Where is The Filter on a Whirlpool Dishwasher? Find It Easily!

You want your Whirlpool dishwasher to work well, but sometimes it doesn’t clean dishes properly. One common problem is a dirty or clogged filter. You may wonder, where is the filter on a Whirlpool dishwasher? The filter is usually found at the bottom inside the dishwasher, near the spray arm. Cleaning or checking this filter can help your dishwasher work better and last longer. In this article, you will learn exactly where to find the filter and how to take care of it.

Look Inside the Bottom of Your Whirlpool Dishwasher

When you open your Whirlpool dishwasher, the filter is at the very bottom, under the lower rack. You need to pull out the bottom rack to see the dishwasher floor clearly. The filter is often round or cylindrical and may have a small handle or twist-off lid.

It usually sits under the spray arm, the part that sprays water on your dishes. This spot is the best place for the filter because it catches food scraps and stops them from blocking the drain.

Filters can be made of plastic or metal mesh and may have different parts you can remove for cleaning. Whirlpool uses mainly two types of filters: a fine mesh filter and a coarse filter. Both help keep your dishwasher’s water clean and your dishes spotless. If the filter is clogged with food, your dishwasher may smell bad, or the water won’t drain properly.

To check the filter, first remove the bottom rack. Look carefully at the bottom center of the dishwasher tub. You should see a round part with small holes or mesh. This is the filter cover. You can gently twist or lift it up to remove it. Inside, you might find smaller parts that you can clean under running water. Be careful not to break any parts as you remove the filter.

Open dishwasher door and pull out the bottom rack.
Find the round filter near the spray arm at the bottom.
Twist or lift the filter cover carefully.
Remove small parts inside the filter for cleaning.
Rinse the filter under running water to remove food scraps.

Understand Why The Filter Is Important For Your Dishwasher

The filter is very important because it catches all the food and dirt that come off your dishes. Without a clean filter, these tiny bits of food can go back onto your dishes or block the dishwasher drain. A dirty filter can make your dishwasher work poorly and smell bad. If you never clean the filter, water may not drain and the dishwasher could stop working.

Whirlpool dishwashers are designed to use filters to keep the water clean during every wash. The filter catches hard-to-see bits like crumbs, small bones, or seeds. These bits can cause your dishwasher to clog or break if not cleaned. The filter helps protect the pump and the pipes inside the dishwasher. It also helps your dishwasher use water more efficiently.

Many people forget about the filter, but cleaning it regularly keeps your dishwasher running like new. If your dishes are not coming out clean, or you see dirty water at the bottom, it’s time to check the filter. A clean filter helps save money because your dishwasher will not have to work harder or use more energy.

You can clean the filter once a month or more often if you use your dishwasher a lot. It is a simple job that anyone can do and takes just a few minutes. The filter will last a long time if you take care of it properly.

Filter catches food scraps and dirt from dishes.
Keeps dishwasher water clean and prevents bad smells.
Protects dishwasher parts like the pump and pipes.
Regular cleaning helps dishes come out clean.
Saves energy and keeps dishwasher working well.
Clean filter once a month or more if needed.

How To Remove The Filter Without Damage

Removing the filter from your Whirlpool dishwasher is easy, but you must be careful. You don’t want to break or lose any parts. First, open the dishwasher door and pull out the bottom rack to have full space to work. Look for the round filter near the spray arm. Usually, the filter cover twists counterclockwise to unlock it. Don’t force it too hard; if it does not turn easily, check for clips or locks.

After twisting, lift the filter straight up. Inside, you may find a smaller mesh filter or a cylinder that also comes out. Keep all parts together so nothing gets lost. Avoid using sharp tools to remove the filter because you can break it.

If you have trouble removing the filter, check your dishwasher’s manual. Whirlpool usually gives pictures and instructions. Sometimes you can find the manual online by searching your dishwasher model number. Watching a short video online can also help.

Once the filter is out, place it in the sink for cleaning. If you find food stuck, gently use a soft brush or cloth to remove it. Don’t use anything hard or metal because it may damage the filter holes. You can rinse the filter under warm running water until it is clean.

Open dishwasher and remove bottom rack.
Twist the round filter cover counterclockwise.
Lift the filter and any smaller parts carefully.
Keep all parts together to avoid losing anything.
Use soft brush or cloth to clean the filter gently.
Check the manual or online videos if stuck.

Clean The Filter Properly To Make Your Dishwasher Better

Cleaning the filter is very important for your Whirlpool dishwasher to work well. After removing the filter, wash it with warm water to remove all the food and dirt stuck in it. Use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the filter gently. Pay attention to the mesh parts or holes where food can get trapped.

If there is grease or oily dirt, you can add a little dish soap while washing. Make sure to rinse the filter well after using soap so no soap stays inside. Avoid harsh chemicals or scrubbing pads that can damage the filter. A clean filter helps the dishwasher drain water faster and cleans dishes better.

Sometimes, you may also want to clean the dishwasher drain area where the filter sits. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to wipe any dirt or food bits. This helps keep the whole dishwasher fresh and stops bad smells.

After cleaning, dry the filter with a clean cloth or let it air dry before putting it back. Putting a wet filter back is okay, but drying it can prevent mold or mildew from growing.

Wash the filter with warm water.
Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to clean the mesh.
Add a small amount of dish soap for grease.
Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap.
Clean the drain area inside the dishwasher.
Dry the filter before putting it back.

Put The Filter Back Correctly In Your Whirlpool Dishwasher

After cleaning the filter, it’s important to put it back the right way. If you don’t, your dishwasher will not work properly. Find the same spot near the spray arm at the bottom of the dishwasher tub where you took it out. If the filter has smaller parts, put those back inside first.

Place the filter gently in its place and make sure it fits well. Usually, you need to twist it clockwise to lock it in place. You may hear a click or feel it tighten. Check that the filter is not loose and doesn’t move around. If it feels loose, the dishwasher may leak or not drain correctly.

Once the filter is back, put the bottom rack in and close the door. You can run a quick wash cycle to make sure everything is working fine. If your dishwasher still has trouble draining or cleaning, check the filter again or look for other problems.

Putting the filter back correctly is an easy but very important step to keep your dishwasher in good condition.

Place small parts inside the filter first.
Fit the filter in the right spot at the bottom.
Twist clockwise to lock the filter securely.
Make sure filter does not move or feel loose.
Replace bottom rack and close the door.
Run a quick cycle to check dishwasher works.

How To Know When To Check Or Clean The Filter

Knowing when to check or clean your Whirlpool dishwasher filter is key to keeping it working well. If your dishwasher is new or just cleaned, you can check the filter every few weeks or once a month. If you use your dishwasher every day, it is better to clean the filter more often, maybe every two weeks.

Signs that your filter needs cleaning include:

Dishes are not coming out clean.
There is standing water or dirty water at the bottom.
Bad smells come from the dishwasher.
Dishwasher makes strange noises during a cycle.
Water drains slowly or not at all.

If you notice any of these signs, check the filter right away. Cleaning the filter regularly prevents bigger problems like clogs or broken pumps. If you forget to clean it for a long time, food and grease build-up can damage your dishwasher parts.

To keep things easy, mark a day on your calendar to clean the filter or set a phone reminder. It only takes a few minutes but helps your dishwasher last many years. Good care means fewer repairs and better washing results.

Check or clean filter once a month or every two weeks.
Clean filter more often if dishwasher is used daily.
Watch for dirty dishes, bad smells, or standing water.
Strange noises or slow draining are warning signs.
Regular cleaning prevents damage and clogs.
Use reminders to clean filter on time.

Final Thoughts

Knowing where the filter is on your Whirlpool dishwasher and how to clean it makes a big difference. It helps your dishwasher clean dishes better and last longer. The filter is at the bottom of the dishwasher, under the spray arm. Taking out the filter carefully, cleaning it with warm water, and putting it back properly are easy steps anyone can do. Checking the filter regularly stops bad smells and keeps your dishwasher working smoothly. Taking care of this simple part saves you money and time in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it hard to find the filter on all Whirlpool dishwashers?

No, it is not hard to find the filter on most Whirlpool dishwashers. The filter is almost always at the bottom inside the dishwasher. You need to pull out the lower rack and look near the spray arm. Some models may have slightly different shapes of the filter, but the location stays the same. If you are unsure, you can check the user manual or look online for your dishwasher model. Most people find it easy once they know where to look.

Can I run my Whirlpool dishwasher without the filter?

You should not run your Whirlpool dishwasher without the filter. The filter catches food scraps and stops them from going into the drain and pump. Without the filter, food bits can clog your dishwasher or damage the pump. This can cause expensive repairs. If you accidentally run the dishwasher without the filter, check for clogs and clean the dishwasher afterward. Always use the filter for best dishwasher performance.

Do I need to clean the filter every time I use the dishwasher?

No, you do not need to clean the filter after every wash. Cleaning the filter once a month or every two weeks if you use the dishwasher often is usually enough. However, if you notice dirty water, bad smells, or dishes are not clean, check the filter sooner. Regular cleaning keeps the dishwasher running well, but daily cleaning is not necessary unless you have very heavy use.

Is it okay to use a brush to clean the dishwasher filter?

Yes, it is okay and recommended to use a soft brush to clean the dishwasher filter. A soft brush or an old toothbrush works well to remove stuck food and grease without damaging the filter. Avoid using hard or metal brushes because they can harm the filter mesh or plastic parts. Using a soft brush helps keep the filter clean and working properly.

Can I use soap or detergent to clean the filter?

You can use a small amount of dish soap to clean the dishwasher filter if it is greasy or oily. Dish soap helps break down grease and makes it easier to clean. Just be sure to rinse the filter thoroughly after washing to remove all soap. Do not use harsh chemicals or strong cleaners because they can damage the filter or dishwasher parts.

Do I have to put the filter back in a certain way?

Yes, you have to put the filter back the right way. The filter fits only one way and usually twists to lock into place. If you do not put it back correctly, your dishwasher may leak or not drain properly. Make sure the filter is tight and does not move. Check your dishwasher manual if you are unsure how to install the filter.

Is it necessary to clean the dishwasher drain area as well?

Yes, it is good to clean the dishwasher drain area where the filter sits. Food bits can build up there and cause bad smells or block water flow. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to wipe any dirt or debris from this area when you clean the filter. Keeping this area clean helps the dishwasher drain better and stay fresh.

Can a clogged filter cause dishwasher smells?

Yes, a clogged filter can cause bad smells in your dishwasher. When food scraps build up in the filter, they can rot and make a bad odor. Cleaning the filter regularly removes these bits and stops smells. If your dishwasher smells bad, checking and cleaning the filter is one of the first things to do.