How to unblock a dishwasher filter?

Author: Brandy Mosciski  |  Last update: Saturday, January 31, 2026

How to Clean Your Dishwasher Filter
  1. Locate the Dishwasher Filter. The Spruce / Cristina Tudor. ...
  2. Remove the Filter. The Spruce / Cristina Tudor. ...
  3. Mix Hot Water and Dishwashing Liquid. The Spruce / Cristina Tudor. ...
  4. Soak and Scrub the Filter. The Spruce / Cristina Tudor. ...
  5. Rinse Well. ...
  6. Wipe Down the Filter Housing. ...
  7. Reinstall the Filter.

How do you unclog a dishwasher filter?

Clean the filter under warm water to remove loose particles. If it's stained or has stuck-on debris, you can use mild dish soap and a brush or sponge to gently scrub the mesh filter for a thorough clean. This helps remove stubborn food particles and can even help get rid of hard water stains.

How do you unblock a clogged dishwasher?

Use a DIY mixture of equal parts baking soda and vinegar to unclog the drain. Pour the solution into the basket at the bottom. Let it sit for 15 minutes. Finish by pouring hot water down the basket and running the rinse cycle.

Why is there standing water in my dishwasher filter?

It is normal for there to be a small amount of standing water in the dishwasher filter area (about half way up to the top of the filter area). You may notice this water when you remove your dishwasher filters for regular cleaning. The water is there to keep the seals in that area from drying up.

How to get rid of standing water in the dishwasher?

Try vinegar and baking soda

Mix together about one cup each of baking soda and vinegar and pour the mixture into the standing water at the bottom of the dishwasher. Leave for about 20 minutes. If the water is draining or starting to drain at that time, rinse with hot water and then run the dishwasher's rinse cycle.

How To Fix a Dishwasher That Won't Drain

Why is my dishwasher filter not draining?

The most likely cause of dishwasher drainage concerns is a dirty filter. Tough food particles like popcorn kernels or wet chunks of paper from container labels can get caught in the filter and keep water from draining out of your dishwasher. Make sure the overflowing isn't caused by using dish soap in the dishwasher.

Can I run my dishwasher without the filter?

reduce the performance level of the appliance and damage dishes and utensils. Note: Never run the dishwasher without the filters in place.

How do you get a stuck filter out of a Whirlpool dishwasher?

If the Water Filter is Stuck:
  1. Ensure the compartment door is open completely. Depending on how the shelves are arranged, you may need to remove the shelf that is located just below the water filter compartment.
  2. Turn the filter counterclockwise, to the left, and pull it straight out.

How do you manually unlock a dishwasher?

To LOCK/UNLOCK the dishwasher control, depending on the model, press and hold the Cycle pad, or the Dry/Dry Boost and Steam pads simultaneously for 3 seconds. The Lock Controls light will turn on to indicate the control is locked and will turn off to indicate the control is unlocked.

Will vinegar unclog a dishwasher?

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.

What is best to unclog dishwasher?

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.

How do I clear my dishwasher blockage?

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.

How do you clean a dishwasher that doesn't have a removable filter?

No removable filter? No problem. You can still clean your dishwasher—you just need to use dishwasher cleaning tablets. They're "quite effective," says Maker, whose own dishwasher doesn't have a removable filter.

Will a dishwasher leak if the filter is clogged?

A clogged filter can also be the cause of a leaky dishwasher. The filter's purpose is to trap food particles before the drain catches them. But if the filter is too full, water will overflow and start coming out from the bottom of your machine. What to do: A good rule of thumb is to clean your filter frequently.

How to unlock a dishwasher filter?

Many dishwasher filters are composed of two parts: an upper and lower filter assembly. Give the upper filter a quarter turn clockwise and take it out. Then, gently lift and pull the lower filter forward to remove it.

What happens if dishwasher filter is clogged?

Water not draining properly. Nasty and unpleasant odours. Visible food stains or remnants left on dishes, glassware and cutlery after the cycle. Food stuck in the sprayer arm.

Do all dishwashers have a filter that needs to be cleaned?

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.

Can I run an empty dishwasher to clean it?

Yes, you can run an empty dishwasher to clean it, and doing so is actually recommended as a regular maintenance practice.

How do I force my dishwasher to drain?

Press and hold the cancel button for at least three seconds—or the amount indicated—to activate the draining mechanism. Once the drainage sound completes, and your dishwasher shuts off, check the inside of the unit for standing water.

How do I get rid of standing water in the bottom of my dishwasher?

Remove Any Standing Water

Empty your dishwasher for a full, unobstructed view. Take out the bottom rack. Remove the excess water with a cup or soak it up with towels or a turkey baster and sponge. You can also use or a wet/dry shop vac to suction it all out.

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