Most newer dishwashers have a filter you clean by hand. It sits under the bottom spray arm. Twist it out, rinse it under warm water, scrub it gently with a soft brush, and lock it back in place. Many makers suggest doing this about once a month.
Why the Filter Matters
Older dishwashers had a grinder that chopped up food. Many newer, quieter models use a filter instead, and that filter needs cleaning. When it clogs, dirty water cannot drain, and food bits end up back on your dishes.
Signs Your Filter Needs Cleaning
- Dishes come out with grit or a cloudy film
- A sour or musty smell when you open the door
- Water left in the bottom after a cycle
- Food bits stuck to glasses on the top rack
How to Clean It in 6 Steps
While You Are In There
- Poke a toothpick into the spray arm holes to clear any blocked ones.
- Wipe the rubber door gasket with a damp cloth.
- Look under the sink and make sure the drain hose is not kinked.
- Run the hot water at your sink before you start the dishwasher, so it fills with hot water.
- Keep the rinse aid dispenser full for better drying.
What If Water Still Will Not Drain?
If the filter is clean and water still sits in the tub, the problem is further down the drain path.
| What you notice | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Water stays after cleaning the filter | Clogged drain hose or worn drain pump |
| A humming sound but no draining | Something stuck in the drain pump |
| Problem started after a new disposal | The disposal knockout plug was never removed |
| An error code on the display | A drain or leak fault, like the E24 or E25 codes on many Bosch models |
| Water on the floor | Worn door gasket or a loose hose |
How to Load for Cleaner Dishes
A clean filter works best when water can reach every dish. A few loading habits make a big difference:
- Scrape food into the trash, but you do not need to rinse every plate. Many makers say a light scrape is enough.
- Face the dirty side of plates and bowls toward the center, where the spray is strongest.
- Keep tall pans and cutting boards from blocking the spray arms.
- Do not crowd glasses on the top rack. Space lets water and air move between them.
- Spin the spray arms by hand before you start, to make sure nothing stops them.
Habits That Keep the Filter Cleaner Longer
When to Call for Repair
If cleaning the filter does not fix the problem, call us for dishwasher repair. If your dishwasher drains into a disposal, a clogged garbage disposal can also be the cause. We repair every major brand, including Bosch and KitchenAid.
We repair dishwashers from all major brands, including Bosch, KitchenAid, GE, and Miele. Our technicians come to homes in East Brunswick and nearby towns like Helmetta, Monroe Township, New Brunswick, Sayreville, Edison, and Piscataway. See all service areas or how to reach us. For more tips, browse all our appliance repair guides.