How To Clean A Whirlpool Dishwasher Filter

Your dishwasher has a dirty little secret. It's hiding right under the bottom rack. And it's probably disgusting.

I'm talking about the filter. That humble mesh basket catches everything your plates shed: crumbs, grease, seeds, and the occasional mystery shred of spinach.

If you ignore it, your Whirlpool becomes a smelly science project. But cleaning it is weirdly fun. Let's do this.

Why Your Whirlpool Filter Matters

Think of your dishwasher filter as a tiny colander. It keeps food bits from recirculating onto your clean dishes. Without it, you're basically washing plates in old soup.

A clogged filter means gritty glasses, funky odors, and lackluster washes. It also makes your dishwasher work harder. That's bad for your ears and your energy bill.

Here's a quirky fact: some people never clean their filter for years. Their dishwasher becomes a compost bin with a door. Don't be those people.

What You'll Need

Gather a few things: rubber gloves if you're squeamish, a soft brush or old toothbrush, dish soap, warm water, and a towel.

For stubborn grease, grab white vinegar. For odors, baking soda is your friend. Skip abrasive scrubbers—they scratch the mesh and create hiding spots for gunk.

You don't need fancy tools. Your hands and a little curiosity will do. Maybe a flashlight for the deep, dark sump.

Find That Filter

Open your Whirlpool dishwasher. Pull out the bottom rack. Look at the floor of the tub.

You'll see a cylindrical filter and maybe a flat mesh screen. Most Whirlpool models have two parts: an upper filter and a lower filter. They twist apart.

Some models have just one piece. If you're unsure, check your manual. But honestly, it's usually obvious—it's the thing that looks like a tiny basket.

How To Remove And Clean Whirlpool Dishwasher Filter at Willy Booth blog

Pop It Out

Twist the upper filter counterclockwise. It should unlock with a gentle turn. Lift it straight up.

If there's a lower filter, remove that too. It might just lift out, or it might need a little twist. Don't force it—just wiggle gently.

Set the parts on a towel. Try not to drip mystery liquid on your socks. That's the worst part.

The Gross and Glorious Cleaning

Rinse the filter under warm running water. Use your soft brush to scrub away the slime. A drop of dish soap helps cut grease.

For heavy grease, soak the filter in hot soapy water for ten minutes. For funky smells, soak it in a bowl of white vinegar. The acid breaks down gunk and kills odors.

If you find a weird object, celebrate. An olive pit or a Lego? Probably just food, but it's fun to imagine.

Don't Forget the Sump Area

While the filter is out, look down into the sump. That's the dark hole where the filter sits. It collects crumbs, glass shards, and bones.

Wipe it with a damp paper towel. Use pliers for sharp bits. Never stick your bare fingers into a mystery hole—that's how you meet a broken wine glass.

This area is like the dishwasher's belly button. Keep it clean. Your future self will high-five you.

Filter Location On Whirlpool Dishwasher at Gregorio Perry blog

Put It Back Together

Rinse all parts thoroughly. No soap residue allowed. Then align the tabs and twist clockwise until it locks.

Give the filter a gentle wiggle. It shouldn't pop out. If it does, twist again until you feel a satisfying click.

Run a hot rinse cycle. Toss a cup of vinegar in a bowl on the top rack if you want extra freshness. Your kitchen will smell less like a swamp.

How Often Should You Clean It?

Once a month is a good rule. If you scrape but don't rinse your dishes, do it more often. Every two weeks, maybe.

If your dishes come out gritty, if the dishwasher smells like a gym locker, or if you see visible gunk, clean it now. Don't wait.

Quirky truth: your dishwasher is not a garbage disposal. It's a cleaning machine. A clean filter helps it clean—it's that simple.

The Weird Joy of a Clean Filter

There's something oddly satisfying about rinsing away a week of food sludge. It's like a tiny spa day for your appliance.

You'll feel like a dishwasher surgeon—a very casual one, in pajamas, with a toothbrush.

And the reward is real: sparkling glasses, no funky smell, and a Whirlpool that hums happily instead of struggling.

So go check that filter right now. Your Whirlpool will thank you—maybe not verbally. But your dishes will sparkle, and your nose will be grateful.