Where the filter is and why it needs cleaning

Your KitchenAid dishwasher has a filter at the bottom of the tub that traps food particles and debris so they don't recirculate onto your dishes. Over time, this filter collects a layer of gunk—bits of food, grease, and mineral deposits—that reduces water flow and can leave spots and film on your dishes. Cleaning it takes about five minutes and requires no tools.

The filter sits in the lower spray arm housing, which is the cylindrical or basket-shaped component at the very bottom center of the tub. You'll see it when you open the door and look down. Most KitchenAid models have a two-part filter: an upper cylindrical screen and a lower basket-style filter underneath it.

Key Takeaways

  • The filter is located at the bottom center of the tub and should be cleaned every two to four weeks, depending on how often you run the dishwasher.
  • Remove the upper cylindrical filter by twisting it counterclockwise; the lower basket filter lifts straight out once the upper filter is gone.
  • Rinse both filters under warm running water and use a soft brush or old toothbrush to scrub away stuck-on food and mineral buildup.
  • Never use a dishwasher or soak filters in bleach, as this can damage the plastic and rubber seals.
  • Reinstall the lower basket first, then twist the upper filter clockwise until it sits flush with the tub floor.

How to remove the filters

Start with an empty dishwasher. Open the door and look at the bottom of the tub. You'll see the upper filter—a tall cylindrical screen that looks like a small cage or perforated tube. Grasp it firmly and turn it counterclockwise (to the left) about a quarter turn. It should come free in your hand. Set it aside on a clean towel.

Once the upper filter is out, you'll see the lower filter basket sitting in the same opening. This is usually a flat, rectangular or circular basket with a mesh or perforated bottom. Lift it straight up and out. Some models have a small handle or tab on one side to help you grip it. If it feels stuck, wiggle it gently side to side as you pull—it should come free without force.

Rinsing and scrubbing the filters

Hold each filter under warm running water from your kitchen sink. Let the water flow through the mesh and perforations to flush out loose food particles. For the upper cylindrical filter, run water both inside and outside the screen. For the lower basket, make sure water flows through the bottom mesh.

Use a soft brush—an old toothbrush works well—to gently scrub away stubborn food bits and mineral deposits. Pay special attention to the corners and seams where debris collects. If you see white or cloudy buildup (mineral scale), soak both filters in equal parts white vinegar and warm water for 15 to 20 minutes, then scrub again and rinse thoroughly. Never put the filters in the dishwasher itself or use bleach, as both can damage the plastic and rubber seals.

Checking the filter housing for debris

While the filters are out, take a moment to look at the opening where they sit. Use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe around the inside of the housing and remove any loose food or slime that may have accumulated on the walls. This step prevents debris from getting trapped between the filter and the housing, which can reduce water flow.

If you see a lot of buildup or a foul smell coming from the opening, the spray arm or drain line may also need attention. That's a separate task, but it's a sign your dishwasher needs more thorough cleaning overall.

Reinstalling the filters correctly

Place the lower basket filter back into the opening first. It should sit flat on the bottom of the tub. Then lower the upper cylindrical filter into the same opening, aligning it so the tabs or notches on the filter line up with the slots in the housing. Turn it clockwise (to the right) until it stops. You should feel a slight resistance, and the top of the filter should sit flush with or just below the tub floor. Do not force it—if it won't turn, lift it out and check that the tabs are aligned correctly.

Once both filters are in place, close the door and run a short rinse cycle to make sure everything is seated properly and water flows normally. If you hear unusual sounds or see water leaking from the filter area, stop the cycle, open the door, and check that the upper filter is twisted all the way in.

How often to clean the filter

If you run your dishwasher once or twice a week, clean the filter every two to four weeks. If you run it daily, clean it weekly. The best sign that it's time is when you notice spots, film, or a dull finish on your dishes after a cycle—that usually means the filter is clogged and water isn't rinsing properly.

Some people set a calendar reminder on their phone. Others clean the filter whenever they unload the dishwasher on a certain day of the week. Either way, it's one of the easiest maintenance tasks you can do to keep your KitchenAid running well and your dishes coming out clean.

Troubleshooting filter problems

If the upper filter won't turn or feels stuck, do not force it. Stop, let the dishwasher sit for a few minutes, and try again. If it's truly stuck, soak the whole assembly in warm water for 10 minutes to soften any mineral buildup, then try turning it gently. If the filter still won't budge after soaking, you may have a mechanical issue and should contact a KitchenAid service technician.

If water leaks from around the filter after you reinstall it, the most common cause is that the upper filter is not twisted in far enough. Remove it, check that the tabs are aligned, and twist it clockwise until you feel it seat fully. If leaking continues after that, the rubber seal on the filter may be worn or damaged, and the filter will need to be replaced. KitchenAid sells replacement filter kits that include both the upper and lower filters and are inexpensive to order online or through an appliance parts supplier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a dishwasher cleaner instead of cleaning the filter by hand?

A dishwasher cleaner (like Affresh or Finish) can help dissolve mineral buildup inside the tub and spray arms, but it won't remove the food particles and debris trapped in the filter itself. You still need to remove and rinse the filter by hand. Running a cleaner cycle after you've cleaned the filter is a good idea if your water is hard or you notice mineral scale.

What if I can't get the upper filter to twist out?

The filter may be stuck due to mineral deposits or food debris wedged between the filter and housing. Try soaking the entire filter assembly in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes, then gently wiggle and turn it. If it still won't budge, stop and contact a KitchenAid technician rather than risk breaking the filter or damaging the housing.

Do I need to replace the filter, or just clean it?

Filters are designed to be cleaned and reused many times. You only need to replace them if the plastic cracks, the mesh tears, or the rubber seals become hard and no longer fit snugly. Most filters last several years with regular cleaning. Replacement filters are available from KitchenAid or appliance parts suppliers if yours does wear out.

Why does my dishwasher still have spots on dishes after I cleaned the filter?

A clogged filter is one cause, but spots can also come from hard water mineral deposits, a clogged spray arm, or low rinse aid. If you've cleaned the filter and spots persist, check that your rinse aid dispenser is full and set to the right level for your water hardness. You may also need to run a dishwasher cleaning cycle to clear mineral buildup elsewhere in the machine.