Using your dishwasher less isn’t necessary to dodge hefty repair bills caused by blockages.
A cleaning guru has revealed a simple technique to deep clean this grubby part using a single ingredient. And it’s one you almost certainly have in the house already.
Jake Romano, the professional plumber from John The Plumber, has advised that a mere smattering of dish soap can tackle accumulated filth and muck.
The filter is located at the base of the dishwasher, nestled below the bottom basket – a destination for waterlogged bits of food waste.
The role of this critical piece is twofold: keeping remnants off your dishes and staving off clogs in the drainage system. But it’s a task it can’t perform if it’s gummed up with debris itself.
Jake said: “Most people only clean their filters when their dishes feel dirty, or they notice food particles on their dishwasher filters.”
Thankfully, cleaning it out is a quick task. Jake suggests that the first step is to disassemble the component. It doesn’t require any tools, just rotate the handle counter-clockwise.
After extricating the filter, proceed by removing the second mesh screen and giving a good shake of the filters over a bin to dislodge any loose debris.
Next, rinse the filters under warm water and gently scrub away any stubborn food remnants. Jake cautioned against using strong chemicals or abrasive tools like “a hard brush or scrubby”, recommending a cloth as the ideal tool for removing grime.
His advice was clear: “If anything, use dish soap and a soft cleaner to wipe the matter off.” A thorough final rinse is recommended to wash away any soapy film.
While cleaning the filter is essential for maintaining your dishwasher’s performance, Jake emphasised that allowing it to dry properly is just as important.
Ensure the filter has ample time to air dry before putting it back at the bottom of the dishwasher.
Jake advised: “Check the pit you place the filters in for any large debris that may be stuck, then remove it and simply return the two filter pieces where you initially found them.”
This simple yet highly effective cleaning technique also combats odours, dirt, and organic build-up.
Regular cleaning of the filter isn’t necessary every week, but it should be carried out at least monthly, according to Jake, to “keep dishes cleaner and may prevent dishwasher issues”.
For those who frequently wash pots, pans, and other cookware in the machine, more frequent cleaning might be required.
