Alright, so your dishwasher’s been a trooper—getting all your dishes sparkling clean, right? But here’s the real kicker: we all know that over time, it gets a little gunky. And when it starts leaving food particles behind or smells funky, we’re often left wondering, “Does this dishwasher cleaner actually clean the filter?”
You’re probably not the only one asking this. After all, your dishwasher cleaner does work wonders on the interior, but what about the filter, which is supposed to catch all that debris? Is it magically getting cleaned too?
Let’s dive into this and get the answer.
The Dishwasher Filter: Why It Needs Attention
Before we go any further, let’s talk about the dishwasher filter for a second. You probably don’t think about it much when you load it up, but this little guy is essential. Its main job is to catch food particles and debris that your dishwasher’s spray arms are trying to scrub off your dishes. But when it gets clogged, guess what? Your dishwasher’s performance drops, and you start seeing dirty plates after a cycle.
Picture this: You’ve just finished a big dinner party. Everyone’s gone home, and you’re loading up the dishwasher. If the filter’s clogged with food bits from last week’s spaghetti dinner, those bits are going to get swirled around, coating your glasses and plates. Not fun, right?
Does Dishwasher Cleaner Clean the Filter? Not Really…
Okay, here’s the short and not-so-sweet answer: No, dishwasher cleaner doesn’t really clean the filter. While the cleaner can help remove grease, limescale, and other build-ups inside the dishwasher, the filter isn’t usually affected by the cleaner itself.
Why?
Dishwasher cleaners are designed to clean the inside of the dishwasher—the spray arms, interior walls, and the heating element. They help break down grease and grime that might be hiding in the nooks and crannies of your dishwasher. But filters are a different beast. They get clogged with solid food particles and other debris that a liquid cleaner simply can’t tackle.
What Can You Do to Clean the Filter?
Alright, so since your dishwasher cleaner won’t be taking care of the filter for you, here’s how you can do it yourself—and it’s actually easier than you think!
- Locate the Filter: Depending on the model, your Bosch, Whirlpool, or any other brand might have a bottom filter that’s usually easy to remove. Most filters are located at the bottom of the dishwasher, near the spray arm.
- Remove and Rinse: Take the filter out and give it a quick rinse under warm water. Use a soft brush (an old toothbrush works wonders) to scrub off any stubborn gunk stuck on the mesh.
- Clean the Filter Area: While the filter is out, take a moment to clean the area where it sits. Sometimes food bits and grime get stuck around the filter area, and giving it a quick wipe with a sponge or cloth will keep everything fresh.
- Reassemble and Run a Cycle: Once the filter is clean, pop it back in place, and you’re good to go! If you’re feeling extra, you can run a short cycle with a bit of dishwasher cleaner to freshen things up.
Extra Tips to Keep Your Dishwasher Clean and Fresh
- Use the Right Dishwasher Cleaner: You want a cleaner that’s specifically designed to clean grease, grime, and build-up inside the dishwasher. You’ll get the best results if you do this once a month.
- Don’t Overload It: It’s tempting, right? Packing your dishwasher to the brim. But overloading can prevent the water from reaching all your dishes (and your filter), which means poor cleaning results. Keep it balanced and make sure dishes aren’t blocking the spray arms.
- Rinse Before You Load: If you’re washing something particularly messy (like lasagna pans or soup bowls), give them a quick rinse before loading them into the dishwasher. This helps keep the filter from getting too clogged in the first place.
- Run Hot Water: Run your kitchen sink water on hot before starting the dishwasher. This gives your dishwasher hot water right from the start, which helps with the cleaning process.
Keep That Dishwasher Clean and Happy!
So, there you have it! No, dishwasher cleaner doesn’t clean the filter, but with a little regular maintenance, you can keep it in tip-top shape. Just clean the filter every month (or more often if you have a busy household) and follow the tips we’ve talked about to keep your dishwasher humming along.
Remember: A little effort goes a long way, and your dishwasher will reward you with clean, sparkling dishes every time.
Got any dishwasher hacks or tips? Drop them in the comments below! And hey, if you’ve found this helpful, share it with a friend whose dishwasher might be slacking. Let’s help each other out!