for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing. Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach as these can damage the filter. Using mild soap and vinegar is safe and works well to keep your dishwasher clean.
Do I need any special tools to clean the Whirlpool dishwasher filter?
No special tools are needed. A soft brush or an old toothbrush works perfectly to scrub the filter clean. Warm water and mild dish soap are enough to remove dirt and food. Avoid hard brushes or metal tools because they can damage the filter. Using simple household items makes cleaning easy and safe for your dishwasher parts.
Is it okay to run the dishwasher without a filter?
No, it is not safe to run your dishwasher without the filter. The filter catches food bits that can clog the drain or damage the pump. Running the dishwasher without the filter can cause serious damage and lead to expensive repairs. Always put the filter back in place before using your dishwasher.
Can a dirty dishwasher filter cause my dishwasher to stop working?
Yes, a dirty filter can cause your dishwasher to stop working properly. When the filter is clogged, water cannot drain or circulate well. This can make the dishwasher shut down or show error messages. Cleaning the filter often helps prevent these problems and keeps your dishwasher running smoothly.
Do I need to clean other parts of the dishwasher besides the filter?
Yes, cleaning the filter is very important, but you should also clean other parts like the spray arms, door seals, and drain area. Food bits can get stuck in these places too, causing bad smells or poor cleaning. Running a dishwasher cleaner once every few months helps keep the whole machine fresh and working well.
Is it easy to find replacement filters for Whirlpool dishwashers?
Yes, Whirlpool dishwasher filters are easy to find online or at appliance stores. You need to know your dishwasher model number to get the correct filter. Replacing an old or damaged filter is simple and usually doesn’t cost much. Keeping a spare filter on hand is a good idea if you clean your dishwasher often.
Can cleaning the dishwasher filter improve the smell inside the dishwasher?
Yes, cleaning the filter often helps remove trapped food and grease that cause bad smells. When the filter is dirty, old food pieces start to rot and make your dishwasher smell bad. Regular cleaning keeps your dishwasher smelling fresh and your dishes clean and shiny.
