Have you ever opened your dishwasher and smelled something weird, or found dirty spots on your “clean” dishes? It’s not always because of the soap. If you don’t know how to clean Kenmore dishwasher filter, that’s okay—many people feel the same way. That small filter under the rack. It helps a lot during each wash by trapping grease, food, and dirt. But when it’s clogged, your machine starts slacking.

In this no-fluff guide, you’ll learn exactly what to do, how often to do it, and the easiest way to keep your dishwasher fresh, efficient, and sparkling clean. Let’s address the issue before it escalates.

Why Cleaning Your Kenmore Dishwasher Filter Matters

Keep Dishes Truly Clean & Spot-Free

That dreamy dishwasher cycle loses its magic when a clogged filter recycles tiny food bits back onto your dishes. A filter fresh from cleaning ensures your crockery gets the rinse it deserves, not more debris.

Safer, Fresher Kitchen Environment

Food particles trapped in the filter can breed bacteria and mold, brewing invisible health hazards right under your feet. A simple monthly cleanse can significantly reduce odors and inhibit the growth of germs.

Win-Win for Appliances & Wallet

A clean filter helps the dishwasher function more efficiently. It enhances water flow and reduces stress on the motor, which can lower repair expenses and save energy and water. According to Cascade, regular filter maintenance can improve cleaning performance by up to 40%.

Prevent Drainage Errors & Alarms

Kenmore models with drainage sensors can display error codes (such as LC or drain errors) when water backs up due to poor filtration. Cleaning your filter frequently keeps sensors clear and your machine noise-free.

Types of Kenmore Dishwasher Filters & How to Identify Yours

Kenmore’s product range includes two major designs: traditional removable filters and self-cleaning (high-efficiency) filters. Knowing yours is essential.

Removable Twist-Lock Filters

Found in many Kenmore 80xx, 90xx, and 655xx series washers built after 2015, these take a simple half turn to unlock:

• Stainless steel or plastic cylinder filter
• Often paired with a coarse mesh trap beneath
• Easy to remove, clean, and reinstall

Self-Cleaning (Sump/Chopper) Filters

Older or high-efficiency Kenmores use chopper blades and internal filters—no user-accessible mesh filters:

• Trash gets ground by chopper blades
• Requires occasional cleaning of the sump area and blades
• Manual work is needed once or twice a year

How to Identify Your Filter Type

• Check the model number inside the door or online search
• Identify the filter type: Twist-lock unit or non-removable part?
• Consult Kenmore support guides:
  • Manuals, plus Q&A, confirm twist-lock models
  • Blog from Sears Home Services highlights sump processing
• DIY test: If there’s a ring that looks twistable under the spray arm, you’ve got a removable filter!

Tools & Supplies You’ll Need

Gather these before you begin—no need for a toolbox; just smart everyday items.

Essential Tools and Materials

• Rubber gloves – rescue your hands from dirt and cleaning solutions
• Soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush – ideal for scrubbing filter mesh gently
• Warm water and mild dish soap – easy on filters, tough on grease
• White vinegar – excellent natural degreaser and odor eliminator
• Microfiber cloth or towel – for drying and wiping the sink and housing
• Toothpick or safety pin – to dislodge gunk in filter holes or spray arm jets

Optional But Handy

• Baking soda pairs with vinegar for deep cleaning
• Vinegar cup – for empty cycle flush
• Dishwasher cleaner tablets (e.g., Affresh) – helpful for self-cleaning models
• Bucket or basin – for soaking the filter
• Zip-tie or tweezers – to fish out sudden debris in the sump or drain

Tip: Using soft brushes over wire ones won’t damage delicate mesh.

This brilliant mix of essentials and optional add-ons ensures you’re ready for a deep clean that enhances filter life and dishwasher performance.

How to Clean Kenmore Dishwasher Filter: Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

These steps follow Kenmore’s official procedures and expert DIY advice. Most people complete the task in under 12 minutes.

Step 1: Power Down & Clear the Path

1. Switch off power: unplug the dishwasher or flip the breaker to avoid accidental start-ups
2. Empty the dishwasher: remove dishes, utensil holders, and the lower rack to access the filter easily
3. TIP: Have a towel beneath the filter area—you may drip water during cleaning

Step 2: Remove Lower Rack

Slide it out completely. This gives total access to:

• Twist-lock filters
• Sump area
• Spray arm blocking debris

No tools needed—just a smooth glide.

Step 3: Locate & Detach Filter(s)

• For twist-lock filters: turn the filter ring 1/4 turn counterclockwise and pull upward
• If you find a flat microfilter beneath the cylinder, lift it carefully
• Self-cleaning/sump models: remove the bottom spray arm to access the internal chopper blade/sump

A Redditor noted that older models conceal components under multiple layers and may require the removal of screws using a screwdriver before accessing the sump.

Step 4: Rinse & Inspect Components

• Rinse filters under warm running water to wash away sludge
• Inspect for residue or damage—tap filters into trash or sink to knock loose debris
• Take this moment to wipe down the filter housing area with a cloth or brush

Step 5: Soak in Cleaning Solution

• In a basin, mix:
  • 1 cup warm water
  • A few drops of dish soap
  • Optional: ½ cup vinegar for tough grease
• Soak filters for 15–30 minutes
• Self-cleaning models: pour 1–2 cups of vinegar into a cup and put it into the bottom rack, and run a hot empty cycle

Step 6: Scrub Gently

• Use your brush to clean the filter inside and out, targeting the mesh and crevices
• Use a toothpick to remove lodged debris
• Self-cleaning models: check the sump/chopper blades for stuck bits and gently pick them off

Step 7: Dry Thoroughly

• Dry filters completely with a microfiber cloth
• Moist filters can cause mold, smells, or sensor issues
• Take this time also to dry the filter housing

Step 8: Reinstall Filter & Test

• Push filters back into place, twisting clockwise to lock
• Reinstall the lower rack
• Restore power
• Run a short, empty hot-water cycle to check for leaks, noises, and ensure everything seats properly

Pro Tips for Real-Life Efficiency

• Time-lapse: Many complete the process in around a dozen minutes
• Use vinegar monthly for maintenance—helps prevent scale buildup
• Clean spray arms periodically by removing and rinsing with hot water

Monthly Cleaning vs Deep Cleaning Routine

Monthly Filter Maintenance

Doing a monthly refresh helps prevent buildup from becoming a significant issue. Here’s what to do:

• Please take off the filter and give it a quick wash under warm water
• Scrub lightly with a toothbrush using mild soap
• Wipe the filter housing area inside the dishwasher
• In a bowl that can be washed in the dishwasher, pour in 1 cup of white vinegar and position it on the bottom rack.
• Run a hot water cycle (no dishes!) to eliminate lingering grease and odors.

👉 This method is excellent for Kenmore models with removable filters or even those with self-cleaning ones.

Quarterly Deep Cleaning

Every 3 months (or sooner if you use your dishwasher daily), go a step further:

• Soak filters overnight in a vinegar-water solution (1:1 ratio)
• Clean spray arms — remove and scrub each nozzle hole with a toothpick
• Wipe door edges, rubber gasket, detergent drawer, and control panel
• Clean the sump area and drain inlet — use a zip tie or soft brush to pull out gunk

Pro Tip: Use baking soda in the second half of your cleaning to deodorize. Following the vinegar treatment, pour ½ cup of baking soda into the bottom and run a short cycle on hot.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Filter Cleaner, Longer

Keeping the filter in tip-top shape isn’t hard. Be proactive with these small habits.

1) Pre-Scrape Plates (Don’t Pre-Wash!)

• Scrape large food debris into the trash
• Pre-washing is unnecessary and wasteful—modern dishwashers like Kenmore’s are designed to handle slight residue

2) Avoid Overloading the Racks

• Cramming dishes can block the spray arm
• This causes uneven cleaning and pushes food particles toward the filter

3) Use Quality Detergents

• Choose name-brand pods or powder that break down efficiently
• Cheap brands can cause cloudy film and leave behind residues that clog filters

4) Add Vinegar Monthly

• In a bowl, add 1 cup of white vinegar
• Bottom rack
• Run the hottest wash cycle

This keeps filters, gaskets, and drains cleaner, reducing limescale buildup from hard water.

5) Try Cleaning Tablets

• Brands like Affresh, Finish, or Glisten
• Drop one in every 3–6 weeks and run a normal cycle

Self-cleaning models also benefit from this trick.

6) Weekly Micro-Wipe

• Use warm, soapy water on a microfiber towel
• Wipe:
  • Spray arm hubs
  • Door edges and seal
  • Detergent cup
  • Control buttons (dry cloth only!)

This prevents grime from transferring into the filter and builds good, long-term habits.

Signs Your Kenmore Dishwasher Filter Needs Urgent Cleaning

Sometimes, your dishwasher screams for help—not literally, but in its way. If you’re seeing these red flags, your filter is overdue for a deep clean.

i) Dishes Come Out Dirty or Gritty

If you open your dishwasher and find food bits, residue, or dull glasses… It’s not your detergent’s fault. It’s likely that the filter is clogged and can no longer trap debris properly.

ii) Unpleasant Odors After Each Cycle

A musty, fishy, or sour smell coming from your Kenmore? That’s trapped, rotting food in the filter, not a plumbing issue. Don’t ignore it—this smell will cling to your dishes, too.

iii) Standing Water at the Bottom

An obvious signal: if there’s pooling water after a complete cycle, your filter might be restricting the drain. A blocked filter slows down water flow, allowing waste to accumulate behind it.

iv) The Dishwasher is Louder Than Normal

Gurgling, grinding, or buzzing noises? These may come from the pump struggling against a blocked or dirty filter. Ignoring this can cause your motor to overheat and potentially burn out.

v) Error Codes or Flashing Lights

Some Kenmore models (especially smart-enabled or Elite series) show error codes like “F1” or “drain error”, which often point to restricted flow caused by filter blockage.

Common Filter-Related Problems & Quick Fixes

You’re not alone—people discuss these problems in Reddit discussions, Facebook groups, and on Kenmore help pages. Let’s tackle the most annoying issues first.

1. Filter Won’t Come Out

Problem: You twist, pull, beg—and still, it won’t budge.

Fix:

• Soak the filter area with warm white vinegar for 10–15 minutes to dissolve stuck-on grime.
• Wiggle it gently while twisting counterclockwise—don’t use tools that might break the latch.
• If it’s jammed with debris below, a toothpick or a turkey baster can help loosen food underneath.

2. Filter Is Cracked or Damaged

Problem: You notice the mesh is broken, or the plastic has snapped.

Fix:

• Replace it immediately—running without a filter can damage your pump or motor.
• Order through Sears PartsDirect, Amazon, or Kenmore’s official site.

3. Filter Keeps Getting Clogged

Problem: You clean it, but gunk returns fast.

Fix:

• You’re probably not scraping plates well enough.
• Upgrade to a high-quality detergent brand.
• Run a monthly vinegar cleaning cycle + weekly wipe-downs around the filter housing.

4. Error Code Won’t Go Away (Even After Cleaning)

Problem: You cleaned the filter, but your Kenmore still throws a drain error.

Fix:

• Check for debris in the drain pump inlet—a flashlight and long zip tie work great here.
• Remove and clean spray arms—they can harbor gunk that gets recirculated.
• Reset the unit by powering off at the breaker for 5 minutes.

Don’t miss: How to Clean Samsung Dishwasher Filter — Complete Guide

FAQs from Reddit, Facebook & Kenmore Communities

Final Thoughts

Let’s be real: no one wakes up excited to clean their dishwasher filter. But after today, you’ve got the inside scoop, the confidence, and a step-by-step plan. Whether your Kenmore dishwasher filter is twist-off, tucked away, or hiding behind screws, you now know exactly where to look and what to do. Regular filter cleaning isn’t just about hygiene—it saves water, extends your machine’s life, and means no more pulling out “clean” plates with mystery gunk on them. Ew. So do your future self a favor.

Mark your calendar for monthly filter TLC, toss in a vinegar rinse, and give your dishwasher the love it gives your dishes. You’ll spend less time re-washing, less money on repairs, and have sparkling results every time. Got a weird issue? Drop it in the comments below—we’re here for the grime and the glory.

Sources

Official & Expert Sources:

1. https://inspiration.kenmore.com/how-to-clean-your-dishwasher-filter
2. https://manuals.plus/qa/4775776/How-do-I-clean-the-filter-in-my-Kenmore-dishwasher
3. https://www.eatingwell.com/the-1-way-to-improve-dishwasher-performance-according-to-cascade-8784281
4. https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-clean-dishwasher-filter
5. https://www.idealhome.co.uk/care-and-cleaning/how-to-clean-a-dishwasher-178012
6. https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-clean-dishwasher-filter
7. https://www.southernliving.com/home/organization/how-to-clean-dishwasher-filter

Community & User-Based Sources (Reddit):

8. https://www.reddit.com/r/CleaningTips/comments/1hrxtam/older_model_kenmore_dishwasher_how_can_i_get_to
9. https://www.reddit.com/r/Appliances/comments/1f3km2f/how_to_remove_to_clean_out_filter_kenmore