Where the filter is and why it matters
The filter in your KitchenAid dishwasher sits at the bottom of the tub, usually under the lower spray arm. It traps food particles and debris so they don't recirculate onto your dishes. A clogged filter makes your dishwasher less effective at cleaning and can cause water to drain slowly or not at all.
Most KitchenAid models have a cylindrical filter that you can remove by hand. Some have a fine mesh screen above it. Both need regular cleaning — roughly once a month if you run the dishwasher several times a week, or every few months if you use it less often. The exact schedule depends on how much food residue ends up in the tub.
Key Takeaways
- The filter sits at the bottom center of the tub and pulls out by twisting counterclockwise or lifting straight up, depending on your model.
- Rinse the filter under running water and use a soft brush or old toothbrush to remove trapped food and mineral buildup.
- If the filter is stained or smells, soak it in hot water with white vinegar for 15 to 30 minutes before scrubbing.
- Check the filter housing (the cup it sits in) for debris and wipe it clean with a damp cloth before replacing the filter.
- A clean filter takes five to ten minutes and prevents drainage problems and poor wash performance.
How to remove the filter from your KitchenAid
Start with an empty dishwasher. Open the door and look at the bottom center of the tub. You will see a cylindrical or barrel-shaped filter, usually white or gray plastic. Some models have a fine mesh screen sitting on top of it.
If there is a mesh screen, lift it straight up and set it aside. Then grip the main filter with both hands. Most KitchenAid filters twist counterclockwise (turn left) to unlock, then lift out. A few models pull straight up without twisting. If it does not budge after a quarter turn, try lifting instead — forcing it can crack the plastic.
Once the filter is out, look into the housing (the cup-shaped space where it sat). You will likely see standing water, food bits, or sludge. This is normal and part of why the filter needs cleaning.
Cleaning the filter itself
Hold the filter under warm running water and rinse both the outside and inside. Use your fingers or a soft brush to loosen trapped food. An old toothbrush works well for the ridged surfaces. Rinse until the water runs clear.
If the filter is stained, discolored, or smells sour, soak it in a bowl of hot water mixed with white vinegar (one part vinegar to two parts water) for 15 to 30 minutes. This dissolves mineral deposits and odor-causing buildup. After soaking, scrub gently with the brush and rinse thoroughly under running water.
Do not use a dishwasher, bleach, or abrasive scrubbers on the filter. The plastic can warp or crack in the dishwasher heat, and harsh chemicals can damage the material. A soft brush and vinegar are all you need.
Cleaning the filter housing and mesh screen
While the main filter soaks or dries, clean the housing. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe out the cup where the filter sits. Remove any food particles, grease, or mineral scale. If debris is stuck, use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to gently dislodge it.
If your model has a fine mesh screen, rinse it under running water and scrub it gently with a soft brush. The mesh can clog with fine particles that the main filter does not catch. Soak it in vinegar water if it is stained or smells.
Pay attention to the drain opening at the bottom of the housing. Make sure it is not blocked. If water pools in the housing after you run a cycle, the drain may be clogged — use a straightened paperclip or a plumbing snake to clear it gently.
Putting the filter back and testing it
Once the filter and housing are clean and dry, insert the filter back into the housing. If your model twists to lock, align the filter so the tabs match the slots, then turn clockwise (right) until it stops. Do not force it — it should lock with gentle pressure. If your model pulls straight up, straightforward lower the filter into place until it sits flush.
Replace the mesh screen on top if your model has one. Close the dishwasher door and run a short cycle (rinse only or a quick wash) to check for leaks. If water leaks from the bottom, the filter may not be seated correctly — open the door, remove the filter, and try again.
Signs your filter needs when ready attention
If your KitchenAid drains slowly, leaves food on dishes, or smells musty, the filter is likely clogged. A slow drain is the most common sign — water sits in the tub after the cycle ends instead of draining away. This happens when food and mineral buildup block the filter or the drain opening.
If you see standing water in the housing after a cycle, the drain is blocked. Remove the filter and use a straightened paperclip or small plumbing snake to clear the opening. If the drain is clear but water still pools, the filter may not be seating correctly — remove it, clean the housing again, and reinstall it.
Musty or sour smells mean bacteria and mold are growing in trapped food and moisture. Soak the filter in vinegar water for 30 minutes, scrub it thoroughly, and clean the housing. Run a hot cycle with the dishwasher empty after reassembly to flush out odors.
How often to clean and when to replace
Clean the filter once a month if you run the dishwasher three or more times a week. If you use it once or twice a week, every two to three months is usually enough. The schedule depends on how much food ends up in the tub — rinsing dishes before loading them reduces buildup and extends the time between cleanings.
A filter typically lasts three to five years with regular cleaning. If it cracks, warps, or no longer fits snugly in the housing, it needs replacement. KitchenAid sells replacement filters through their website and through appliance parts retailers. The part number is usually printed on the filter itself or in your user manual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run the dishwasher without the filter?
No. The filter prevents food particles from clogging the drain and spray arms. Running the dishwasher without it will damage the pump and drainage system. Always reinstall the filter before running a cycle, even if you are still cleaning it.
What if the filter is stuck and won't come out?
Do not force it — you can crack the plastic or break the locking tabs. Try soaking the filter in hot water for a few minutes to soften any mineral deposits, then gently twist again. If it still will not budge, consult your user manual or contact KitchenAid support for your specific model number.
Is it normal for water to sit in the filter housing?
A small amount of water in the housing is normal and drains during the cycle. If water pools and does not drain after the cycle ends, the drain opening is blocked. Remove the filter and use a straightened paperclip to clear debris from the drain hole at the bottom of the housing.
Can I soak the filter in the dishwasher with hot water and vinegar?
No. Soaking it in the dishwasher tub can damage the filter and leave vinegar residue in the machine. Soak it in a separate bowl or sink instead. This also lets you see the water change color as the buildup dissolves.
Why does my filter smell bad even after cleaning?
Odors come from bacteria and mold growing in trapped food. Soak the filter in vinegar water for 30 minutes, scrub it thoroughly, and let it air dry completely before reinstalling. After reassembly, run a hot cycle with the dishwasher empty to flush out remaining odors from the tub.