Does My Countertop Dishwasher Have a Filter?

Countertop dishwashers offer a convenience that might not be built into smaller kitchens. They're easy to add to apartments or dorms because you don't have to install them — as their name implies. They sit on any flat surface, such as tables or counters. However, to get the most out of these kitchen appliances, you need to provide regular care and maintenance, including cleaning the countertop dishwasher filter.

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Does My Countertop Dishwasher Have a Filter?

It's highly likely your countertop dishwasher has a filter, as most do. Open the unit and look at the bottom of the interior, under the sprayer arm. You may need to remove the dish rack to see this area clearly. If you see a component that's made out of mesh of any type, this is likely the filter. The filter might also look like a sink drain component. 

Location of the Filter

Because all dishwasher models are designed a bit differently, the filter doesn't always look the same. It may also be located in different places toward the bottom of the unit. If you don't immediately see a filter when you look under the dish rack and spray arm, consult your appliance's manual. It will have details and, potentially, images to help you find the filter. 

How Often Do I Need to Clean the Filter?

You should clean your countertop dishwasher filter at least every 3 months. You may need to clean the filter more often if you use the dishwasher every day, don't pre-rinse dishes or wash heavily soiled dishes that include a lot of food debris. 

Some signs you might need to clean the dishwasher filter include:

• Dishes tend to come out of the clean dishwasher with some food debris stuck to them.

• The dishwasher makes abnormal noises during the cleaning cycle.

• Your dishwasher has an unpleasant smell, which can come from food trapped in the filter.

• Your appliance manual calls for more frequent cleaning to keep the unit functioning well.

Cleaning the Filter in My Countertop Dishwasher

It's fairly easy to clean the filter in your countertop dishwasher. You're already ahead of the game in one sense, as you don't have to stoop down to get into your appliance because it's on a countertop or table.

Here's what you need to do:

• Locate the filter. Consult your manual if you're not sure where the filter is before you go pulling and twisting on parts in your dishwasher.

• Remove the filter. Most countertop dishwasher filters are designed to unlock with a quick twist. Once you unlock the filter, you can pull it out. Again, consult your manual if it's not immediately obvious how the filter comes out.

• Clean the filter. Wash the filter as you would a dish. Use warm water and dish soap; you can scrub the filter with a soft sponge or rag if necessary. Depending on how stubborn the grime is on your filter, you might also want to soak it for a while in warm, soapy water. Make sure you rinse the filter thoroughly.

• Put the filter back. Place the clean filter back into the countertop dishwasher. Ensure you align it appropriately so you don't leave large holes or cracks where food debris can bypass the filter. This can cause the drain lines from your dishwasher to clog, resulting in a backup that could damage your appliance and flood out into your kitchen.

Regularly maintaining all your kitchen appliances can help ensure they hold up to regular use and provide optimal performance. If you're not sure what else you should do to maintain appliances in your kitchen, start by reading each piece's manual. You can typically find an entire section in such manuals dedicated to important maintenance and cleaning tasks.

Now you not only know about your countertop dishwasher filter, including where it is but how to clean it.

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