Dishwasher Filter: Types, Location + When to Replace
Quick Answer: Most modern dishwashers have a removable manual filter at the bottom of the tub that needs monthly cleaning. Older models (pre-2010) often have self-cleaning filters with a built-in grinder. To find yours, remove the bottom rack and look near the base of the lower spray arm for a cylindrical piece that twists out. Ready to clean it? Head to our guide on how to clean your dishwasher filter.
Your dishwasher has a filter. If that sentence surprised you, you are in good company. Most people never think about their dishwasher filter until their dishes start coming out gritty or their machine develops a smell that no amount of rinse aid can fix.
Below we cover what the filter does, what type you have, where to find it on your specific brand, and how to tell if it needs cleaning or full replacement. If your dishwasher is not draining, the filter is one of the first things to check.
What Does a Dishwasher Filter Do?
The dishwasher filter sits at the bottom of the tub and catches food particles and grease during the wash cycle. Without it, that debris recirculates through the spray arms and redeposits on your “clean” dishes.
The filter also protects the drain pump from getting clogged. Food that bypasses a damaged or missing filter can jam the pump impeller, leading to repairs that cost $100 to $250 according to Fixr data.
American Home Shield lists a clogged filter as the first troubleshooting step for drainage failure. When the filter gets packed with food, water flow slows. That leads to standing water, slow drainage, and the smell that greets you when you open the door the next morning. A neglected filter is also a top cause of dishwasher drain smells.
Two Types of Dishwasher Filters
Every dishwasher has a filter, but they are not all the same. Knowing which type you have tells you whether any maintenance is needed.
| Feature | Manual Filter | Self-Cleaning Filter |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Removable mesh screen traps debris | Built-in grinder pulverizes food |
| Found in | Most dishwashers made after 2010 | Older models (pre-2010) |
| Noise level | Quieter operation | Louder (grinding sounds are normal) |
| Maintenance | Requires monthly manual cleaning | No manual cleaning needed |
| How to identify | Cylindrical mesh piece that twists out | No removable filter; may have a plastic grid |
| Common brands | Bosch, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Samsung, LG, GE (newer) | Older GE, Maytag, Kenmore models |
Manual filters are in the vast majority of dishwashers sold today. They use fine mesh screens to trap food particles while letting water pass through. The tradeoff: they run much quieter than self-cleaning models, but you need to pull them out and rinse them about once a month. Most have a two-part design with an upper cylinder and a lower flat mesh screen.
Self-cleaning filters (also called hard food disposers) work like a miniature garbage disposal inside the dishwasher. A small grinder pulverizes food waste so it flushes out with the drain water. These were standard until around 2010, when manufacturers switched to manual filters because customers wanted quieter machines. Some older GE, Maytag, and Kenmore models still have them. If you hear grinding during the wash cycle and cannot twist out a filter from the tub floor, you have a self-cleaning filter.
GE uses a dual-filter system on their manual-filter models: a Fine filter for larger debris and an Ultra Fine filter for smaller particles. According to GE support, 1 to 2 cups of clean water covering the bottom of the tub is normal on models without the Ultra Fine filter. Models with Ultra Fine filters may have water in the sump area, but it should not cover the entire tub bottom.
For a deeper look at how the industry shifted, Whirlpool’s filter guide covers the design differences between older and newer models.
Not sure which type you have? Remove the bottom rack and look at the tub floor. If you can twist and lift a cylindrical piece, you have a manual filter that needs regular cleaning.
Video: “How to Clean Your Dishwasher Filter” by GoCleanCo
Where to Find Your Dishwasher Filter (By Brand)
The filter location is the same on almost every machine: bottom of the tub, near the base of the lower spray arm. The differences are in how many pieces come out and how they lock in.
Remove the bottom dish rack first to give yourself a clear view of the tub floor. Here is where to look by brand:
| Brand | Filter Location | Filter Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch | Bottom center, under lower spray arm | 3-part system (micro, mesh, coarse) | Twist counterclockwise, lift out all 3 pieces |
| Whirlpool | Bottom center, under lower spray arm | Upper + lower filter | Quarter-turn counterclockwise. If yours is giving trouble, see Whirlpool dishwasher not draining |
| KitchenAid | Same as Whirlpool (same manufacturer) | Upper + lower filter | Identical removal process. KitchenAid filter instructions |
| Samsung | Bottom center | Cylindrical + mesh | Twist and lift |
| GE | Bottom center, rear area | Fine + Ultra Fine | Check both filters; 1-2 cups water at bottom is normal |
| LG | Bottom center | Cylindrical mesh | Quarter-turn removal |
| Maytag | Bottom center (newer) / self-cleaning (older) | Varies by model year | Post-2010 models have manual filters |
| Frigidaire | Bottom center, under spray arm | Cylindrical + flat screen | Twist to unlock |
| Kenmore | Varies | Depends on manufacturer | Kenmore sources from multiple brands, so check your model documentation |
On every brand, removal works the same way: twist counterclockwise about a quarter turn and lift straight up. Two-part systems require removing the upper cylinder first, then the lower flat mesh screen underneath.
When to Replace Your Dishwasher Filter (vs. Just Cleaning It)
Most filter problems are solved by cleaning. But a few signs mean the filter itself is done and needs swapping out.
Clean it when you see:
- Visible food debris or grease buildup on the mesh
- Mild discoloration from food residue
- Food particles caught in the screen openings
Replace it when you find:
- Tears or holes in the mesh (food bypasses directly to the pump)
- A warped or bent frame that will not sit flat
- Cracked plastic housing
- The filter will not lock back into place (worn twist-lock tabs)
- Odor that survives a thorough cleaning (bacteria embedded in the mesh)
A well-maintained dishwasher filter lasts 1 to 3 years. Monthly cleaning extends that lifespan. Hard water areas shorten filter life because mineral deposits degrade the mesh faster.
Replacement filters cost $15 to $40 depending on brand. Order by your dishwasher’s model number, not just the brand name. Filter designs change between model generations. A wrong fit means food debris goes straight past the filter.
Warning: Running a dishwasher without a filter risks clogging the drain pump, which costs $100 to $250 to repair. Always reinstall or replace the filter before running a cycle.
Signs Your Dishwasher Filter Needs Attention
Not sure if your filter is the problem? These symptoms point to a filter that is either clogged or damaged:
- Dishes come out gritty or filmy. Food particles are getting past the filter, or the filter is too clogged to let clean water circulate.
- Bad smell when you open the door. Trapped food in the filter decomposes in the warm, damp tub. This is also a common cause of dishwasher drain smells.
- Standing water at the bottom after a cycle. A clogged filter restricts water flow to the drain pump. If cleaning the filter does not fix this, see our guide on dishwasher not draining after cleaning filter.
- White residue or cloudy glasses. Hard water deposits can build up in the filter mesh, restricting flow and redistributing minerals.
- Visible debris through the tub floor. If you can see food particles collected around the filter area without opening it, it is overdue for cleaning.
- The dishwasher takes longer than usual to drain. Water backing up behind a clogged filter puts extra strain on the drain pump.
FAQ
Do all dishwashers have a filter that needs to be cleaned?
All dishwashers have a filter, but not all need manual cleaning. Self-cleaning filters (hard food disposers) handle debris automatically with a built-in grinder. These were common before 2010 and are still in some older GE, Maytag, and Kenmore models. Most dishwashers made after 2010 have manual filters that need cleaning about once a month. Check the bottom of your tub: if a cylindrical piece twists out, it needs manual cleaning.
How often should I replace my dishwasher filter?
Replace your dishwasher filter every 1 to 3 years, or sooner if the mesh has tears, holes, or the frame is warped. Monthly cleaning extends filter life. If cleaning does not fix odor or gritty dishes, replacement is likely needed. Replacement filters run $15 to $40 depending on brand.
Can I run my dishwasher without a filter?
Technically yes, but do not do it. Without a filter, food debris clogs the drain pump, damages spray arms, and redeposits on dishes. Running without a filter can lead to pump repairs costing $100 to $250. Always reinstall the filter or put in a replacement before starting a cycle.
What is the difference between Fine and Ultra Fine dishwasher filters?
GE dishwashers use a dual-filter system: the Fine filter catches larger debris, and the Ultra Fine filter catches smaller particles. According to GE, models with Ultra Fine filters may have water in the sump area, which is normal. Models without Ultra Fine filters typically have 1 to 2 cups of clean water covering the bottom of the tub after a cycle, and that is also normal.
Need help with the next step? Learn how to clean your dishwasher filter with our step-by-step guide, or start with the full dishwasher not draining troubleshooting walkthrough.