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Learn how to eliminate bad odors from your dishwasher and prevent them from returning.
How to Clean a Kenmore Dishwasher Filter
Cleaning out your Kenmore dishwasher filter is something you should be doing once a month. Spotless dishes and clean wash water are easy to accomplish if you just know how to keep your dishwasher clean and running as it should — and that means rinsing out the little component that filters food particles from wash water during the cycle. It’s easy to do. The hard part is to remember to do it each month.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Cleaning the filters in your Kenmore dishwasher will ensure that it runs smoothly and cleans well.
- Most Kenmore dishwashers have 2 or 3 filters at the bottom of the dishwasher tub that need monthly cleaning.
- Follow the steps shown below to remove, clean and replace the filters in your Kenmore dishwasher.
How to Remove and Clean the Dishwasher Filter
Most Kenmore dishwashers have at least one removable filter that needs regular cleaning – some models have several filters to clean. You’ll readily see the filter(s) in most models under the bottom rack and lower spray arm. If you don’t see the filter(s), check your Kenmore owner’s manual for the location.
Supplies Needed
To clean the filter(s), you’ll need paper towels and a small brush such as an old toothbrush. If you’re cleaning a large mesh filter screen, you may also need a larger scrub brush to clear debris and deposits from that screen.
Because broken glass can sometimes get trapped in a filter, we recommend that you wear protective gloves when removing glass or other sharp items from dishwasher filters.
Removing and Cleaning the Filters in the Newest 2025 Kenmore Dishwashers
The newest Kenmore dishwashers have 3 filters that you’ll need to remove and clean monthly.
Pull out the bottom dishwasher rack and follow the steps in this illustration from the owner’s manual to remove the 3 dishwasher filters:
Follow these steps to clean the filters:
- Carefully remove foreign objects like broken glass or paper labels from the coarse filter. You may be able to just dump the items out of the coarse filter.
- Clean all the filters using paper towels and brushes. Remove all debris and deposits from the filters.
- Rinse the filters under running water in your kitchen sink.
Reinstall the filters in the dishwasher and slide the bottom dishrack back into place.
To keep your Kenmore dishwasher clean and fresh, run an empty cycle with an Affresh dishwasher cleaning tablet added to the bottom of the tub.
Cleaning Ultra Wash Filters on Kenmore HE Dishwashers
Kenmore HE dishwashers use less water to clean dishes so it’s extremely important to clean the 2 filters in these models monthly. The wash water will stay clean and flow properly through the spray arms when the filters are clean.
Follow the steps shown in the illustration below to remove, clean and reinstall the filters on a Kenmore HE dishwasher.
If you have a different type of Kenmore dishwasher than the ones shown above, follow the instructions in the owner’s manual to clean the dishwasher filter(s).
The Significance of Cleaning Your Kenmore Dishwasher Filter
The Kenmore dishwasher filter plays a pivotal role in trapping food particles and other residues from the wash cycle. Regular cleaning of the dishwasher filter ensures your appliance performs properly by:
- Effectively removing food particles and impurities from the water, resulting in cleaner dishes.
- Preventing clogs and blockages, thereby maintaining smooth water flow and reducing the risk of drainage issues.
- Enhancing the overall performance of your dishwasher by preventing undue strain on the appliance.
Cleaning your Kenmore dishwasher filters monthly will also extend the life of your appliance.
Yearly Professional Maintenance
Annual professional maintenance by a Sears Home Services technician will help keep your Kenmore dishwasher in top shape and lasting longer. Our technicians know Kenmore dishwashers inside and out. We can spot small issues during annual maintenance checks and take corrective action to prevent big problems. Yearly maintenance will help prevent unexpected failures throughout the year and your dishwasher will run more efficiently when regularly maintained.
Schedule your annual dishwasher maintenance check now to get and keep your Kenmore dishwasher in prime condition and running smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where’s the Kenmore filter located?
Typically under the lower spray arm. Sears Home Services knows Kenmore’s specific twist-off or lift-out designs so you don’t damage the assembly.
How often should I clean it?
Monthly if you cook heavily or see food debris. Sears Home Services cites better wash performance when filters aren’t clogged.
Is soap necessary?
Rinsing with warm water can suffice. A soft brush removes stubborn debris. Sears Home Services suggests mild soap if there’s greasy buildup.
Will Sears Home Services replace a damaged filter?
Yes, we can order OEM parts if the mesh is torn. A faulty filter affects water flow and cleaning efficiency.
Schedule your dishwasher maintenance now!
Regular dishwasher maintenance can help prevent costly breakdowns, reduce energy costs and extend the life of your appliance.
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A dishwasher diverter motor controls the direction of water flow to different spray arms within the dishwasher, ensuring optimal water distribution during each wash cycle for thorough cleaning.
A dishwasher drawer is a compact, space-saving kitchen appliance designed to clean dishes efficiently, resembling a standard kitchen drawer that slides out for easy loading and unloading.
Common Repair Dishwasher Symptoms
The most common reasons your Frigidaire dishwasher won't start a cycle are a defective electronic control board, damaged power supply board or a failed door switch.
The most common reasons your Amana dishwasher won't drain are a failed drain pump, faulty pump and motor assembly or a cracked drain hose.
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