Has this ever happened to you that you opened your dishwasher expecting pristinely cleaned dishes, only to find spots, film or something that brings out the emotion of ‘ew’ out – bits of wet food still stuck on the plates? Unfortunately, a lot of us have experienced that. But calling your mom, and thinking your dishwasher is broken, it’s time you know something. Clean your dishwasher’s filter.
We know your thoughts -“Dishwashers have filters!?” Yeah, they sure do! Learning how to clean dishwasher filters might just be the solution you and your dishwasher need.
Clean Dishwasher Filter: A Need
A dishwasher filter is utilised in the same way that washer and dryer filters are. This is a tiny basket of mesh that is plugged in for your dishes so that the food waste gets stuck there without coming back to the dishes or jamming the drain. But, in the case of a full filter, that trapped food has no place to escape. Therefore, they go back to your plates and glasses which makes them dirty again.
Regular cleaning of your dishwasher filter is super easy. It will also make sure that the dishwasher is in good working condition. A clean filter is important.
- Clean Dishes: If the filter is clean, your dishwasher can rinse away any remaining food.
- More Powerful: A clean filter will help your dishwasher clean the dishes in a better way. It will also use less energy and water.
- No Smells: A blocked filter means there is stuck rotten food. Your dishwasher would start to have a really bad smell.
- They Live Longer: Regular cleaning stops clogs and prevents buildup. This means you will also have fewer repairs and replacements!
When to Clean that Dishwasher Filter?
You should clean the dishwasher filter every month. But, sometimes we don’t get enough time. So you can clean it every two months or so. But some situations need you to clean the dishwasher filter more often:
- You run your dishwasher daily.
- You load your dishes without scraping them first.
- There are spots or film on your ‘clean’ dishes.
- Your dishwasher has a bad smell.
How to Clean Dishwasher Filter in Minutes
Time to give your dishwasher the love, care and cleanliness that it needs. A simple guide that does not need any engineering degree!
What You’ll Need:
- Dish soap (the same kind you use for handwashing)
- A soft brush (an old toothbrush works great)
- A clean cloth or paper towels
- 5 minutes of your time
Step 1: Find That Filter
First things first – let’s locate your filter. To do that, open the dishwasher and remove the bottom rack. Look at the back corner of the tub. Do you see that cylindrical plastic piece? That’s your filter! In most models, it twists out counterclockwise like you are opening a jar. Some dishwashers also have two pieces, so don’t be surprised if you find a second filter underneath.
Step 2: Clean It
Head to your sink and:
- Rinse off the loose waste.
- Give it a gentle scrub with warm, soapy water.
- Pay attention to the mesh parts. Gunk loves to play hide and seek there.
- Rinse until the water runs clear.
Quick Tip: Skip all the heavy scrubbing tools! Your filter’s mesh is delicate. If you damage it, you will have to replace it.
Step 3: Put It Back
Just pop it back in and twist it clockwise until it clicks. That’s all. Easy, right?
Related: Repair or Replace Your Appliance? Expert Tips to Help You Decide
Extra Tips That Help in Keeping The Dishwasher Happy
Maintain your dishwasher by doing regular maintenance. With it, you can use these extra tips to keep things running smoother:
- Scrape your plates before loading them. (But don’t pre-wash. Modern dishwashers actually need some dirt to work better.)
- Run hot water in your kitchen sink before starting the dishwasher.
- Load items facing the centre where the spray arms are.
- Check your filter more often if you notice these signs:
- Dishes are feeling gritty after washing.
- Water is pooling at the bottom of your dishwasher.
- Food particles on your ‘clean’ dishes.
- Bad smell when you open the door.
Conclusion
Just take out five minutes every month to clean the dishwasher filter. This is the easiest way to keep your dishes clean and your dishwasher in better shape. It is like one of those tiny habits that improve your life.
Just remember, a clan dishwasher filter means:
- Cleaner dishes (duh!)
- Lower utility bills (because your dishwasher is not working overtime)
- A long-lasting appliance (no costly repairs and replacements)
If there is something wrong with your dishwasher, then call up that professional! Barton Appliance Repair will bring the right solutions for all your dishwasher problems.
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