The dishwasher is one of the kitchens most reliable and helpful appliances, but it has its quirks. One of the most common complaints from people is the dirty dishwasher filter. Even when you run a dishwasher cycle regularly, it can still get clogged up with food residue and grease, which affects the cleanliness of your dishes. In this article, we’ll share five ways to clean a dishwasher filter so you can have a cleaner dishwasher and cleaner dishes.
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Is It Necessary To Clean Dishwasher Filter?
It is necessary to clean your dishwasher filter regularly to keep your dishwasher running its best. A clogged filter can impede water flow and cause the dishwasher to not clean dishes as well as it should. Depending on the design of your dishwasher filter, there are a variety of ways to clean it.
Steps to Cleaning Dishwasher Filter
Cleaning the dishwasher filter is a necessary but often-overlooked task. The filter keeps large pieces of food out of the dishwasher and prevents them from being sprayed all over the inside of the machine. Not cleaning the filter can lead to some problems, including decreased dishwasher performance, water leaks, and even a fire. Luckily, it’s a fairly easy task to clean the dishwasher filter.
Here are five easy steps to cleaning your dishwasher filter:
Clean with Vinegar & Water
One of the easiest ways to clean a dishwasher filter is the vinegar and water mixture. Pour a gallon of hot water into the dishwasher and add 1 cup of white vinegar. Run the dishwasher on the hot water cycle and let it finish. Inspect the filter and remove any debris. If the filter is still dirty, proceed to the other methods.
Clean the Drip Tray
The drip tray catches excess water and food particles that fall off dishes during the wash cycle. Over time, this can lead to bacterial growth and unpleasant smells. Be sure to clean the drip tray at least every other week using hot water and a dishwasher-safe scrub brush. If the tray is really dirty, you can also use a little bit of dishwashing liquid.
Clean with Lemon or Lime
One of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to clean your dishwasher filter is by using lemon or lime juice. Cut a lemon or lime in half and run it through the dishwasher filter. The citric acid in the fruit will help break down any built-up grease or food particles. For extra scrubbing power, you can use a toothbrush or a small brush to help get into all the nooks and crannies. Let the filter sit in the lemon or lime juice for a few minutes, then rinse it off with cold water.
Clean with Ketchup
Pour a ketchup bottle into the dishwasher and run it on the longest, hottest cycle. The acids in the ketchup will eat away at the grime and gunk, and your dishwasher will be good as new. Just be sure to wash the ketchup off thoroughly before using it again (the last thing you want is red dishwasher water).
Clean with Citrus Peels
Citrus fruits are a great way to clean and deodorize your dishwasher. The peels’ citric acid helps break down any food or grease residue. Start by peeling the fruit and then cutting it into small pieces. Put the pieces into a bag and place them in the dishwasher on the top rack. Run a full cycle, and the dishwasher will be clean and smell fresh.
If you have a lot of build-up in the dishwasher filter, you can use a citrus peel to clean it. Just make sure to use a fresh peel for each scrubbing session to avoid cross-contamination.
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Final Thought
Your dishwasher’s interior is designed to be durable and long-lasting, but regular use takes its toll. And while the exterior may look clean, your dishwasher has a dirty side, too: The filter can get clogged with leftover food debris over time if it isn’t cleaned regularly. Not only does this make for a smelly machine that doesn’t work well anymore, but it also poses a fire hazard in itself – so don’t neglect cleaning your dishwasher’s filter!