Remove and Rinse the Filter Every Month

Your KitchenAid dishwasher has a removable filter at the bottom of the tub that traps food particles and debris. Cleaning it takes about five minutes and should happen once a month, or more often if you run the dishwasher daily. A clogged filter makes your dishes come out cloudy or spotted and can cause water to pool at the bottom of the tub.

Start with an empty dishwasher. Open the door fully and look at the floor of the tub. You will see a cylindrical or basket-shaped filter assembly — usually made of stainless steel mesh — sitting in a well at the very bottom center. Grasp the filter firmly and twist it counterclockwise about a quarter turn, then pull straight up. It should come free without force. If it sticks, run warm water around the edge to loosen mineral deposits, then try again.

Key Takeaways

  • The filter sits at the bottom center of the tub and twists counterclockwise to remove; pull straight up once it is loose.
  • Rinse the filter under warm running water and use a soft brush or old toothbrush to scrub away trapped food and buildup.
  • Never soak the filter in bleach or run it through the dishwasher, as this can damage the mesh and seals.
  • Reinstall the filter by setting it in the well, twisting clockwise until snug, and running a rinse cycle to clear any debris left behind.

Scrub Away Food and Mineral Buildup

Hold the filter under warm running water and let the spray rinse away loose food particles. Tilt and rotate it so water flows through all sides of the mesh. For stubborn buildup or white mineral deposits, use a soft-bristled brush — an old toothbrush works perfectly — and scrub gently in a circular motion. Pay special attention to the outer mesh and the grooves where the filter seats into the well.

If the filter has a secondary fine-mesh screen (some KitchenAid models have a two-part filter), separate the two pieces by twisting or lifting, depending on your model. Rinse both parts separately. Do not use a hard brush or scouring pad, as these can tear the mesh and create gaps that let food through. If you see visible tears or holes, the filter needs replacement.

Clean the Filter Well While the Filter Is Out

While the filter is removed, take 30 seconds to clean the well it sits in. Food and debris often collect around the edges and underneath. Use a damp cloth or soft brush to wipe the inside of the well, the threads where the filter twists in, and the floor of the tub around it. This prevents particles from getting trapped and causing odors or drainage problems.

If you see standing water in the well, it usually means the filter was clogged. Once you clean the filter and reinstall it, run a rinse cycle (no dishes) to flush out any loose debris that may have settled during the wash.

Reinstall the Filter Correctly

Set the clean filter back into the well, making sure it sits flat and centered. The filter should drop in smoothly without tilting. Twist it clockwise until it stops — you will feel a slight resistance when it is snug. Do not force it or overtighten, as this can crack the plastic housing or strip the threads. A quarter to half turn past hand-tight is usually correct.

If the filter has two parts, reassemble them before reinstalling. Make sure the fine-mesh screen is seated properly inside the main filter basket. Run your finger around the rim to confirm the filter is seated evenly all the way around.

What Not to Do When Cleaning the Filter

Never put the filter in the dishwasher, even on a gentle cycle. The high water pressure and heat can warp the plastic frame and damage the mesh. Do not soak it in bleach or use harsh chemical cleaners — warm water and a soft brush are all you need. Bleach can corrode the stainless steel mesh and degrade the rubber seals that keep water from leaking around the filter.

Do not use a pressure washer or spray the filter with the kitchen faucet on high pressure. This can force debris deeper into the mesh or tear small holes. If the filter is visibly cracked, warped, or has holes larger than a pinhole, replace it rather than reinstall it — a damaged filter defeats its purpose and can let food into the pump.

When to Replace the Filter Instead of Cleaning It

A KitchenAid dishwasher filter typically lasts three to five years with regular cleaning. If you clean the filter monthly and it still looks discolored, has a permanent odor, or no longer rinses clean, replacement is the next step. You can order a replacement filter directly from KitchenAid using your model number, or find compatible filters from appliance parts retailers.

Signs that replacement is needed include visible cracks or tears in the mesh, a warped plastic frame that no longer seats flat, or a filter that no longer twists snugly into place. A loose filter allows unfiltered water to bypass the mesh, which shows up as cloudy dishes or food particles on clean plates.

Run a Rinse Cycle After Reinstalling

After you reinstall the filter, close the dishwasher door and run a rinse cycle with no dishes inside. This flushes out any loose food particles or debris that may have fallen into the tub while the filter was out. The rinse cycle takes about 15 minutes and uses only water, no detergent. It also confirms that the filter is seated correctly and water drains properly.

If water pools at the bottom after the rinse cycle, the filter may not be seated evenly or twisted in far enough. Open the door, remove the filter, and check that the well is clear of debris. Reinstall the filter, making sure it drops in straight and twists smoothly all the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean the KitchenAid dishwasher filter?

Clean the filter once a month if you run the dishwasher a few times a week, or every two weeks if you use it daily. If you notice cloudy dishes or standing water, clean it when ready regardless of the schedule.

Can I use vinegar to soak the filter and remove mineral deposits?

Yes, white vinegar is safe for the filter. Soak it in a bowl of vinegar for 15 to 30 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush and rinse under warm water. Vinegar dissolves mineral buildup without damaging the mesh or seals.

What if the filter won't twist out?

Run warm water around the edge of the filter to soften mineral deposits, wait a few minutes, and try again. If it still sticks, do not force it — you may crack the housing. Try running a hot rinse cycle first to loosen buildup, then attempt removal when the dishwasher cools.

Is it normal for the filter to have a smell?

A slight food smell is normal, but a strong or sour odor means bacteria is growing in the mesh. Soak the filter in vinegar for 30 minutes, scrub thoroughly, and rinse well. If the smell returns quickly after cleaning, the filter may need replacement.

Do I need to clean the filter if my dishes come out clean?

Yes. Even if dishes look clean, the filter is still trapping debris that can eventually clog the drain or pump. Monthly cleaning prevents problems before they start and keeps the dishwasher running efficiently.