It is common for dishwasher owners to neglect cleaning their dishwasher’s parts including the filter. However, cleaning the filter has very many benefits, and neglecting to clean it will cause a variety of problems. If your dishes are coming out dirty after a wash cycle then you definitely need to clean your filters. The good news is that cleaning the Kitchenaid dishwasher filter is very easy. We advise that you do this often for the maximum efficiency of your machine. You can locate your filters using your owner's manual. The filters for the Kitchenaid dishwasher are found at the bottom of the appliance.
Why do you need to clean your Kitchenaid dishwasher?
There are several reasons why you need to clean your Kitchenaid dishwasher. If the dishwasher has a bad smell or some parts have clogged and the dishwasher is not draining well, you need to be concerned.
If your dishes are coming out dirty or not sparkling clean at the end of the wash cycle then this is a sign that you need to clean your dishwasher.
Cleaning your dishwasher will save you from most of these issues. For example, cleaning your drain and filters will prevent your dishwasher from clogging in these parts. Your dishwasher will be able to drain water very well and this will also save you from the bad smell.
Kitchenaid Dishwasher Water Filter
The filter is the part of the dishwasher that prevents large food particles from going into the drain and clogging the dishwasher. Therefore, a clean filter is very useful to you.
You can access the Kitchenaid dishwasher water filter by following your user manual. The entire filter contains two parts; the upper cylindrical filter and the fine mesh lower filter.
To remove the round filter, you have to turn it anticlockwise until something clicks and you pull it out. The lower filter is easy to remove too. After removing the filters, the next step is to clean them very well.
How to clean your Kitchenaid dishwasher filter
After locating and removing the dishwasher’s filters, the next step is to clean them.
New models of dishwashers no longer have the self-cleaning function. This was removed because it used to make dishwashers extremely loud. Just like the sound your garbage disposal makes.
While cleaning the filters, you should be careful not to use very harsh tools that can damage the filter, for example, a brush with very hard wire bristles.
This kind of damage can mean that your dishwasher won’t be able to filter food particles. This will lead to clogging of the drain and the drain hose.
You should use a soft brush or a sponge to clean the filters with hot water and soap.
It is advised that you use hot running water to clean the filters until all the food particles and grease have gone off.
If the food particles or grease are being stubborn, soak the filters in white distilled vinegar overnight.
After cleaning the filters, rinse them very well and put them back into the dishwasher. Put back the lower filter first and then the cylindrical filter. Put it in and twist it in a clockwise manner until you hear it get locked.
When to wash and how to schedule your cleaning
There is no right schedule to be followed in order to clean your Kitchenaid dishwasher’s filter.
Your cleaning schedule will be determined by how often you use your dishwasher.
Your cleaning schedule might also depend on whether you scrape the food off your dishes before you put them in the dishwasher.
If you use your Kitchenaid dishwasher every day, you will have to clean the filter at least once a month.
You have to monitor your dishwasher and check how often you need to clean the filter. Everyone uses their unit differently so there is no right schedule.
If you realize the dishes come out dirty after two weeks of using your dishwasher, then you know that you have to clean the filter every two weeks.
Other cleanings you need in the Kitchenaid dishwasher
Besides cleaning your Kitchenaid dishwasher’s filter, you need to clean other parts of the unit for it to function properly.
The drain hose is part of these components that need to be cleaned. If the hose is clogged, the dishwasher won’t be able to drain. You can clear out the drain hose with a long strong wire like a clothes hanger that has been straightened.
You also need to make sure your garbage disposal is not clogged. Check it out and remove any foreign substances that have entered there.
Pull out the lower rack to reveal the spray arm. It’s easy to remove. Clean water outlets of the spray arms.
Asking for professional help
If you have followed this guide on how to clean your Kitchenaid dishwasher filter and dishes are still coming out dirty, there could be a bigger problem.
If you have also tried to remove the filters from the dishwasher and you have failed, you need to seek the help of a qualified technician. Otherwise, you might end up breaking parts of your dishwasher.
Your Kitchenaid dishwasher’s user manual is very important in such situations, but if you have failed to access it or your model number, you can reach out to a qualified technician.
Conclusion
Cleaning your dishwasher is part of the maintenance needed to keep it running efficiently. This includes cleaning important parts like the dishwasher’s filter.
All you have to do is look for the filters using your user manual. Locate the filters, remove them and clean them carefully to make sure there are no food particles or grease stuck on them.
The frequency of your maintenance will depend on how often you use your Kitchenaid dishwasher.
Don’t forget to clean the other parts of the dishwasher including the drain hose and the spray arms.
If you fail to clean your dishwasher effectively, please seek guidance from a qualified technician.
