Most soils and residue can be removed by simply rinsing the filter with warm water. For more challenging food particles, soak the filter in warm water for a few minutes. You can use an old toothbrush or a sponge to gently scrub away calcium deposits or stuck-on pieces of food.
A dishwasher filter traps food particles, debris, and other residues during the cleaning cycle. Found at the bottom of the dishwasher tub, this small part helps maintain the dishwasher's efficiency and hygiene.
Put a glass filled up with 1 cup of white vinegar inside the dishwasher facing upwards and run a normal cycle with no dishes. The white vinegar will overfill slowly as the cycle goes on and will clean out the dishwasher from any build up.
A mixture of equal parts baking soda and vinegar may unclog dishwasher drains. Pour the solution into the basket at the bottom and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, pour hot water down the basket and run the rinse cycle.
Baking Soda & Salt – Pour equal parts of each down your drain, let it sit 20-30 minutes, then follow it up with hot water. Vinegar, Salt, & Lemon – Mix equal parts of salt and vinegar in a bowl, add a half part of lemon juice, then pour the mixture down your drain.
Clean the drain
Since it is common for debris to get stuck in the dishwasher drain, try cleaning it with a solution of equal parts baking soda and vinegar. Pour the baking soda and vinegar into the bottom of the dishwasher and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then run a rinse cycle at the highest heat setting.
All dishwashers have a filter, however not all of them require regular maintenance. The location, type and instructions about how to keep the dishwasher clean may vary depending on the make and model of the appliance. Be sure to consult your product manual before removing and cleaning the filter.
Most manufacturers recommend you clean it once a month. If your pre-rinse and scrub dishes, once a year should do. Cleaning a filter once a month takes less time, water, and soap, than pre-rinsing and scrubbing hundreds of loads of dishes. So I choose to clean mine monthly.
“The combined discharge from a dishwasher and a one- or two-compartment sink, with or without a food-waste disposer, shall be served by a trap of not less than 1½ inches (38 mm) in outside diameter.
Attempt a natural fix – you could pour a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar into the standing water at the bottom of your dishwasher, then leave it for about 20 minutes. If the mixture has started draining, rinse it with some hot water and run the dishwasher's rinse cycle.
It is typical for a small amount of standing water to remain in the filter area of your dishwasher as it helps to keep the seals in that area from drying up. Occasionally, a dishwasher may have standing water remaining if the cycle has been interrupted before the draining process has been completed.
To access your dishwasher filter, remove your lower dish rack to expose the bottom of your dishwasher. The filter can be found in either a back corner of the dishwasher tub or around the base of the bottom spray arm. Many dishwasher filters are composed of two parts: an upper and lower filter assembly.
Signs you should be cleaning your filter more
Visible build-up of food in the filter. Water not draining properly. Nasty and unpleasant odours.
White distilled vinegar is an acid with a pH of around 2 to 3. In comparison, sulfuric acid -- which destroys many substances it comes in contact with -- has a pH of around 1. So, be aware that vinegar can break down the rubber gaskets and hoses in your dishwasher, leading to costly damage.
Never mix the vinegar and baking soda in the same cleaning cycle. Although it won't ruin your machine, the two ingredients will foam and may leave you with a mess to clean up.
Allowing the baking soda and vinegar mixture to sit in the drain for an extended period, such as overnight, can improve its effectiveness. The prolonged contact with the clog helps break down the build-up more thoroughly, making it easier to flush away with hot water the following morning.
Loosen clogs by running hot water down the drain for two to three minutes. Pour 1/2 a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 a cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain and let the cleaning solution sit for 15 to 20 minutes.