To clean a KitchenAid dishwasher filter, take out the filter, rinse in soapy water, scrub gently, then lock it back in place before the next wash.
A clogged filter can make a quiet KitchenAid dishwasher start to smell, leave grit on glasses, and push you back to handwashing. A simple cleaning habit keeps water flowing, protects the pump, and helps each cycle finish with clear, streak free dishes.
This guide walks you through cleaning filter in kitchenaid dishwasher step by step, from finding the parts to putting them back in the right order, plus easy ways to prevent clogs.
Why A Clean Filter Helps Your Kitchenaid Dishwasher
The filter sits at the bottom of the tub and catches food scraps so they do not recirculate onto your plates. Over time, grease, seeds, and soft pasta build up on the mesh and plastic housing. When the mesh is packed, water flow drops and wash performance slides.
Dirty filters can cause cloudy glassware, bits of food stuck on bowls, and a sour smell when you open the door. In heavy cases, a blocked filter strains the pump and may trigger error codes or loud grinding sounds during the wash.
KitchenAid explains that regular filter cleaning helps maintain wash performance and protects the triple filtration system that keeps fine particles away from the pump and spray arms in their official filter care guidance. A few minutes at the sink once or twice a month is usually enough.
How Often To Clean The Filter On Your Kitchenaid Dishwasher
The right schedule depends on how many loads you run and whether you scrape or rinse dishes first. If you have a large family or run the machine daily, you will need more frequent filter care than someone who runs one light load each weekend.
KitchenAid suggests cleaning the dishwasher filter about once a month with regular use, and every couple of weeks for heavy loads or homes that skip pre scraping based on their maintenance recommendations. Use the table below as a quick reference and adjust if dishes come out dirty or you notice odor between cleanings.
| Loads Per Week | Pre Scraping Habit | Suggested Filter Cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – 3 | Rinsed And Scraped | Every 6 – 12 Months |
| 1 – 3 | Scraped Only | Every 3 – 6 Months |
| 1 – 3 | No Rinsing Or Scraping | Every 2 Months |
| 4 – 7 | Rinsed And Scraped | Every 6 Months |
| 4 – 7 | Scraped Only | Every 3 Months |
| 4 – 7 | No Rinsing Or Scraping | Every Month |
| 8 – 12 | Any Habit | Every 2 Weeks |
If you notice a sour smell, gritty dishes, or visible debris on the mesh before the date in the table, clean the filter early. If dishes stay spotless, you may be able to stretch the interval a little while staying within KitchenAid advice.
Finding And Removing The Filter Assembly
Most KitchenAid dishwashers use a triple filter system with an upper filter assembly and a lower filter. Both parts sit under the lower spray arm on the floor of the tub. You will see a round or oval plastic cover with a mesh tube in the center.
Before you start, turn off the dishwasher at the control panel and open the door fully. Slide out the bottom rack so you have clear space to reach the sump area. Make sure the spray arm is cool and not running from a recent cycle.
Locate The Upper Filter Assembly
Look for a cylindrical mesh piece that locks into the base with a small handle or arrows that show a lock and open symbol. This is the upper filter assembly. It catches fine food particles and keeps them away from the wash pump.
To release it, grip the handle and turn the upper filter assembly a quarter turn counterclockwise until it stops. Once it feels loose, lift it straight up and out of the opening. Set it in the sink so you do not drop it on the tub floor.
Remove The Lower Filter
The lower filter sits under the upper piece and covers the sump opening. Its job is to block larger items such as fruit pits, bones, or broken glass from reaching the pump. This part usually looks like a flat, curved screen with a round center.
Reach into the circular opening, lift the lower filter slightly at the back, and pull it toward you. It should slide out with gentle pressure. If it feels stuck, check that the upper filter assembly is fully removed and nothing is wedged around the edges.
Step By Step Guide To Cleaning Filter In Kitchenaid Dishwasher Safely
Now that both filters are out, you can give them a thorough clean at the sink. The goal is to remove grease film, food pulp, and any hard deposits without scratching the mesh or plastic frame.
Gather Simple Cleaning Supplies
You do not need harsh chemicals for this job. A few basic items from your kitchen will handle most buildup.
- Soft sponge or dishcloth
- Old soft toothbrush or small nylon brush
- Warm water and mild dish soap
- White vinegar for hard water film, if needed
- Clean towel or drying rack
Rinse Away Loose Debris
Start with the upper filter assembly. Hold it under a medium stream of warm water and rotate it while the spray passes through the mesh. Most loose food bits will wash away. Pay attention to the inside of the filter tube, where seeds and soft pasta like to cling.
Scrub Stuck On Grease And Hard Deposits
If you see a greasy film or white scale on the filters, add a few drops of dish soap to your sponge and work it into a lather. Wipe both sides of the mesh and plastic frame, using small circular motions. For stubborn spots or hard water film, soak the filters for ten to fifteen minutes in a basin filled with warm water and a splash of vinegar, then rinse well.
Inspect For Damage Before Reinstalling
After rinsing, place the filters on a towel and look closely at the mesh and frame. You are checking for holes, cracks, warping, or a bent rim that might prevent a tight seal. Minor discoloration from age is normal, but any tear in the mesh can let debris into the pump.
If you spot clear damage, order a replacement filter that matches your KitchenAid model number. Do not run the dishwasher with a missing or broken filter, since that can lead to pump damage and costly repairs.
Putting The Filters Back In Correctly
Correct reassembly is just as important as cleaning. A filter that drops into the opening but does not lock in place can float up, rattle, or allow debris to bypass the screen.
Reinstall The Lower Filter
Slide the lower filter back into the sump opening, making sure the curved edge follows the shape of the tub floor. The round center should sit flat over the drain hole. Press down gently so the filter lays flush without gaps or rocking.
If your model uses tabs or grooves, line them up so the filter clicks into place. A loose lower filter can allow large objects to slip into the pump area or make noise when water sprays against it.
Lock The Upper Filter Assembly
Next, insert the upper filter assembly into the center of the lower filter. Fit the bottom of the cylinder into the hole, then turn it clockwise until the arrows on the top point to the locked symbol. You should feel it stop firmly.
Test the fit by trying to turn the upper filter assembly gently in both directions. If it spins freely, it is not locked. Turn it farther until it stops. Never run a cycle with the upper filter assembly loose or removed.
Cleaning The Interior While The Filter Is Out
With the racks pulled out and the filter removed, this is a good time to freshen the rest of the tub. Wipe around the sump opening, the door edges, and the rubber gasket with a damp cloth. These spots often collect food sludge and soap film.
Check the lower spray arm for clogged holes. If you see food lodged in the jets, use a toothpick or soft brush to clear them, then rinse the arm under warm water. A clean spray arm and a clean filter work together to keep water pressure steady during each cycle.
Second Rinse And Quick Test Cycle
Before loading dishes again, run a short rinse or quick wash cycle with the dishwasher empty. This helps flush out any stray debris that may have fallen into the sump while you were cleaning.
Listen for smooth spray arm movement and normal pump sounds. When the cycle finishes, open the door and look at the filter area. Both pieces should still sit flat and locked, with no standing water or loose food around them.
Habits That Keep Your Kitchenaid Filter Cleaner Longer
A little care each day slows down buildup and makes every future filter cleaning faster. Small adjustments to loading and prep can cut the amount of debris that reaches the sump in the first place.
| Simple Habit | What You Do | Benefit For The Filter |
|---|---|---|
| Scrape Plates | Remove large scraps into the trash | Less food settles on the mesh |
| Avoid Labels | Peel stickers off jars before washing | Stops paper from clogging the screen |
| Watch Small Items | Use baskets for lids and tiny parts | Keeps pieces from slipping into the sump |
| Choose The Right Cycle | Use heavy cycles for baked on food | Improves wash action and rinsing |
| Use Quality Detergent | Pick a detergent rated for hard water | Reduces soap film on the filter mesh |
| Monthly Deep Clean | Run a hot cycle with a dishwasher cleaner | Flushes grease from corners and sump |
| Set A Reminder | Add filter cleaning to a monthly list | Prevents surprise clogs and odors |
Some KitchenAid models use a self cleaning filter design that grinds food into smaller particles. Even with that feature, it still helps to peek at the sump a few times a year and clear any large objects caught near the filter cover.
By keeping up with cleaning filter in kitchenaid dishwasher on a simple schedule, you lower the risk of cloudy glassware, slow draining, and pump issues. The whole task often takes less than fifteen minutes once you know where every part goes, and your dishwasher rewards you with quieter cycles and reliably clean dishes.
