The filter in the dishwasher is one element that must be kept spotless in particular. In this article, we’ll give you simple, practical step-by-step methods for removing the used Whirlpool dishwasher filter.
You can take the filter out of the dishwasher once you’ve located it and have a straightforward way to get to it. To do this, grasp the filter and turn it a quarter of a clockwise before lifting it straight up.
How To Remove Dishwasher Filter
Find The Filter
Simply pull out the bottom dish rack to inspect the dishwasher’s base, where most of the filters are located. There are dishwashers with a sole filter and those with two. You most likely have two filters if one has a mesh cover over a larger filter beneath it. It’s not a big deal as it simply means you’ll need to clean two different pieces.
Remove Filter Component
Most filters are removed with just a quarter twist and a strong pull. If your filter is double, after removing the first section, the second one should just lift out. Depending on how scummy your dishwasher has become, you might want to put on gloves for this task.
Cleaning Or Replacing Your Dishwasher Filter
Filter Rinsing
Most of the garbage will be removed from your filter by giving it a thorough rinse under a faucet. Check your filter for any perforations or other problems as you work to ensure that there are none. Replace your filter if you see any of them.
Wash Your Filter
Then, lightly scrub your filter using a towel or a scrub brush with soft bristles. You risk ripping or damaging your filter if you brush it too vigorously. Hot water and drops of liquid soap should properly clean the filter’s surfaces. Once you’re done, make sure to properly rinse the soap away.
Dry The Filter
Place the filter on a cloth to dry; you don’t need to worry if it is scorched before reusing it; just slightly dry it to stop it from spilling onto the floor. Put the filter back in the dishwasher.
In the same manner, you took it out and placed it in the dishwasher. Your dishwasher should run smoothly and smell excellent as long as you clean the filter regularly. A two-part filter should be correctly twisted into place, and each portion should be set correctly.
Why Should I Clean or Replace My Dishwasher Filter?
What’s worse than starting a wash-off dish and finding that it is still dirty when the cycle is finished. It’s probably past due to washing your dishwasher filter if your dishwasher is somewhat more effective than usual if food residue is being left on the dishes, or when the water appears to be dirty. So that food waste doesn’t end up back on your words, wiping your filter will ensure that it is thoroughly drained down the drain.
With routine care, most dishwasher filters can last a good five years, so you won’t need to replace them for a while. When a filter begins to show obvious signs of wear and tear or cleaning the filter itself is insufficient to restore the dishwasher’s effectiveness, you should start considering replacing it.
Fixing a Dishwasher That Isn’t Draining
When a Whirlpool dishwasher doesn’t drain, clogs and broken parts are typically blamed. We’ll outline the best way to identify the cause of drainage issues and whether a do-it-yourself fix or expert repair is required.
Clogged Dishwasher Filter
A blocked filter is typically the reason why your dishwasher won’t empty. Above the drain unit, the dishwasher’s filter collects food scraps and other waste to keep the pump from getting clogged. But when the filter is blocked, water cannot flow in to be pumped and flushed away; therefore, puddles are left behind. Dishes won’t be cleaned as thoroughly by your dishwasher, leaving behind leftovers and residue.
- Cleaning a Whirlpool dishwasher filter will enhance draining if you do the following:
- Locate the filter by taking out the bottom dish rack. The majority are in the tub’s back corner or beneath the bottom spray arm.
- To remove it along with the lower filter, twist the upper filter in the opposite direction and raise it up.
- Using a soft-bristle brush and dish soap, detach and wash both filters under running water to eliminate any lingering dirt.
- In order to replace the lower filter, align it with the filter housing’s tabs. The lower filter should be inserted into the opening of the upper filter, then rotated clockwise till it stays in position.
Damaged Drain Valve
Throughout the wash cycle, the drain valve actuates, letting water drain from the dishwasher through the drain pump. A malfunctioning valve that is stuck in the closed position may be the cause of the dishwasher’s water not draining. The valve may develop debris buildup that stops it from effectively opening and closing.
Most drain valves are close to the motor, behind the dishwasher’s front kickplate. Examine the valve and clear it of any debris that can be seen that might be affecting its operation.
Suppose the valve passes multimeter inspection with a lack of consistency. In that case, it needs to be replaced if your Whirlpool dishwasher is still not emptying.
Failure of the Drain Pump
If the parts mentioned above perform correctly, a malfunctioning Whirlpool dishwasher drain pump may cause any problems. Used dishwashing water is flushed out of the basin into the drain hose by a pump that uses impellers driven by an electrical motor. A specialist should restore the pump assembly if the impellers fail or the pump motor fails consistency testing utilizing a voltmeter.
Clogged Drain
A Whirlpool dishwasher that won’t drain may also have a clogged drain pipe as the cause. Due to obstructions like trash and food particles, water may go back into the dishwasher following emptying. The used dishwasher water is moved from the drain pump towards the sink or waste disposal drain via this thin, flexible hose.
You’ll typically find drain hose obstructions in the dishwasher drain pump, sink drain, or garbage disposal. To learn how to remove the hose from these locations on your particular dishwasher model, consult your user manual. Use tweezers, pliers, or a bent wire hanger to gently remove any apparent obstructions. The drain pipe needs to be changed if the obstacle is not accessible.
Can I Wash Dishwasher Filter By Hand?
You should hand-wash the dishwasher filter in the kitchen sink. It could only require a quick spray from your kitchen faucet if it’s reasonably clean. Let it soak in warm, soapy water if it’s filthy or caked with food debris. To remove all food residue and buildup, carefully scrub the filter’s interior and exterior using a gentle brush. Steer clear of using wire brushes or aggressive cleaning methods that could harm delicate dishwashing filters. After cleaning, give the filter a good water rinse.
What Happens If I Don’t Clean The Dishwasher Filter?
Food particles from your dishes could accumulate in the dishwasher filter if you don’t clean it, resulting in unclean water, unhygienic conditions, an unpleasant odor, and a less effective cleaning cycle. You could ruin the filter and perhaps even the entire machine if the situation worsens and the filter becomes clogged with more food and filth.
You’ll have to wash your filtration system more frequently than if you wash your dishes before loading the dishwasher if you don’t drain them first. Before loading your dishes into the dishwasher, it’s a good idea to consider rinsing and scrubbing them.
How To Make My Dishwasher Less Gross?
Prior to anything else, rinse your dishes. According to experts, it’s yet another little thing that counts. They advised doing so even if your dishwasher detergent claims to be able to blast through food. Yes, it can remove the food from your plate, but the issue lies in what is left behind. All that bacteria, food, and other substances in the filter cause odors.
More Tips On Caring For Dishwasher
Anytime the dishwasher isn’t in use, leave the door open. We suggests keeping the door slightly cracked so it hasn’t been pressed shut. Wide-open is best because doing so is a disaster waiting to happen. This enables any moisture left behind dry by allowing the dishwasher to air out. I usually keep the dishwasher door just a little bit ajar, even when traveling, to ensure that nothing foul may fester. After all, having an unkempt dishwasher is the last thing you want to find when you get home.
Final Thoughts
Even if it might not seem like the perfect way to spend a weekend or evening, cleaning your dishwasher is necessary to preserve the durability of your appliance. This process shouldn’t take as long as one might anticipate if they follow our straightforward recommendations on cleaning and maintaining their dishwasher filter, which are provided above. Please feel free to add any additional queries or advice in the section below if you have any.