Have you ever opened your sleek Cove dishwasher expecting sparkling dishes, only to find cloudy glasses or that weird, musty smell? You’re not alone. Most people don’t realise that a dirty filter is the silent saboteur behind poor cleaning, lingering odours, and even expensive breakdowns. Cove dishwashers are built for performance, but they still require regular maintenance, especially the filter, which traps all the debris your machine scrubs away.

This complete guide is here to help. Whether you just saw that “Clean Filter” alert or want to boost your dishwasher’s lifespan, you’ll learn how to clean Cove dishwasher filter step-by-step, fix common issues, and avoid costly mistakes—backed by expert tips and real FAQs.

What Makes Cove Filters Unique

Not all dishwashers are the same, and Cove shows that. Cove dishwashers operate quietly and blend seamlessly into luxury kitchens. They are made with great care. However, there is one crucial feature that people often overlook until something goes wrong: the filter system.

So what makes the Cove dishwasher filter so different? In a word: engineering. While most standard dishwashers rely on a single mesh filter or a basic grinder system, Cove uses a dual-filtration system. This means it traps even the tiniest food particles before they can clog your drain, dull your dishes, or recirculate gunk back into the wash cycle.

1) Multi-Stage Filter Design

At the bottom of your Cove dishwasher, there is a filter with small holes that you can remove, along with a larger screen. Both of these help to catch food bits and stop clogs. These filters are developed to be easily removed, cleaned, and reinstalled, making it simple to maintain them in good condition if you understand the process. Additionally, the fine mesh is designed to protect the pump and spray arms from even the tiniest particles of food waste.

Cove’s system doesn’t use grinding food, unlike some cheaper models. Instead, it collects bits of food that you have to take out by hand. This is a good thing—grinders can be noisy, use a lot of energy, and often break easily.

2) Intelligent Filter Reminder (Not a Malfunction!)

One special feature of Cove’s filter system is the automatic reminder that alerts you when it’s time to clean the filter. Many owners become worried when the “Clean Filter” warning appears, thinking something is wrong. But this isn’t a warning—it’s just a little reminder. Cove dishwashers are programmed to display this message every 30 cycles (approximately once a month) to remind you to remove, rinse, and reset the filter.

Here’s the best part: the dishwasher isn’t detecting dirt—it’s tracking usage. That means even if your dishes seem fine, the system is proactively helping you stay on top of maintenance before performance drops.

Quick Tip: After you clean the filter, remember to reset the reminder on the control panel. Just press and hold the “Cancel/Drain” button for 3 seconds.

3) Built for Silence, Powered by Cleanliness

Because Cove dishwashers are engineered for ultra-quiet performance, the filter system has to do more work than traditional models. There’s no loud grinding or churning noises—just a clean, silent rinse. That means your filter needs to be clean and free of debris to function effectively. A dirty filter in a Cove model is much more noticeable because the rest of the system is so fine-tuned.

4) Premium Build, Premium Responsibility

Cove dishwashers are from the Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove brands, which are renowned for their strength and style. Just as you take care of a luxury car, you also need to inspect your high-quality appliance regularly to ensure it continues to function correctly. Think of the filter like changing the oil in your dishwasher. It may seem like a small job, but it makes a big difference.

When & How Often to Clean Your Cove Dishwasher Filter

Let’s be honest—most of us don’t think about dishwasher filters until something goes wrong. But with a premium appliance like Cove, staying ahead of maintenance is key to keeping it running like new. So, how often should you clean the filter? And how do you know it’s time?

Every 30 Cycles (Or Once a Month)

Cove dishwashers come with a built-in reminder for a reason. Every 30 cycles, the system gently flashes a “Clean Filter” alert on the control panel. This isn’t an error code—it’s a smart nudge that says, “Hey, time to give your filter some attention.”

If you run your dishwasher once a day, that means cleaning about once a month. For larger households or those who use their dishwasher more frequently, it is recommended to clean it every 2–3 weeks.

Pro Tip: Even if the alert hasn’t appeared, make it a habit to check your filter during your monthly deep clean. It’s a 5-minute task that saves you hours of frustration later.

Signs Your Filter Needs Cleaning ASAP

Sometimes you can’t wait for the reminder. Your dishwasher will show signs that something is wrong long before its performance drops significantly. Look out for these:

• Cloudy dishes or leftover food on plates.  
• Water is sitting at the bottom of the dishwasher.  
• A smelly odour like mould, sourness, or fishiness after washing.  
• The dishwasher sounds louder than usual.  
• You can see noticeable grease or dirt when looking at the filter.

These are clear warnings that your filter is likely clogged, and it’s time to clean it immediately.

How to Clean Cove Dishwasher Filter: Step-by-Step Guide

You don’t need special tools or a repair person to clean your Cove dishwasher filter. You can and should do it yourself in under 15 minutes. If it’s your first time using a dishwasher or you need a quick reminder, check out this simple guide to help you use it properly again.

What You’ll Need:

• A soft brush or an old toothbrush.  
• Warm water and gentle dish soap.  
• A gentle cloth or microfiber towel.  
• Optional: Use white vinegar for thorough cleaning. Rubber gloves (if you want to avoid touching food scraps).

Step 1: Turn Off and Empty the Dishwasher

First, make sure the dishwasher is turned off completely. You don’t need to unplug it, but it’s a good idea to turn it off to prevent any accidental button presses. Now, remove all the dishes, shelves, and tools from the dishwasher. You need easy access to the part where the filter is located.

Step 2: Locate the Filter

Cove filters are at the bottom of the tub, under the lower spray arm. You will see a round mesh part—that’s your filter assembly.  

Reminder: You may need to remove the lower spray arm to view the filter completely. Turn it to the left to remove it—it should come off easily.

Step 3: Remove the Filter Assembly

To remove the filter:

1. Turn the round filter cap to the left until it comes loose.  
2. Carefully take out the filter. You will likely see two pieces: the mesh filter on top and a rough filter underneath.  
3. Put both pieces on a towel or in your sink.

If there’s any visible gunk or standing water under the filter, that’s a good sign it was overdue for a cleaning.

Step 4: Clean the Filter Components

Place both filters under warm running water. Use a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush to clean away grease, stuck-on food, and debris gently.

• Avoid abrasive pads—they’ll damage the fine mesh.
• For extra cleaning power, dip the brush in dish soap or a vinegar solution.
• Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap or vinegar.

Deep Clean Option: Soak the filters in a combination of equal parts white vinegar and warm water for 10 to 15 minutes before cleaning them. This removes mineral buildup from hard water.

Step 5: Clean the Filter Housing

Before reinserting the filter, take a moment to clean the area where the filter is inserted into the dishwasher. Use a cloth dipped in warm water and dish soap to wipe around the sump.

You can also check:

• The area for collecting food scraps.  
• Check the spray arm holes for clogs.  
• The rubber seal prevents mould or dirt buildup.

This ensures nothing sneaky is interfering with your dishwasher’s performance.

Step 6: Reassemble and Secure the Filter

Once everything is clean and dry:

1. Put the rough filter back at the bottom of the dishwasher.  
2. Place the fine mesh filter on top of it. Turn it to the right to secure it tightly in place.  
3. If you took off the spray arm before, put it back on now.

Give everything a gentle wiggle to ensure it’s locked in tight. A loose filter can cause leaks or poor drainage.

Step 7: Reset the “Clean Filter” Reminder

Cove dishwashers automatically prompt you to clean the filter every 30 cycles, but you’ll need to reset the alert manually.

To do this:

• Hold down the “Cancel/Drain” button for three seconds.
• The alert should disappear from the display.

If the message persists, refer to the user manual for your model or check Section 7 (troubleshooting) later in this guide.

Step 8: Run a Test Cycle (Optional)

To finish, you can run a short cycle (empty) to ensure everything is working correctly. Add a small bowl of white vinegar to the top rack to refresh the entire interior.

Your Cove dishwasher is now ready to go—clean, fresh, and filter-clog free.

Pro Maintenance Tip: Make this part of your monthly cleaning routine. Set a phone reminder or stick a note on your calendar. Your dishes (and nose) will thank you.

Deep Clean the Entire Dishwasher (Not Just the Filter)

Cleaning the filter is essential—but if you want your Cove dishwasher to smell fresh, perform quietly, and look showroom-new, you’ll need to go beyond just the filter. Over time, grease, soap scum, and hard water deposits build up in places you don’t always see: the spray arms, door seals, drain, and even the detergent dispenser. That’s where a complete deep clean comes in.

Think of this as your dishwasher spa day—a once-a-month ritual that keeps everything running like clockwork.

Step 1: Clean the Interior Walls and Door

Start with the inside of the tub and the door, paying special attention to the area around the rubber gaskets.

• Use a soft cloth or sponge with warm, soapy water.
• Wipe all the sides, corners, and under the door flap
• Don’t forget the detergent and rinse-aid compartments—they tend to get sticky over time

If you spot mould or black residue, spray it with a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before wiping it off.

Watch for Buildup Around the Gasket: Food splatter and soap scum tend to accumulate here, and it’s a common source of unpleasant odours.

Step 2: Clean the Spray Arms

The spray arms are your dishwasher’s water cannons—and if they’re clogged, your dishes won’t get fully clean, no matter how spotless the filter is.

Here’s how to clean them:

• Remove both spray arms (top and bottom): Twist and pull gently
• Rinse them under warm water
• Use a toothpick or a pin to clear out any clogged holes
• Soak them in vinegar for 10–15 minutes if mineral buildup is visible
• Rinse and reinstall

Bonus Tip: You can run a separate short cycle with the spray arms removed (but filter installed) to clean the base and sump area more thoroughly.

Step 3: Run a Vinegar Cleaning Cycle

This is the most comfortable (and most satisfying) part.

• On the upper shelf of the dishwasher, position a dishwasher-safe bowl loaded with 1 cup of white vinegar.
• Run the dishwasher on the hottest cycle (without detergent or dishes)
• The vinegar will break down grease, remove odours, and dissolve mineral deposits.

Avoid using bleach, especially if your dishwasher has stainless steel parts, as it can cause corrosion to the metal and void your warranty.

Step 4: Add a Baking Soda Rinse

Once the vinegar cycle is done and the interior cools slightly:

• Spread about half a cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher.
• Run a short, hot water cycle.

This leaves your dishwasher smelling fresh and helps keep the interior clean and polished.

Step 5: Don’t Forget the Drain and Kick Plate

Grease and dirt typically accumulate around the drain. After removing the filter, use this time to:

• Wipe around the drain basket with a soapy cloth
• If water tends to sit there, check for clogs or debris
• Optional: remove the kick plate (bottom front panel) and vacuum behind it to clear dust buildup

Dealing with Hard Water, Odours & Residue

So, you’ve cleaned your Cove dishwasher filter, deep cleaned the interior, and yet… you’re still battling cloudy glasses, faint smells, or that chalky white buildup on dishes and racks? The culprit isn’t your filter—it’s likely hard water and leftover residue.

Even a high-end appliance like Cove isn’t immune to the effects of mineral-rich water. But don’t bother. With the proper methods and products, you can kick those problems for good—and keep your dishwasher smelling and performing like new.

What Is Hard Water, and Why Does It Matter?

Hard water has a high concentration of calcium and, likewise, magnesium, which can leave white spots, cloudy marks, and a rough texture on dishes. Over time, these minerals can clog the spray arms, cover the heating element, and reduce the detergent’s effectiveness. If you live in an area with hard water (more than 140 ppm), it’s essential to be extra cautious.

How to Know If You Have Hard Water:

Do your glasses look foggy even after a vinegar rinse? Do you see white film in your dishwasher or on your heating coil? That’s your answer.

Fix 1: Use a Rinse Aid Consistently

Cove dishwashers come equipped with a rinse aid dispenser, but many homeowners forget to refill it. Rinse aid helps water sheet off your dishes instead of clinging to them, which reduces spotting and speeds up the drying process.

• Use a quality rinse aid like Finish Jet-Dry or Cascade Platinum
• Refill it every 1–2 weeks, depending on usage
• Accommodate the rinse aid setting on your dishwasher (if available)

Tip: If you’re already using rinse aid but still seeing cloudiness, try adjusting the dosage to a higher setting.

Fix 2: Add a Water Softener or Dishwasher Booster

If you have very hard water, you may need more powerful equipment.

• Try Lemi Shine or Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Powder Booster
• These products break down lime and calcium while helping your detergent work better
• You can also install a whole-house water softener or a small inline dishwasher softener if your water is severely hard

“I added Lemi Shine once a week and haven’t had white spots since. Total game-changer.” – User on r/appliances

Fix 3: Use Vinegar to Descale (the Right Way)

A monthly vinegar cycle isn’t just for odour control—it’s also one of the most effective ways to fight hard water buildup.

• Put 1 cup of white vinegar on the top shelf, not the bottom.
• Run a hot cycle with no detergent
• Don’t overdo it—vinegar is acidic, and too much can wear down rubber seals over time

Avoid mixing vinegar and baking soda simultaneously during a wash. The fizzing action may seem incredible, but it decreases the efficacy of both cleaners.

Fix 4: Deodorise Naturally with Baking Soda

Do you catch a faint, stale odour even after cleaning? That’s probably from tangled moisture, grease in cracks, or even a bit of mould.

Try this once a month:

• Spread 1/2 cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher.
• Run a short, hot cycle without detergent.

It’s a gentle deodoriser that also allows for shine and neutralises acidic odours.

Fix 5: Check for Standing Water & Drain Smells

Sometimes the odour isn’t from hard water—it’s from the drain or sump area.

Here’s how to handle it:

• After cleaning your filter, wipe around the sump opening with vinegar
• Pour a small amount of vinegar + baking soda mixture into the drain and let it fizz for 5–10 minutes
• Rinse with hot water
• Always leave the door slightly ajar after running a cycle to let moisture escape

“Leaving the door cracked made all the difference—no more damp smell the next morning.” – Comment from Busy Mom Kitchen Hacks (Facebook)

Troubleshooting Filter Alert Not Resetting or Persistent Issues

So you’ve followed every step. The filter’s spotless, you deep-cleaned your dishwasher, and yet… that stubborn “Clean Filter” alert won’t go away. Or maybe your dishwasher still smells weird, drains slowly, or sounds louder than usual. Before you scream into a dishtowel, let’s break down the most common issues and how to fix them—fast.

Problem 1: The “Clean Filter” Alert Won’t Reset

Cove dishwashers don’t automatically detect dirt in the filter. Instead, they’re programmed to remind you every 30 cycles to clean it. However, after you’ve cleaned the filter, you must manually reset the cycle—otherwise, the alert will remain, taunting you.

Solution:

• Press and keep the “Cancel/Drain” button pressed for 3 to 5 seconds.
• Wait for the alert to disappear from the display.
• Some models may require pressing and holding both “Cancel” + “Start” for 3 seconds.

Tip: If the alert remains after trying this twice, try unplugging the dishwasher for 60 seconds and powering it back on.

Problem 2: Still Seeing Food on Dishes

You cleaned the filter, but food particles are still sticking to plates and bowls?

Possible Causes:

• Spray arms are clogged (see Section 5 to clean them)
• The filter wasn’t locked into place properly after cleaning
• Overloading the dishwasher and blocking the spray flow

Fix:

• Ensure the filter fits tightly; if it’s loose, it can generate drainage problems.  
• Avoid placing large items in the centre where water needs to flow freely.  
• Perform a test by using only the top or bottom rack to identify the issue.

Problem 3: Filter Alert Keeps Coming Back Too Soon

If you’re receiving the alert more frequently than every 30 cycles, there may be a bug, or you might be experiencing extra food waste.

Fix:

• Check the model settings to ensure your cycle counter is configured correctly.
• Avoid running heavily soiled dishes without first rinsing them.
• If you wash small loads often, your dishwasher may still hit 30 cycles faster than you think.

Real User Tip: “I called Cove support—they said smaller ‘Quick Wash’ cycles still count toward the 30. Makes sense why my alert was popping up weekly.” — r/appliances

Problem 4: Drainage Problems or Standing Water

If water remains at the bottom of your dishwasher even after cleaning the filter, it could be:

• A clogged drain line
• Debris deeper in the sump
• Pump failure (rare, but possible)

Fix:

• Check under the filter area for hidden gunk or stuck food
• Use a turkey baster to remove standing water and inspect the drain opening
• Detach the drain hose (only if you’re confident) and flush it with warm water
• If the problem persists, contact Cove customer support or a technician

Cove’s premium models are serviceable, but they’re not meant for deep DIY plumbing repairs. If in doubt, get help.

Problem 5: Weird Noises After Cleaning

Do you hear a new humming, gurgling, or buzzing noise? This might be because the filter wasn’t put back correctly, or something got stuck in the spray arm or pump while you were cleaning.

Fix:

• Power down the unit
• Remove and reinstall the filter—tighten gently, not forcefully
• Inspect the spray arms again for loose food bits
• Listen during a test cycle to locate where the sound is coming from

Note: Cove dishwashers are renowned for their nearly silent operation. If you’re hearing anything louder than a soft whoosh, it’s worth checking.

When to Call Cove Support

If you’ve tried all the above and still face:

• Persistent draining issues
• Filter alerts that won’t reset
• Electrical problems or blinking error lights

…then it’s time to let the pros step in.

You can reach Cove’s customer support at

📞 1-800-222-7820

Or visit their official support page:

Cove Appliance Support

Must read: DIY: How to Clean Amana Dishwasher Filter Easily

FAQs

The Bottom Line

Learning how to clean Cove dishwasher filter is a small task with a big payoff. A clean filter means sparkling dishes, no funky smells, and a dishwasher that runs like new, peaceful, efficient, and reliable. By taking just a few minutes every month, you save your asset and bypass common problems like standing water or cloudy glassware. You now have everything you need to clean the filter and keep the entire system functioning correctly.

Remember to save this guide, download the picture, and share it with your friends who also have a Cove. Now that you know the right way to clean it, you won’t have to doubt yourself anymore. Your dishwasher and your future self will appreciate it. If this helped, bookmark it for next time — or share it with someone struggling with their Cove dishwasher!

Sources

1. Cove Appliance – Official Support
   CoveAppliance.com
2. Blue Sky Appliance Service – Cleaning Cove Dishwasher Filters
   BlueSkyApplianceService.com
3. JustAnswer Appliance Experts – Cove Filter Troubleshooting
   JustAnswer.com
4. Reddit Community – User Experiences & Troubleshooting
   r/Appliances
   r/CleaningTips
5. Facebook Groups (used for real-user FAQs and crowd-sourced advice):

• Busy Mom Kitchen Hacks
  facebook.com/groups/Busymomkitchenhacks
• Home Appliance DIY
  facebook.com/groups/homeappliancediy