Where the filter is and why it matters

Your KitchenAid dishwasher has a removable filter at the bottom of the tub that traps food particles, grease, and debris so they don't recirculate onto your dishes. Over time, this filter clogs with the stuff it catches. A clogged filter makes your dishwasher work harder, leaves food residue on plates and glasses, and can eventually cause drainage problems. Cleaning it takes about five minutes and requires no tools.

The filter sits in a cylindrical housing at the lowest point inside the tub, usually toward the back or center. Most KitchenAid models have a two-part filter: an upper cylindrical screen and a lower flat or cup-shaped base. Both need to come out and be rinsed.

Key Takeaways

  • The filter is located at the bottom center or back of the tub and consists of two removable parts that twist apart.
  • You should rinse the filter under running water after every few loads, or whenever you notice food buildup on the screen.
  • A deep clean with warm soapy water and an old toothbrush removes grease and stubborn debris that plain rinsing misses.
  • If water drains slowly or pools at the bottom of the tub, a clogged filter is often the first thing to check before calling for service.

How to remove the filter

Start with an empty dishwasher. Open the door and look at the bottom of the tub. You will see a cylindrical screen standing upright in a housing. Grasp the upper part of the filter (the screen) and twist it counterclockwise about a quarter turn. It should come free in your hand.

Once the upper filter is out, you will see the lower filter sitting in the housing below. This is usually a flat or slightly curved piece. Lift it straight up and out. Some models have a lower filter that also twists; check yours by trying to turn it gently before pulling. Both pieces should come out easily—if one is stuck, do not force it, as you may crack the housing.

Rinsing and basic cleaning

Hold both filter pieces under warm running water and rinse away loose food and debris. Use your fingers or a soft brush to gently rub the screen mesh on the upper filter. Pay attention to the underside of the upper filter and the top surface of the lower filter, where grease and particles collect.

For everyday maintenance, this rinse is usually enough. Do this after every few loads, or whenever you see visible food buildup. A quick rinse keeps the filter from getting so clogged that it hardens and becomes difficult to clean later.

Deep cleaning with soap and a brush

If rinsing alone does not remove grease or stubborn residue, soak the filters in warm soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes. Use dish soap and a bowl or sink filled with water warm enough to be comfortable to touch. After soaking, use an old soft toothbrush or a small soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the mesh screen and the surfaces of both pieces.

Pay special attention to the corners and edges of the lower filter, where grease tends to pool. Scrub in circular motions and rinse thoroughly under running water until no soap remains. If you see mineral deposits or hard water buildup, soak the filters in equal parts white vinegar and warm water for 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse.

Putting the filter back in place

Make sure both filter pieces are completely dry or at least dripping wet, not soapy. Place the lower filter back into its housing first, seating it flat and level. Then insert the upper cylindrical filter into the housing above it. Twist the upper filter clockwise until it stops—you should feel a slight resistance, but do not force it. A quarter turn is usually enough to lock it in place.

Close the dishwasher door and run a short rinse cycle to make sure water drains properly and the filter is seated correctly. If water pools at the bottom or drains slowly, open the door and check that the upper filter is twisted all the way in.

Signs your filter needs attention

Water draining slowly or pooling at the bottom of the tub is the most common sign of a clogged filter. You may also notice food particles or a film on dishes after a cycle, or smell a musty odor coming from the dishwasher. Any of these means the filter needs cleaning or rinsing right away.

If you clean the filter and the problem persists, the drain line or pump may be blocked separately from the filter. In that case, you should call a KitchenAid service technician, as clearing a blocked drain line requires opening the dishwasher's internal plumbing.

How often to clean the filter

A quick rinse under running water after every two or three loads keeps the filter from getting heavily clogged. If you run your dishwasher daily or load it heavily with greasy pots and pans, rinse it more often—even after every load. A deep clean with soap and a brush is usually needed once a month, or more often if you notice grease buildup.

Some households with soft water or light use may only need a deep clean every two months. The key is to watch for visible debris and grease, and clean whenever you see it building up. A clean filter is the simplest way to keep your dishwasher running well and your dishes coming out spotless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put the filter in the dishwasher to clean it?

No. The filter is not designed to withstand the heat and pressure of a dishwasher cycle. Always hand-wash it under running water or soak it in a bowl. Putting it through the dishwasher can warp the plastic or damage the mesh screen.

What if the filter is cracked or torn?

A damaged filter cannot trap debris properly and should be replaced. Contact KitchenAid or check your model number to order a replacement filter. Running the dishwasher without a filter or with a broken one will allow food particles to clog the drain pump and cause more expensive damage.

Is there a filter I should clean above the lower filter?

Some KitchenAid models have a third upper filter or screen above the two main filters. Check your owner's manual for your specific model. If present, it usually twists out the same way as the main upper filter and should be rinsed regularly as well.

My filter is stuck and won't twist out. What should I do?

Do not force it. Soak the entire filter housing area with warm water for 10 minutes to soften any dried food or mineral deposits, then try twisting gently. If it still will not budge, stop and call a service technician rather than risk cracking the housing or filter.

How do I know if my drain is blocked separate from the filter?

Clean the filter thoroughly and run a rinse cycle. If water still pools at the bottom, the blockage is likely in the drain line or pump, not the filter. You will need a technician to inspect and clear the internal drain system.