Boost Your Dishwasher's Performance With A Cleaning Task That Takes One Minute

Dishwashers can be a real time and energy saver. As they handle your dirty utensils and cookware, you're free to attend to other tasks. So when your machine doesn't function as efficiently as it should, that's a big problem. Dishes come out cloudy after a cycle, they still have food particles on them, or maybe there's a disturbing, funky smell coming from the machine. All these are signs of an underperforming dishwasher. But before you drain your wallet by planning expensive repairs, buying replacement parts, or getting a new dishwasher altogether, there's a simple fix you should try that'll cost you zero dollars and only about one minute of your time: cleaning your dishwasher's filter.

For the uninitiated, yes, dishwashers have a filter located at the bottom of the machine under the lower rack. The filter may be a tiny component of your machine, but it's critical for its proper functioning. This sieve-like element is the dishwasher's food trap, because it's responsible for filtering out dirty water during cleaning cycles and preventing clogging in the drain system. At the same time, it traps the dirt and prevents it from being redeposited on the utensils. So, a soiled or clogged filter is the most likely culprit if your dishwasher isn't performing optimally, and the solution is simply cleaning it.

When it's time to clean your dishwasher filter, first detach it from the machine. Every dishwasher model is slightly different, so refer to the owner's manual for specific instructions. However, for most machines, you'll need to remove the lower rack. Then, move the bottom spray arm out of the way to access the filter at the bottom of the machine. Give it a counter-clockwise turn, and pull it out. You'll notice how murky, slimy, and dirty it is if you've never cleaned it or it's been a long time since you last did.

Dishwasher filters can be made of only one cylindrical part or have a second flat part. If yours has two, separate them before cleaning. Then, do a quick rinse under running tap water to remove loose dirt. Reconnect the two parts, reinstall the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, and you're all set. For tough grime, use warm soapy water and a soft brush, such as an old toothbrush, to scrub it out. Once clean, air-dry the filter or wipe with a microfiber cloth, if the manufacturer calls for it. Now, when you load the machine and run a cleaning cycle, you'll be glad to note that the utensils and dishes come out sparkling clean with no cloudiness or particles. Make it a routine to wash the filter at least once or twice every month to maintain this efficiency level and make your dishwasher last longer.