How to Clean a Dishwasher

This step is vital for manual-clean filters, which are common on newer machines. These filters eliminate the grinders found in self-cleaning dishwasher filters, which pulverize food scraps and send them down the drain. The manual filter is much quieter, but since its job is to trap food scraps that get washed off dishes, it means you have to clean it out from time to time.

Once every couple of months, pull out the dishwasher’s bottom rack and remove the filter system. It usually consists of several interlocking parts; there’s often a center cylinder that unscrews, allowing you to lift out the filter and take it apart. Rinse and clean the parts individually at the sink, using a sponge or the spray on your faucet; our testers also keep a small brush handy to dislodge small food scraps and grime that can clog the mesh filter material.

This is also a good time to check the spray arm for trapped food scraps. It usually lifts off its base with a gentle tug. Rinse the arm under the faucet, inspecting for clogged holes, which can be cleared with a toothpick or wooden skewer. Some spray arms have an additional hole on their underside that’s meant to shoot water into the filter, keeping it clean. Check it for clogs before reinstalling the spray arm and filter system.