Alright, let’s talk about something we all ignore until our dishwasher starts acting up—cleaning the filter! If you own a Maytag dishwasher (or any dishwasher, really), you might be wondering, “Do I really need to clean the filter?” The answer? Absolutely. But don’t worry—it’s not as complicated as it sounds.
Why Does the Dishwasher Filter Even Matter?
Picture this: You load up your dishwasher, press start, and expect sparkling clean dishes. But instead, you find bits of food stuck on your plates. Gross, right? That’s probably because your filter is clogged up with gunk, preventing your dishwasher from doing its job properly. Think of the filter as your dishwasher’s stomach—it needs to be cleaned out to keep things running smoothly.
How Often Should You Clean Your Maytag Dishwasher Filter?
Here’s the deal: how often you clean your filter depends on how you use your dishwasher. Let’s break it down:
- Every Month – If you’re running your dishwasher daily and loading it up with all the messy, sticky leftovers, a monthly deep clean is your best bet.
- Every 3–6 Months – If you scrape and rinse your dishes before loading them (gold star for you), then you can get away with cleaning the filter every few months.
- Once a Year – If your dishwasher doesn’t see much action and you rinse everything like a pro, a once-a-year clean should be enough.
But hey, if you ever notice a funky smell or your dishes aren’t coming out as clean as they should, take that as a sign—it’s filter-cleaning time!
How to Clean Your Maytag Dishwasher Filter Like a Pro
Alright, let’s get down to the how part. It’s easier than you think!
- Locate the Filter – Open the dishwasher and find the filter at the bottom. It’s usually a round or rectangular piece that twists or lifts out.
- Remove the Filter – Twist or lift it out gently. If it’s stuck, don’t force it! Check your Maytag manual if needed.
- Rinse It Off – Run the filter under warm water to get rid of loose debris.
- Scrub If Needed – If there’s stubborn gunk, grab a soft brush (like an old toothbrush) and scrub with some mild dish soap.
- Pop It Back In – Once it’s clean, place it back securely. Make sure it’s locked in place before running your dishwasher again.
Signs Your Filter Needs Cleaning ASAP
Still unsure if it’s time? Watch out for these signs:
- Your dishwasher smells… weird.
- Dishes come out with food stuck on them.
- The dishwasher isn’t draining properly.
- Water sits at the bottom after a cycle.
If any of these are happening, don’t wait—check that filter!
Cleaning your Maytag dishwasher filter might not be the most exciting task, but it’s definitely one that’ll keep your machine running smoothly. Plus, it only takes a few minutes! So, the next time you notice your dishwasher acting up, check the filter first. Trust me, your future self (and your dishes) will thank you!
Now, go give that filter some love!