How To Clean Your Dishwasher Filter With Vinegar To Get Rid Of Tough Buildup

A dishwasher is a must for anyone who hates doing dishes (which is most of us). But the machine cleaning your dishes also needs to be cleaned from time to time. In fact, the more you use it, the more often you'll have to clean the filter, which is every three to six months on average. However, you'll have to wash it sooner if your glassware is turning cloudy and the dishes aren't as clean as they once were after running a load in the appliance. You should also clean it when your appliance starts smelling foul. After all, dishwasher sewage smell is hard to ignore! So, when the time is up or you notice these indicators, skip fancy cleaners and get some vinegar and a soft-bristled brush to get rid of tough buildup. It's not only economical but also one of the seven things you can add to your dishwasher for sparkling, odor-free dishes. Within half an hour, you'll get rid of mineral or detergent buildup and food residue.

Though this may seem like extra work, cleaning your dishwasher filter regularly is essential. This is because it's responsible for catching rogue food particles as the cycle progresses, thereby preventing major clogs. Over time, these particles and build up from hard water get congealed around the filter and give off a rotten smell, necessitating a cleanup. Before cleaning the dishwasher filter, though, make sure the dishwasher is empty and give your appliance ample time to cool down if you've just removed a load.

The installation and reinstallation of the filter might vary by manufacturer and model, so refer to the product manual before you begin. In fact, placement can also shift a bit across standard sizes of dishwashers, so don't be surprised if yours doesn't match exactly what you see online. Generally, you should be able to find the filter either at the back corner of the tub or the base of the bottom spray arm (after removing the bottom rack, of course). It'll likely look like a small cylinder depending on your dishwasher model.

Once you locate it, turn it counterclockwise to get it loose and pull it out. Then, put ½ cup of distilled white vinegar in a large bowl (or a plugged sink) of hot water and soak your filter in it for about 30 minutes. If the build up or the debris is stubborn, gently scrub it using an old toothbrush or a brush with soft bristles. When it's clean, rinse it under hot running water and reinstall it.

Most newer models of dishwashers, like the ones sold by GE, have both an ultra-fine filter and a fine filter. If that's the case with your appliance, too, you'll see a mesh plate below the filter you just removed; that's the fine filter. Move it counterclockwise to lift and remove it. Next, soak it in the vinegar and water solution for about 30 minutes to loosen the mineral buildup, grease, and food debris if any. Keep in mind that vinegar is acidic and can potentially damage your machine if it's used too often, so only use it for occasional deep cleaning, not for routine maintenance.