How To Clean A GE Dishwasher Filter

Every GE dishwasher comes equipped with a filter that keeps food debris from getting all over your clean dishes. This filter has to be cleaned regularly for smooth functionality to prevent clogs. We've researched how to easily and successfully do this.

Cleaning your GE dishwasher filter is a fairly easy task that involves the following steps:

  1. Remove the filter.
  2. Discard the debris and rinse the filter with warm water.
  3. Clean the filter with a soft brush or soak it in a cleaning solution. 
  4. Rinse the filter again. 
  5. Give the filter housing a quick wipedown.
  6. Put the filter back into place. 

We've got more tips for each step in this process, so stay tuned! We'll discuss the steps in-depth to help you clean your dishwasher filter the right way. Plus, we've got additional information about your GE dishwasher that you're sure to find helpful.

A perfectly cleaned GE Dishwasher Filter, How To Clean A GE Dishwasher Filter

Steps To Clean Your GE Dishwasher Filter

You count on your GE dishwasher to keep your dinnerware and cookware sparkling clean. Its filter plays a huge role in doing just that, as it keeps bits of food that have been washed away from recirculating and getting stuck on clean plates and other items.

Now dishwashers typically have two types of filters: self-cleaning and manual. Self-cleaning filters, as their name suggests, do not need regular cleaning because they use a grinder that pulverizes food particles and prevents buildup. However, they tend to be quite loud and disruptive.

Tips and Steps on how to super squeeky cleaned filter of dishwasher

Most newer models of dishwashers, including GE dishwashers, have manual filters. These filters perform quietly, but they do need regular cleaning to keep them free from debris and unpleasant odors.

Here are the steps to clean your GE dishwasher filter:

What You'll Need

  • Warm water
  • Bowl
  • Soft cloth or towel
  • Sponge or soft-bristled brush
  • Dishwashing liquid

1. Remove the filter

GE dishwashers have a fine filter and ultra-fine filter assembly. The ultra-fine filter is a round cylindrical cap, which is what we refer to in general as the dishwasher's filter.

The fine filter is a mesh plate placed on top of the ultra-fine filter. You'll need to remove them both to clean them thoroughly.

First, remove the bottom rack of your dishwasher. Then, turn the ultra-fine filter counterclockwise and pull it out.

The fine filter should be lifted and removed easily along with the ultra-fine filter. If it doesn't lift readily, you can locate the two retaining posts at the back bottom of the dishwasher that hold it in place and turn them in a counterclockwise motion.

2. Discard the debris and rinse the filter with warm water

Take the ultra-fine filter and remove as much of the food debris buildup as you can. Then, rinse it under warm water. Do this with the fine filter as well.

3. Clean the filter with a soft brush or soak it in a cleaning solution

Brushed filter to remove stain and dirt on dishwasher filter

Now it's time to remove any stubborn stains, food particles, minerals, or any other debris left in your ultra-fine filter.

It's important to use a sponge or a brush with soft bristles for this step since dishwasher filters are quite sensitive. Regular brushes and scouring pads may damage its surface.

See this soft-bristled dish brush on Amazon.

If there's debris that won't come off even with brushing, you can loosen it by soaking the filter in a cleaning solution. Fill a bowl with hot water and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid into it, preferably one with a degreasing agent to help break the debris down.

See this pack of Dawn dishwashing liquid soap on Amazon.

Leave it to soak in the cleaning solution for a while. Then, use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove the loosened debris. Perform this step for the fine filter as well.

4.  Rinse the filter again

Rinsing the ultra-fine filter again will help completely remove the debris and allow you to check if there are any food particles left. Rinse the fine filter afterward. Then, pat them both dry with a soft towel or cloth.

5. Give the filter housing a quick wipedown

other cleaning method using spray of highpressure water for removing dirt

Put your sponge or soft cloth in the cleaning solution mentioned earlier. Then, use it to wipe down the filter housing. This will help keep the filter clean for longer and also remove mildew from the surrounding area.

6. Put the filter back into place

Now you put your filters back. Place the fine filter into the dishwasher first, followed by the ultra-fine filter. Twist it in a clockwise motion to secure it.

To see how a GE dishwasher filter is cleaned in action, watch this video from GE Appliances:

How Often To Clean Your GE Dishwasher Filter

Clean more frequently the dishwasher filter usually when it is used frequently

It's recommended that you clean your dishwasher filter at least once a month. You may need to clean it more frequently if you don't rinse your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.

However, if you don't want to do this on a schedule, simply watch out for signs that it's in need of cleaning. Slower performance, food debris on the plates, and nasty odors can indicate that you need to clean out your dishwasher filter.

Doing this on a regular basis is extremely crucial to the operation of your dishwasher. Without regular cleaning, food bits, grease, fat, mineral deposits, undissolved detergent, and other debris can build up on your filter. These can have unpleasant consequences, such as dirty water and unpleasant smells.

More importantly, it can affect the efficiency of your dishwasher. Excessive buildup can damage the filter and lead to costly repairs. It can also become clogged, which could result in flooding at the bottom of your dishwasher.

How do I clean my GE dishwasher?

Deep clean of dishwasher filter is highly recommended

Your dishwasher filter isn't the only part that needs TLC; it's also vital to give the entire appliance a deep clean every once in a while!

Cleaning your dishwasher at least once every six months ensures you maintain proper kitchen hygiene and prevents the appliance from malfunctioning due to grease and food buildup.

Here are the steps to clean your GE dishwasher:

  1. Clear out the dishwasher by removing plates, utensils, cookware, and all other items.
  2. Wipe down the top, sides, and bottom of the dishwasher with a soft cloth to remove debris and food particles.
  3. Remove remaining particles with a tweezer or a toothbrush.
  4. Fill one cup with white vinegar and place it on the top rack.
  5. Set it to run a regular wash cycle with hot water.
  6. Remove the cup of vinegar.
  7. Fill one cup with baking soda and sprinkle it along the bottom of the dishwasher.
  8. Set it to run another wash cycle with hot water.
  9. Clean the dishwasher door with a dishwasher cleaner.

See this dishwasher cleaner on Amazon.

Can I clean my dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda?

Yes! As mentioned above, for the cleaning process, you can use both vinegar and baking soda to clean your dishwasher. Vinegar helps break down oil, grease, food bits, and any other residue. Baking soda, on the other hand, helps remove stains and keep the dishwasher smelling fresh and clean.

Word of caution: don't use baking soda and vinegar in the same wash cycle! They will create a foam that's difficult to clean up. Instead, use them in two separate cycles: use the vinegar first, then the baking soda.

Why does my GE dishwasher stink? Dishwasher filter may lead to foul smell if not cleaned

There's a whole host of possible reasons why your GE dishwasher smells foul. Here are a few of them:

Dirty filter

A dirty filter can make your entire dishwasher reek because it holds all the food particles and residue from washing the dishes. Follow the steps above to clean your dishwasher filter!

Dirty door gasket

A door gasket is the rubber seal around your dishwasher door, which is responsible for preventing leaks. Food particles can sometimes build up on the gasket, leading to foul smells. The quickest way to resolve this is by cleaning the door gasket with a clean cloth and soapy water.

Clogged spray arms

When the spray arms of your dishwasher get clogged with debris, they can produce a nasty odor. To clean them, remove them from the dishwasher and check for clogs. Remove debris with a toothpick or a Q-tip. You can also soak them in a vinegar and water solution.

Mold growth

If you don't open your dishwasher and use it often, it may become a breeding ground for mold. Make sure to clean your dishwasher regularly. A good tip is also to leave the door ajar to let it dry fully after a wash cycle.

The Wrap-Up

A perfectly cleaned GE Dishwasher Filter

Cleaning your dishwasher filter will help keep the appliance in tiptop shape and prevent nasty odors and residue buildup. Remember to do this once a month for optimal results!

For more helpful information about GE dishwashers, check out these posts:

How Long Should A GE Dishwasher Run? [Inc. On Normal]

GE Dishwasher Beeps Every 60 Seconds—What To Do?

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