Behind the Scenes: Essential Dishwasher Filter Maintenance Guide

Behind the Scenes: Essential Dishwasher Filter Maintenance Guide

Your dishwasher is a hardworking kitchen essential, but like any appliance, it needs regular care to perform at its best. One often overlooked component is the dishwasher filter. A clean filter is key to spotless dishes, efficient water drainage, and prolonged appliance life. In this guide, we walk you through how to clean your dishwasher filter, using natural, sustainable methods and Bio-D’s eco-conscious products.

Why Cleaning Your Dishwasher Filter Matters

The dishwasher filter traps food particles and prevents them from redepositing onto your dishes or clogging the appliance’s drain. Over time, grease, limescale, and debris build up in the filter, causing unpleasant odours, cloudy glassware, and poor washing results. Worse still, a clogged filter can strain the dishwasher motor and lead to costly repairs.

Regular cleaning not only boosts performance but also reduces energy and water waste, aligning with eco-friendly living principles.

Locating and Removing Your Dishwasher Filter

Most dishwashers have a two-part filter system, an upper mesh screen and a lower cylindrical filter. These are typically located at the bottom of the dishwasher, beneath the bottom spray arm.

Steps to remove the filter:

1. Turn off and empty the dishwasher.
2. Remove the bottom rack for easy access.
3. Twist and lift out the cylindrical filter (usually anti-clockwise).
4. Pull out the mesh screen underneath.

Consult your appliance manual for model-specific instructions, as filter location and locking mechanisms may vary.

How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter Thoroughly

Cleaning your filter doesn’t require harsh chemicals. In fact, using non-toxic, plant-based cleaners like Bio-D’s All Purpose Sanitiser and Washing Up Liquid ensures safety for your family and the planet.

Manual Cleaning Steps:

1. Rinse the filter under warm running water.
2. Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to gently scrub away food particles.
3. For greasy residue, soak the filter in warm water mixed with a squirt of Bio-D Washing Up Liquid.
4. Rinse again and check for any remaining buildup.

Avoid using wire brushes or abrasives, as these can damage the filter mesh.

Tackling Limescale and Grease Buildup

If you live in a hard water area, limescale deposits are inevitable. These deposits can cling to the filter and internal dishwasher components.

To remove limescale and grease:

• Soak the filter in a solution of Bio-D Limescale Remover.
• Add a capful of Bio-D All Purpose Sanitiser to the soak for added disinfecting power.
• Scrub gently with a brush, rinse, and dry before reinserting.

For a deeper clean of your dishwasher’s interior, run an empty cycle with Bio-D Dishwasher Rinse Aid, which is gentle yet effective at breaking down mineral deposits.

Reassembling and Testing the Filter

Once your filter is clean:

1. Dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth.
2. Replace the mesh screen first.
3. Reinsert the cylindrical filter by twisting it into place securely.
4. Run a short rinse cycle to test for proper water drainage and improved cleaning results.

Cleaning Frequency Based on Usage

• Small households (1–2 people): Clean the filter monthly.
• Medium households (3–4 people): Clean every 2–3 weeks.
• Large households (5+ people): Clean weekly.

Heavy dishwasher use, hard water, or frequent cooking with oily foods may require more frequent maintenance.

Prevention Tips to Keep Your Filter Cleaner for Longer

• Scrape, don’t rinse: Remove excess food from dishes before loading.
• Run hot water before starting: This ensures your dishwasher fills with hot water from the start.
• Use eco-friendly dishwasher tablets: Bio-D Dishwasher Tablets is effective, non-toxic, and kinder to your appliance.
• Top up rinse aid regularly: Bio-D’s Rinse Aid enhances drying and minimises mineral spotting.

Embrace Sustainable Cleaning with Bio-D

Cleaning your dishwasher filter doesn’t need to be harmful to the environment. Bio-D offers a range of UK-made, vegan, and cruelty-free cleaning products that are perfect for everyday maintenance tasks like this. Plus, many Bio-D products are available in large refill sizes or at refill stores across the UK, helping you reduce plastic waste and live more sustainably.

Recommended Products for Dishwasher Maintenance:

• Bio-D All Purpose Sanitiser
• Bio-D Washing Up Liquid
• Bio-D Dishwasher Tablets
• Bio-D Dishwasher Rinse Aid

Keeping your dishwasher filter clean is a small but impactful step toward a more efficient kitchen and a greener home. With a little routine care and the right products, your dishwasher can continue to deliver sparkling results, without harming the planet.

Ready to restock sustainably? Look for Bio-D in your local refill store or explore our full cleaning range today.