The filter is at the bottom of the tub, under the lower spray arm

Your KitchenAid dishwasher has a cylindrical filter assembly sitting on the floor of the wash tub, directly beneath the lower spray arm. It looks like a small cup or basket with a fine mesh screen. On most KitchenAid models, you access it by lifting the lower spray arm straight up and out, then turning the filter handle counterclockwise to unscrew it.

The filter traps food particles and debris during the wash cycle. If you don't clean it regularly, water won't drain properly, dishes won't get clean, and you may see standing water at the bottom of the tub after a cycle ends. Most manufacturers recommend checking and rinsing the filter after every few loads, or at minimum once a month.

Key Takeaways

  • The filter sits at the bottom center of the wash tub under the lower spray arm and unscrews by turning counterclockwise.
  • You should rinse the filter under running water after every few loads to prevent clogs and drainage problems.
  • Some KitchenAid models have a two-part filter system with a coarse screen on top and a fine mesh filter below it.
  • If water pools at the bottom of the tub after a cycle, a clogged filter is usually the first thing to check.

How to remove the filter on your KitchenAid

Start by opening the dishwasher door and looking at the bottom of the tub. Pull the lower spray arm straight up and toward you until it comes free. You should see the filter assembly directly underneath where the arm was mounted.

Grip the filter handle (a small knob or tab on top) and turn it counterclockwise about a quarter turn. The filter will loosen and you can lift it out. On some models, there is a coarse screen that sits on top of the fine mesh filter — if so, lift that off first. Both pieces come out together or separately depending on your model year.

Cleaning the filter properly

Hold the filter under warm running water and use a soft brush or cloth to rinse away food particles and grease. Do not use a dishwasher or put it in hot water — hand washing with lukewarm water is safest. If debris is stuck in the mesh, a soft toothbrush works well to gently dislodge it without tearing the screen.

For stubborn buildup, soak the filter in warm water with a little dish soap for 10 to 15 minutes, then brush gently. Never use a hard brush, steel wool, or abrasive cleaners — these damage the fine mesh and reduce the filter's ability to trap particles. Once clean, rinse thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear.

Reinstalling the filter after cleaning

If your model has a coarse screen, place that back into the bottom of the tub first. Then set the fine mesh filter on top of it, aligning the handle with the slot or notch in the tub. Push down gently and turn the handle clockwise until it stops — you should feel slight resistance, but do not force it.

Replace the lower spray arm by sliding it back onto its post and pushing down until it clicks or seats firmly. Run your hand around the arm to make sure it spins freely and is not blocked. Close the door and run a short cycle to confirm water drains properly and the arm rotates during the wash.

Signs your filter needs cleaning right now

Water pooling at the bottom of the tub after a cycle is the most obvious sign. You may also notice a foul smell coming from the dishwasher, dishes that feel gritty or have food residue on them, or the spray arm not rotating during a cycle. Any of these points to a clogged filter.

If you have not cleaned the filter in more than a month, or if you regularly wash heavily soiled dishes without rinsing them first, check the filter even if you do not see obvious problems. A partially clogged filter reduces cleaning performance long before water backs up visibly.

How often to check and clean the filter

The KitchenAid manual recommends checking the filter after every few loads if you wash a lot of dishes, or at least once a month for lighter use. If you rinse dishes before loading them, you can go longer between cleanings. If you load heavily soiled pots and pans without rinsing, check it every week.

Some households find a monthly schedule works best — pick the same day each month and make it part of your routine. This prevents the filter from becoming so clogged that it affects wash quality or drainage. A clean filter also extends the life of your pump and spray arm by reducing strain on the motor.

What to do if the filter is damaged or cracked

If the mesh screen has tears, holes, or cracks, the filter no longer traps particles effectively and should be replaced. You can order a replacement filter directly from KitchenAid using your model number, or from appliance parts retailers like Sears Parts Direct or AppliancePartsPros. Filters typically cost between $20 and $50 depending on your model.

To find your model number, open the door and look at the label on the inside edge of the frame, or check your purchase paperwork. Write down the full model number before ordering — KitchenAid makes different filters for different tub sizes and configurations. Installation is the same as removing the old one: unscrew counterclockwise and screw the new one in clockwise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run the dishwasher without the filter?

No. Without the filter, food particles circulate through the pump and spray arm, causing clogs and damage. Always reinstall the filter before running a cycle, even if you are just testing the dishwasher.

Why is there a smell coming from my dishwasher?

A clogged or dirty filter traps food that begins to decompose, creating odor. Clean the filter thoroughly under running water, then run a hot empty cycle with a cup of white vinegar in the bottom to freshen the tub. If the smell persists after cleaning, the drain line may also need attention.

Do I need to soak the filter overnight?

Soaking for 10 to 15 minutes in warm soapy water is usually enough. Overnight soaking is not necessary and may not improve results. A soft brush and running water remove most buildup quickly.

What if water still pools after I clean the filter?

Check that the filter is screwed in tightly and seated properly. Make sure the lower spray arm is not blocking the drain opening. If both are correct, the drain line itself may be clogged — you may need to call a service technician to clear it.