If you’re like me, you depend on your Maytag dishwasher to take care of those never-ending piles of dishes. I used to run it daily — until one day, I opened the door to a funky smell and dishes that were still gritty. After some frustration (and Googling), I realized it wasn’t the detergent — it was the filter.

Learning how to clean Maytag dishwasher filter was a total game-changer. It took less than 10 minutes, no tools required, and my dishwasher felt brand new again. So if your Maytag is struggling, let me walk you through what worked for me — in a way that’s simple, no-nonsense, and beginner-friendly.

Why Cleaning the Filter Matters More Than You Think

You probably don’t think much about your Maytag dishwasher filter, but it’s doing a lot more than you realize. Every time you run a load, it’s there catching all the food scraps, grease, and gunk that come off your dishes. Without it, your plates wouldn’t come out nearly as clean.

When it’s clogged, here’s what you’ll notice:

• Water won’t go down like it should.  
• Bits of food get stuck on plates and glasses.  
• A strong, old smell stays in the air.  
• The dishwasher gets louder.  
• The washing cycle ends, but the dishes still seem dirty.

If any of that sounds normal, it’s time. It’s time to clean the filter and give your dishwasher the refresh it deserves.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

This is the best part: no fancy tools or dishwasher-specific gadgets needed.

Grab:

• Warm water
• Dish soap (any brand works)
• An old toothbrush or soft cleaning brush
• Microfiber cloth or paper towels
• Gloves (optional — for those who don’t like touching old food gunk)

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Maytag Dishwasher Filter

Step 1: Power Down and Pull Out the Bottom Rack

Firstly, ensure the dishwasher is turned off.

Afterwards, let it cool down fully if it was recently used.

Slide out the lower rack to get clear access to the filter at the bottom of the tub.

Step 2: Find and Remove the Filters

Your Maytag dishwasher typically has two filters:

• A cylindrical upper filter (twists out)
• A flat lower mesh filter (lifts straight up)

Here’s what you do:

• Twist the upper filter counterclockwise and gently pull it out.
• Lift the lower filter out of place. Don’t yank — wiggle gently.

Tip from me: Don’t force it. If it’s stuck, try twisting again softly or check for built-up grime that might be locking it in place.

Step 3: Clean Both Filters Thoroughly

This part can get a little gross, but it’s also satisfying.

• Rinse both filters under warm running water
• Apply a little dish soap and use your brush to scrub off:
  • Grease
  • Caked-on food
  • Sticky residue
  • Slimy biofilm (yes, that’s a thing)

Give extra attention to the fine mesh screen — this is where most clogs form.

Pro Tip: If it smells awful, put the filter in a bowl of warm water with a bit of white vinegar for 15 minutes. It’ll break down odor-causing grime.

Step 4: Wipe the Inside Filter Housing

While your filters dry, use a paper towel or cloth to:

• Wipe the area where the filter sits
• Remove any leftover food particles
• Clean the drain area nearby

This step helps with odor and improves drainage. I once found a tiny piece of broken glass down there — so don’t skip it.

Step 5: Reinstall the Filters in the Right Order

• Place the flat lower filter back into position.
• Slide the cylindrical filter in, then twist it clockwise to lock it in place.
• Gently check that both filters are snug and don’t move out of place.

You’re done!

Signs Your Maytag Dishwasher Filter Is Clogged

Still doubtful if you need to clean it? Look out for these signs:

• Dishes feel rough or have food still stuck on them.  
• There is water at the bottom of the tub.  
• A strong, sour, or stale smell after a wash.  
• The dishwasher is making louder noises than usual.  
• Soap isn’t thoroughly washed off.

These red flags mean it’s time to clean the Maytag dishwasher filter ASAP.

Extra Tips to Keep Your Maytag Running Like New

• Run hot water in your sink before starting a cycle — it helps the dishwasher begin with warm water..
• Use a rinse aid to reduce spots and streaks..
• Don’t overload the dishwasher..
• Scrape off large food chunks before loading..
• Do a vinegar cleaning once a month. Pour 1 cup of white vinegar into a bowl and place it on the top shelf. Then, run a hot wash cycle.

What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Maytag Filter?

Neglecting your Maytag dishwasher filter may not seem like a big deal — until your dishes come out dirtier than they went in. A clogged filter causes several issues:

• Poor water circulation
• Food particles left on dishes
• Slow or blocked drainage
• Musty odors
• Possible damage to the dishwasher motor or pump

If left uncleaned for too long, a clogged Maytag dishwasher filter can even reduce the lifespan of your device. It’s like skipping oil changes in your car — yet, things break.

How to Sanitize a Maytag Dishwasher Filter Naturally

If your dishwasher smells bad or you suspect mold, don’t panic — there’s a practical way to sanitize it.

Here’s how:

1. In a bowl of warm water, mix about 1 cup of white vinegar with a teaspoon of baking soda. It’ll fizz a little — normal!
2. Soak the filter for 15–20 minutes and let the mix do its job.
3. Use a soft brush to clean off any loose dirt.
4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
5. Let it air dry or pat it with a towel.

This natural dishwasher cleaning method works wonders — no chemicals, no damage, and no lingering odor.

How to Clean Maytag Dishwasher Spray Arms While You’re At It

Your dishwasher filter isn’t the only part that requires cleaning—spray arms likewise gather dirt over time.

Here’s what to do:

1. Take off both the top and bottom spray arms
2. Rinse them with warm water to loosen any buildup
3. Use a toothpick, a pin, or even a bent paperclip to clear out any clogged holes
4. If there’s hard water buildup, give them a soak in white vinegar for 15–20 minutes
5. Once they’re clean, pop them back in place

This easy fix for your Maytag dishwasher helps improve water pressure, resulting in cleaner dishes.

Best Products to Clean Maytag Dishwasher Filter Safely

Want the most suitable cleaning without damaging parts? Use these gentle, useful tools:

• Soft-bristle toothbrush – for scrubbing mesh
• White vinegar – for dissolving grease and odors
• Baking soda – for gentle abrasion
• Dishwasher-safe cleaner pods – monthly deep clean
• Rinse aid – helps prevent mineral spots and film

Avoid using bleach, metal brushes, or any products labeled “heavy-duty” — these can damage your filter or plastic parts.

How to Order a Replacement Maytag Dishwasher Filter

Filters don’t last permanently. If yours is broken, torn, or worn out, replace it quickly to avoid dishwasher damage.

Here’s how to order:

1. Locate your dishwasher model number (usually inside the door)
2. Visit Maytag’s official parts website or a trusted retailer like Amazon
3. Search: Maytag filter part number
4. Compare listings for genuine replacements
5. Order and install — no technician needed!

Using the wrong part can affect performance, so never match the model exactly.

How Do I Know If My Maytag Dishwasher Has a Self-Cleaning Filter?

Not all Maytag dishwashers have removable filters. Some newer models use self-cleaning filters that grind up debris and flush it away.

To check:

• Take out the bottom shelf from your dishwasher.
• If you see a removable, twist-lock filter, it’s a manual model
• If not, you likely have a self-cleaning system

Tip: Even self-cleaning models benefit from periodic vinegar cycles and regular checks of the spray arm.

Signs That Your Maytag Dishwasher Needs Deep Cleaning

Even if your filter is clean, other parts may need attention. Here’s how to tell:

• A sour or moldy smell after each cycle
• White film on dishes (mineral buildup)
• Visible food stuck in corners
• Cloudy glasses, even with rinse aid
• Loud grinding or humming noise

These signs convey that it’s time for a full Maytag dishwasher deep clean — including the filter, spray arms, drain, and interior.

Maytag Dishwasher Maintenance Tips

Here’s a quick checklist to keep your dishwasher performing like new:

• Clean filter every 2–4 weeks
• Wipe the interior tub weekly
• Clean spray arms every 1–2 months
• Run vinegar rinse cycle monthly
• Wipe the door gasket monthly
• Use rinse aid regularly
• Scrape food off dishes before loading
• Inspect racks for rust or wear

Consistency is key to a long-lasting, odor-free dishwasher.

Should I Call a Technician or Clean It Myself?

Most filter cleaning and maintenance tasks are easy to do on your own. However, you should call a pro if:

• Water is leaking under the dishwasher
• Error codes appear repeatedly
• Dishwasher won’t drain, even after cleaning
• The filter is broken, and you can’t remove it
• Spray arms won’t spin or make grinding noises

For regular filter cleaning, though? DIY is more than enough, and it can save you hundreds in repair costs.

FAQs About Maytag Dishwasher Filters

Don’t miss: How to Clean KitchenAid Dishwasher Filter Easily

The Bottom Line

If you’ve been wondering how to clean Maytag dishwasher filter correctly, now you know. This one little task can make a huge difference. I ignored mine for months, and once I cleaned it, the change was instant: no smells, no gunk, no more rinsing dishes twice. It takes less than 10 minutes, no tools required, and saves you money on repairs and water. Whether your dishwasher smells bad, won’t drain, or just isn’t cleaning well, cleaning the filter is the first step.

Don’t wait until your Maytag stops working. Keep it running smoothly with this simple habit, and enjoy spotless dishes every single time. Take 10 minutes today to clean your filter — and let me know if it worked for you in the comments or review!