How to Deep Clean a Whirlpool Dishwasher: Filter, Spray Arms, and Soil Sensor

Whirlpool dishwashers use a unique combination of a dual-stage filter system and a chopper blade food grinder (part W10083957) to handle food waste. Unlike brands that rely solely on a mesh filter, Whirlpool's design actively grinds soft food particles before flushing them down the drain. Over time, grease buildup on the soil sensor, mineral deposits in the TotalCoverage spray arm nozzles, and debris trapped in the upper cylindrical filter all degrade wash performance. This guide covers a thorough cleaning of every component that affects cleaning power.

This procedure applies to Whirlpool WDT and WDF series dishwashers manufactured from 2015 onward. The dual filter assembly, TotalCoverage 3-arm spray system, and optical soil sensor are consistent across these model lines. Your tech sheet (taped inside the door panel or under the console) confirms your specific configuration.

Before You Start

• Tools needed: Torx T20 driver, soft-bristle brush (old toothbrush works), white vinegar, baking soda, toothpick or needle, microfiber cloth, small bowl
• Parts needed: None (cleaning procedure only)
• Time required: 30-40 minutes
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Safety warning: Disconnect power at the circuit breaker before removing spray arms or accessing the sump area. The chopper blade is sharp.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Remove the Lower Dish Rack and Locate the Filter Assembly

Pull out the lower dish rack completely and set it aside. On the floor of the tub, you will see the cylindrical upper filter surrounded by the flat lower mesh filter. The upper filter is approximately 4 inches tall with a handle grip at the top. The lower filter is a flat, circular mesh plate that sits flush with the tub floor around the upper filter housing.

Step 2: Remove the Dual Filter Assembly

Grip the upper cylindrical filter by its handle and twist it counterclockwise (about a quarter turn). It will unlock and lift straight out. Next, lift the flat lower mesh filter straight up — it is not threaded, just seated in a groove. Set both filters in your sink. You will now see the chopper blade assembly in the sump below. Do not reach in — the blade edges are sharp enough to cut skin.

Step 3: Clean the Upper Cylindrical Filter

Rinse the upper filter under warm running water while gently scrubbing with your soft-bristle brush. Pay attention to the fine mesh walls where grease and food particles embed themselves. For stubborn grease, soak the filter in a bowl of warm water with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar for 15 minutes, then scrub again. Hold it up to a light — you should see light passing through the mesh evenly when clean.

Step 4: Clean the Lower Flat Mesh Filter

The lower filter catches larger particles that bypass the upper filter. Rinse it under running water and use your brush on both sides. Check for any tears or holes in the mesh — a damaged lower filter allows food particles to recirculate onto your dishes. If you find damage, replacement lower filters are available for approximately $15-25 from Whirlpool parts suppliers.

Step 5: Clean the Sump Area and Chopper Blade

With both filters removed, use a damp cloth to wipe around the sump opening. You will see the chopper blade (W10083957) at the bottom. Use a flashlight to inspect for bone fragments, fruit pits, or glass shards that may have jammed the blade. Remove any debris with needle-nose pliers — never use your fingers. The blade should spin freely when nudged gently with a wooden chopstick.

Step 6: Clean the Soil Sensor Lens

The optical soil sensor is a small clear lens located in the sump area, typically near the front-left of the tub floor. It measures water turbidity to determine cycle length and water usage. A cloudy or grease-coated lens makes the dishwasher think water is dirtier than it is, leading to excessively long cycles or extra rinses. Wipe the lens gently with a microfiber cloth dampened with white vinegar until it is perfectly clear.

Step 7: Remove and Clean the Lower Spray Arm

The lower spray arm in Whirlpool's TotalCoverage system is secured by a twist nut. Reach under the spray arm and turn the nut counterclockwise until it releases. Lift the spray arm straight up. Hold it under running water and use a toothpick to clear each spray nozzle. Mineral deposits (white crusty buildup) block these holes and reduce water pressure. Soak heavily calcified arms in vinegar for 30 minutes.

Step 8: Remove and Clean the Middle Spray Arm

The middle spray arm mounts to the bottom of the upper rack. Push it upward and twist counterclockwise to release it. Clean all nozzles the same way as the lower arm. This arm is critical for Whirlpool's TotalCoverage system — it provides the mid-level spray pattern that distinguishes Whirlpool from brands with only upper and lower arms.

Step 9: Clean the Upper Spray Arm

The upper spray arm clips onto the top of the tub ceiling. Unclip it by pressing the retaining tabs and pulling down. Clean nozzles thoroughly. This arm handles the 3rd level rack items (utensils, small cups) and frequently gets overlooked during cleaning.

Step 10: Clean the Door Gasket and Interior Edges

Open the door and inspect the rubber gasket around the tub opening. Fold back the gasket lip and wipe away any mold, food residue, or mineral deposits with a cloth dampened with vinegar. Pay special attention to the bottom corners where water pools. Also wipe the edges of the door and the area around the detergent dispenser where residue accumulates.

Step 11: Reassemble Everything

Reinstall spray arms in reverse order: upper (clip in), middle (push up and twist clockwise), lower (set on hub, thread nut clockwise until snug — do not overtighten). Place the lower flat mesh filter back into its groove. Insert the upper cylindrical filter and twist clockwise a quarter turn until it locks in place. Replace the lower dish rack.

Step 12: Run a Cleaning Cycle

Place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the top rack. Run the hottest cycle available with no dishes. This flushes vinegar through the entire system including internal hoses and the drain pump. Alternatively, use an Affresh dishwasher cleaner tablet (Whirlpool's own product designed for their gasket geometry) placed in the bottom of the tub.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your Whirlpool dishwasher still does not clean well after this thorough cleaning, investigate these possibilities:

• F6E1 or F6E4 error after cleaning: These indicate a water supply issue. Verify the inlet valve (W10872255) is opening fully — listen for a click when the fill cycle starts
• Dishes still have grit after cleaning: Check that you reinstalled the upper filter with the quarter-turn lock fully engaged. An unlocked filter allows food particles to bypass the chopper blade
• Cycle times excessively long: The soil sensor may need replacement rather than just cleaning. If the lens is scratched or internally fogged, cleaning will not help — the sensor assembly needs replacement
• Standing water in sump after cycle: The drain pump (W10876537) may be failing, or the drain hose has a kink. Check the hose routing under the sink — it should loop up to the air gap or high loop before descending to the disposal/drain
• Spray arms not spinning freely: Confirm the mounting nuts are not cross-threaded and that food debris is not caught between the arm and its mount point

Recommended Cleaning Schedule

When to Call a Professional

This cleaning procedure resolves 80% of Whirlpool dishwasher performance complaints. Call a professional if:

• The chopper blade (W10083957) is jammed with hard debris (bone, glass) that you cannot safely remove
• You hear grinding or humming during the wash cycle even after cleaning — this may indicate a failed circulation pump bearing
• Error codes F2E1 or F2E2 appear, which indicate a stuck or shorted control button rather than a cleaning issue
• The dishwasher leaks from the door after cleaning — the door gasket or door latch (W10862259) may need replacement rather than just cleaning
• Water does not drain at all — the drain pump itself may have failed, not just a clogged filter

Cost: DIY Cleaning vs Professional Service

Need Professional Help?

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FAQ

Q: Why does my Whirlpool dishwasher have both a filter AND a chopper blade? A: Whirlpool uses a hybrid system. The chopper blade (W10083957) grinds soft food into particles small enough to flush down the drain, while the dual filter catches harder items that could damage the pump. This means you should never need to pre-rinse dishes — just scrape large food scraps into the trash.

Q: Can I run my Whirlpool dishwasher without the filter installed? A: Never run without filters. The upper cylindrical filter protects the chopper blade and drain pump from large debris. Running without it risks jamming the chopper, damaging the drain pump impeller, or clogging the drain hose with food particles.

Q: The soil sensor light stays on — what does it mean? A: Whirlpool's soil sensor does not have its own indicator light. If you mean the Clean indicator light, that simply stays on after the last completed cycle until you open the door or start a new cycle. It is purely cosmetic and resets by running any cycle.

Q: How do I find the tech sheet for my specific Whirlpool dishwasher model? A: The tech sheet is taped inside the machine — check inside the door panel first (remove the inner door screws using a Torx T20 driver), or underneath the console at the top of the door. It contains your specific wiring diagram, error code table, and diagnostic mode button sequence.

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