How To Clean Old Whirlpool Dishwasher Filter?

September 9, 2023 by Marjorie R. Rogers, MA (English), Certified Consultant

To clean an old whirlpool dishwasher filter, remove the lower basket and unscrew the filter, then rinse it under warm water. Maintaining proper cleaning practices for your dishwasher filter is pivotal to its durability and overall efficiency.

When your dishwasher filter gets clogged with food particles and greasy residues, it can negatively impact your dishwasher’s cleaning performance. Whirlpool dishwashers are an excellent option for those looking for innovative features like powerdry options, intuitive touchscreen controls, and tine clips.

By cleaning your dishwasher filter, you’ll prevent bad odor, keep your dishwasher functioning, and save money on energy bills. Here, we’ll take you through a comprehensive guide on how to clean an old whirlpool dishwasher filter. So, sit tight and learn the easiest and hassle-free way to keep your dishwasher in optimal condition.

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How To Properly Clean Your Old Whirlpool Dishwasher Filter

Maintaining your kitchen appliances is essential to ensure their longevity and functionality. However, we often tend to ignore the dishwasher’s maintenance, especially its filters. A dirty filter may compromise the dishwasher’s cleaning efficiency and may even lead to malfunction. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly clean your old whirlpool dishwasher filter.

Introduction To The Importance Of Cleaning Your Dishwasher Filter

Cleaning your dishwasher filter is more important than you might think. The filter collects food debris, grease, and other particles from the dishwasher’s water, preventing them from interfering with the machine’s cleaning process. Over time, the filter may become clogged, decreasing its effectiveness and ultimately damaging the dishwasher.

Hence it is essential to regularly clean the filters.

Cleaning a whirlpool dishwasher filter is a breeze. Follow these few simple steps:

• Locate the filter: The filter is located at the base of the dishwasher in the back. You can easily find it by removing the lower dish rack.
• Remove the filter: The filter is often secured by a knob or a clip. Remove the filter carefully so that you do not damage it.
• Clean the filter: Use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to gently scrub the filter under running water. Rinse it properly to remove any residue.
• Clean the housing: Using a damp cloth, clean the filter housing to remove any debris or build-up.
• Re-install the filter: Once the filter and the housing are clean and dry, re-install the filter back into the housing.
• Run a cleaning cycle: After completing the above steps, run an empty dishwasher cycle to ensure that the filter is functioning at its best.

Importance Of Regular Cleaning

Cleaning the dishwasher filter is an often-overlooked task that can lead to severe consequences. A clogged filter can reduce the efficiency of your dishwasher, leading to poor cleaning results, increased energy consumption and higher repair costs. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly clean the filter to maintain the dishwasher’s efficiency.

Cleaning old whirlpool dishwasher filters is an easy task that should not be neglected. Regular cleaning can extend the life of your dishwasher and keep it functioning efficiently. All you need to do is remove and clean the filter and the housing, and your dishwasher is ready to go.

So, don’t overlook this essential step in your dishwasher’s maintenance routine.

Step One: Locate Your Whirlpool Dishwasher Filter

Whirlpool dishwashers have been a household appliance favorite for many years, but have you ever wondered how to clean its filter? This task may seem daunting, but with a few simple steps, you can have your filter clean and working efficiently in no time.

Understanding The Different Kinds Of Filters

Before you start cleaning your whirlpool dishwasher filter, it’s essential to understand the different types of filters available. There are three types of whirlpool dishwasher filters: manual-clean filters, self-cleaning filters, and hard food chopper filters.

• The manual-clean filter is the most basic and requires periodic cleaning to keep it functioning correctly.
• The self-cleaning filter constantly cleans itself, saving you time and effort.
• The hard food chopper filter helps to grind up larger food particles that may become stuck in your dishwasher.

Finding The Filter In Your Dishwasher

Now that you know the different types of filters let’s locate your whirlpool dishwasher filter:

• Begin by removing the bottom rack of your dishwasher, leaving the exposed dishwasher floor.
• The filter is located beneath the spray arm, which is in the center of the dishwasher’s floor.
• Look for a plastic cylinder-shaped housing with small holes in it.
• Once you locate the housing, twist it counterclockwise to release it from the dishwasher floor.

Congratulations, you have now located your whirlpool dishwasher filter. Next up, we will discuss how to clean it.

Cleaning your whirlpool dishwasher filter is an important task that helps keep your dishwasher running efficiently and prevents unpleasant odors. Be sure to follow manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions before cleaning your whirlpool dishwasher filter.

Step Two: Removing The Old Whirlpool Dishwasher Filter

Safety First: Unplug Your Dishwasher

Before starting, ensure to unplug your whirlpool dishwasher from the power source to avoid any electrical hazards. Safety should always be your top priority when performing maintenance on any home appliance. Make sure the area around the dishwasher is dry and well-lit to prevent slips or falls.

Removing The Lower Dish Rack

Follow these simple steps to remove the lower dish rack from your whirlpool dishwasher:

• Slide out the bottom rack of your dishwasher as far as possible.
• Lift the front of the bottom rack and pull it out completely.
• Check the rollers or wheels of the lower rack, as they may need cleaning as well.
• Set the dish rack aside to have access to the old filter.

Removing The Old Whirlpool Dishwasher Filter

Now that the lower rack is removed, it is time to remove the old filter. Here are the steps to follow:

• Find and remove the cylindrical filter on the floor of the dishwasher. Look for a knob or handle and lift it out.
• Unscrew the cover on top of the cylindrical filter counterclockwise to expose the coarse filter.
• Remove the coarse filter, which is usually surrounded by a mesh screen or a grid, and set it aside.
• The last step is to remove the mesh screen filters, which are located at the bottom of the dishwasher. Grasp the tab handles of the screen filters and lift upwards to remove them.

By following these simple steps, you can easily remove and clean the old filter from your whirlpool dishwasher, leaving it in a better condition and ensuring that your dishes are clean and fresh each time!

Step Three: Cleaning The Whirlpool Dishwasher Filter

Submerging The Filter In Hot, Soapy Water

Cleaning the old whirlpool dishwasher filter can be a daunting task, but it is a necessary step in ensuring your dishwasher works efficiently. After removing the filter from the machine, the first step is to submerge it in hot, soapy water.

Here are the key points to keep in mind:

• Fill a large basin or sink with hot water. The water should be hot, but not boiling.
• Add dish soap to the water and mix well.
• Submerge the filter completely in the soapy water. Ensure that the water covers the filter completely.
• Allow the filter to sit in the water for at least fifteen minutes. The hot water and soap will loosen any debris and grease stuck to the filter.

Using A Soft Brush Or Toothbrush To Remove Debris

After soaking the filter in soapy water, it is time to remove any debris stuck to it. Here are the key points to keep in mind:

• Using a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush, gently scrub the filter. Be careful not to use a hard-bristled brush or abrasive sponge, as this could damage the filter.
• Ensure that you scrub all the surfaces, including the mesh and plastic frames.
• If there is stubborn debris stuck to the filter, use a toothpick or a small tool to remove it gently.

Rinsing The Filter Thoroughly

The last step in cleaning the whirlpool dishwasher filter is to rinse it thoroughly. Here are the key points to keep in mind:

• Rinse the filter under running water. Ensure that you remove all the soap and debris.
• Check all the surfaces to make sure there’s no leftover debris.
• Shake the filter to remove excess water and let it air dry completely.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your whirlpool dishwasher filter is clean and free from any debris. A clean filter ensures your dishwasher works efficiently, and your dishes come out looking squeaky clean.

Step Four: Reinstalling The Whirlpool Dishwasher Filter

Now that you’ve successfully cleaned your old whirlpool dishwasher filter, it’s time to reinstall it. Follow these simple steps to ensure that you reassemble the dishwasher correctly:

Drying The Filter Completely

Before reinstalling the filter, it is essential to ensure that it is completely dry. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe the filter to ensure all moisture has been removed. Any residual moisture could lead to mold or bacteria build-up, reducing the effectiveness of the filter.

Reassembling The Dishwasher

Once the filter is completely dry, it is time to reassemble the dishwasher. Follow these steps:

• Insert the filter back into its slot. Ensure the filter is sitting flush and is correctly aligned.
• Turn the filter clockwise to lock it in place.
• Replace the bottom rack of the dishwasher and ensure there is no obstruction to the filter.
• Finally, close the dishwasher and ensure that it locks correctly.

Reassembling the dishwasher is quite easy, but following the above steps will ensure that your filter functions optimally. Don’t forget to check the user manual before attempting to clean or replace the filter.

Frequently Asked Questions On How To Clean Old Whirlpool Dishwasher Filter?

How Often Should I Clean My Whirlpool Dishwasher Filter?

It is recommended to clean your whirlpool dishwasher filter once a month to ensure proper cleaning.

Why Is It Important To Clean My Dishwasher Filter?

Cleaning your dishwasher filter ensures that your dishwasher is effectively cleaning dishes and extends the life of your dishwasher.

How Do I Locate My Whirlpool Dishwasher Filter?

The filter is typically located at the bottom of the dishwasher, underneath the spray arm.

What Should I Do If My Dishwasher Filter Is Clogged?

If your filter is clogged, remove any debris and soak the filter in hot water and dish soap.

Can I Clean My Whirlpool Dishwasher Filter With Vinegar?

Yes, you can clean your whirlpool dishwasher filter with equal parts vinegar and water to remove any buildup.

Conclusion

Cleaning an old whirlpool dishwasher filter is a simple task that requires only a few tools and some time. Neglecting this important aspect of dishwasher maintenance not only leads to foul odors and residue buildup but also affects the efficiency of the dishwasher.

However, with the basic steps and tips outlined in this post, you can easily clean your dishwasher filter and keep it running smoothly for years to come. Remember to clean the filter regularly to maintain its optimal performance, and always refer to your user manual for manufacturer-specific instructions.

With a little effort, you can ensure that your dishwasher takes care of your dirty dishes as effectively as it should. So, roll up your sleeves, put on your cleaning gloves, and get ready to give your dishwasher filter a good scrubbing.

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