When it comes to the dishwasher, you will find a lot of models, but certain dishwashers like Kitchenaid will come with a dishwasher filter system.
The filter systems are used to capture the food particles before it leads to blocking the drain.
In the Kitchenaid dishwasher filter system, you will find the filter which is present at the bottom of the rack.
The most important thing to notice if you have a filter-based dishwasher is that it should be cleaned regularly so that there will be a free flow of the drain.
In the older dishwasher, you can remove the filter cup that can be cleaned easily.
The main reason for having a filter system in the dishwasher is that it will conserve water and energy and also it will minimize the noise of the filter.
So, the cleaning of the dishwasher filter is an important task if you want to maintain the performance of the dishwasher at the peak level.
Clean the Filter in 4 Easy Steps
The cleaning of the Kitchenaid dishwasher filter is a periodic task that will enhance the performance of the dishwasher. Here is the user manual that will help you with the cleaning procedure.
Step 1: Check the type of filter
In the old dishwasher, you will have self-cleaning filters, which come with noisy grinders, but now the dishwasher has a quitter filter that needs to be cleaned manually.
The type of filter can be easily found by looking at the bottom of the dishwasher under the spray arms.
If it is a self-cleaning filter, then there will be a circular plastic grid or series of holes covering the filter.
The filter is round and similar to the water pitchers, and then these are manual cleaning filters.
Step 2: Remove the lower rack
Now, you need to remove the bottom track so that the filter can be easily removed. Hold the round filter inserted in the blocked filter, and then turn the top filter in a counter-clockwise direction.
Lift the upper filter and then hold the lower filter assembly by the edges of the holes so that you can able to lift the dishwasher.
To get a detailed idea, you can refer to the user manual on how to remove the lower rack.
Step 3: Clean the debris in the filter
The cleaning of the filter is a simple and easy task as you can clean it under running water.
If the filter has any hard debris, then you can use some detergent solutions and a toothbrush or sponge to take them out.
Also, pour some vinegar at the bottom of the dishwasher and then leave it overnight.
Then run the dishwasher empty and even you can add a detergent solution to clean the interior.
Step 4: Assemble the filter
Once you are done with the cleaning, you can place the lower filter under the locating tabs, which are at the bottom of the dishwasher.
The round opening of the upper filter will line up with the round opening of the tub bottom.
Insert the upper filter into the circular opening in the lower filter. Then rotate it in a clockwise direction until it gets properly fixed.
If you haven’t placed the filter properly, then you can get the information to have a clear and detailed idea.
Cleaning Schedules of Kitchenaid Dishwasher Filter
Every Kitchenaid dishwasher filter needs a period of cleaning, and there is a proper schedule available on the website.
- If you are scrubbing the dishes without washing them, then clean the filter every six months.
- When you put the dishes in the dishwasher without cleaning, then wash the filter every two months.
- If you scratch the dishes before loading them, then clean the filter every six months.
- If you don’t do anything to the dishes, then clean the filter once a month
Based on your use, the filter needs to be cleaned frequently.
Read: How To Clean Your Whirlpool Dishwasher Filter
Other necessary cleanings
Everyone loves to reduce the time of working; that’s why most people are using home or kitchen-based appliances. In the same way, people started to use the dishwasher to reduce the time of washing dishes.
When it comes to the Kitchenaid dishwasher, it will clean the dishes quietly and quickly without making much trouble to the users.
But you need to know that even a dishwasher needs to be clean once in a while as it is working hard every day.
So, here are a few cleaning tips that will help you to keep the dishwasher clean and also helps it run smoothly.
Follow the instructions properly so that your Kitchenaid dishwasher filter will work for a longer period.
1. Clean the outer side
The exterior of the Kitchenaid dishwasher has not been involved in the cleaning of dishes, but one still needs to clean the outer side of the dishwasher.
In most cases, the spilled food or the water stains will hide the stainless steel finish making it look less attractive. You can use some cleaning solutions like glass cleaner.
This will remove the tough grimes and smudges off the surface easily.
But if you are using any cleaning solution, then don’t spray it directly as the moisture may affect or damage the electronic devices.
So, spray it on a soft cloth and apply it gently on the surfaces; even one can use soapy water and a sponge.
2. Take care of the inner side
Cleaning inside the Kitchenaid dishwasher plays an important role, as there will be junk foods that will get trapped in the filter.
These kinds of issues can’t be noticed easily, and in extreme cases, the trash of food will gum up the work and it will result in the improper cleaning of the dishes.
The first need you need to do once you have opened the dishwasher is clean the filters. You can remove the bottom rack of the dishwasher.
The Kitchenaid dishwasher has a removable triple filter system, so it can be easily removed.
There will be a cylindrical upper filter at the top, which you need to remove by rotating it in the counter-clockwise direction and then taking the lower filter which is found under the propeller.
But remember, while cleaning the filter system, don’t use any coarse scrub or brushes or scouring pads. Use a soft brush to remove the debris and then rinse it in the running water.
3. Make use of cleaning products
When it comes to cleaning the dishwasher, most people think that they need expensive cleaning products. But it is not; even using white vinegar, you can able to clean it.
Take two cups and fill them with vinegar and place them in the bottom rack of the dishwasher.
Then you can start the cycle empty, and during the operation, this acetic vinegar will strip away all the hard-to-reach food particles and soap scum.
You don’t have to use any detergent, as vinegar is enough for cleaning which will do the job effectively and perfectly.
But remember, if you are using vinegar for cleaning, then don’t use it more than once a month as too much usage of vinegar will damage the inner side of the dishwasher.
4. Finishing matters the most
Even though you are cleaning the dishwasher frequently, there are still chances that you will be getting lingering odors. At that time, you can use baking soda to clean the dishwasher.
Once you are finished the cleaning process with vinegar, sprinkle some baking soda at the bottom of the dishwasher and then start the cycle empty.
If you want, you can use the hot water for effective results. Following this step will result in a sparkling clean and smelling fresh dishwasher.
5. Keep up the cleaning work
If you want a clean and odor-free dishwasher, then you need to clean the dishwasher once in a while, which is the mandatory cleaning tip.
There are few steps to implement in between the cleaning process to make your dishwasher more functional.
If your sink is linked with the dishwasher, then you need to remove the disposals before loading the dishes into the dishwasher.
This will keep the sink from getting clogged, and also it will prevent it from getting mixed in the wash.
Also, if you want, you can check whether there is any large bit of food in the drain to prevent the blockage even before it starts.
When do filters need to be cleaned?
The Kitchenaid dishwasher filters need to be cleaned if you find any visible objects or soils in the upper filter assembly.
Also, your dishes won’t be completely cleaned as there will be soil present on your cleaned dishes. Even after the cleaning, the dishes will feel gritty to the touch.
Final Thoughts
Follow the above general guidelines if you want to prevent blockage in the filter. Also, you can follow the user manual if you are looking for specific requirements and procedures.
