Whirlpool Dishwasher Filter Cleaning & Replacement — The 5-Minute Fix for Dirty Dishes

If your Whirlpool dishwasher is leaving food particles on dishes, producing a bad smell, or draining slowly, the filter is the first thing to check — and it requires zero tools, zero parts, and about two minutes of your time. The filter assembly sits at the center of the tub floor and catches food debris before it reaches the drain pump. When it gets clogged, everything downstream suffers.

Whirlpool switched from self-cleaning chopper-style filters to manual-clean filters in most models after 2010. The self-cleaning design used a grinder (the W10083957 chopper blade) to pulverize food particles, but it was noisier. Modern Whirlpool dishwashers are quieter because the filter traps debris passively — but that means you need to clean it regularly.

Cleaning the Filter (No Tools Required)

Whirlpool uses a two-piece filter assembly on all current WDT and WDF dishwashers:

1. Upper cylindrical filter: Located at the center of the tub floor. Grasp the top ring and lift straight up — it pulls out without any twisting or tools.
2. Lower flat filter: Sits in a recessed track beneath the upper filter. Rotate it a quarter turn counterclockwise (there is an arrow on the filter) and lift out.

Cleaning procedure:

• Rinse both pieces under warm running water
• Use a soft brush (old toothbrush works well) to scrub the mesh — do not use scouring pads or abrasive cleaners, which can damage the fine mesh
• Hold the upper filter up to a light — you should see light through the mesh evenly. Dark patches indicate embedded grease that needs a soak in warm water with a tablespoon of baking soda for 15 minutes
• Inspect the flat filter for tears, holes, or deformed edges — any damage means food particles will bypass the filter and reach the pump
• Reinstall the lower filter first (quarter turn clockwise to lock), then drop the upper filter back in

Whirlpool recommends cleaning the filter monthly. In practice, heavy use (daily cycles, greasy dishes) may require every two weeks.

When to Replace Instead of Clean

Filters do not last forever. Replace the filter assembly when:

• The mesh has visible tears or holes — even a small tear allows food particles through to the drain pump, where they can jam the impeller
• The plastic frame is cracked or warped — a warped filter does not seat properly in its housing, creating a gap that bypasses filtration entirely
• The mesh remains discolored after thorough cleaning and soaking — permanently embedded grease and mineral deposits reduce flow rate even if the mesh appears clear
• The lower flat filter no longer locks into position — the locking tabs have worn down, allowing the filter to float and lose its seal

Part Numbers and Cost

This is the least expensive part on your entire dishwasher, and the replacement requires zero tools.

Replacement Steps

1. Remove the old upper filter by lifting straight up
2. Remove the old lower filter by rotating a quarter turn counterclockwise and lifting
3. Compare old and new filters side by side — verify the diameter and locking tab positions match
4. Place the new lower filter in the recessed track, aligning the tabs, and rotate a quarter turn clockwise to lock
5. Drop the new upper filter into the center opening — it should sit flush with the tub floor
6. Run a short rinse cycle to confirm proper seating — if you hear any unusual rattling, the lower filter is not locked

Total time: under 2 minutes. No tools needed.

Older Models with Chopper Blade (Self-Cleaning)

Whirlpool dishwashers made before roughly 2010 used a chopper blade (W10083957) mounted below the filter instead of a manual-clean mesh. This grinder sits on the wash motor shaft and pulverizes food particles so they drain out with the wash water.

If your dishwasher has a chopper system and food particles are redepositing on dishes:

• The chopper blade may be worn smooth or cracked — remove the lower spray arm and the filter plate to access it
• The glass trap (a small screen around the chopper) may be clogged with glass fragments
• Replacement chopper blades cost $15-25 and require removing the spray arm and filter plate to access — a more involved repair than the modern filter swap

Common Mistakes

• Running dishes without the filter installed — food debris goes directly into the drain pump and can jam or destroy the impeller. Always reinstall the filter before running a cycle
• Using a dishwasher cleaner as a substitute for filter cleaning — Affresh tablets and similar cleaners clean the tub walls and spray arms but do not remove debris trapped in the filter mesh
• Ignoring the lower flat filter — most people only clean the upper cylindrical filter. The flat filter catches smaller particles and gets clogged just as often
• Scrubbing with steel wool — this destroys the fine mesh. Use only soft brushes, sponges, or soaking

Maintenance Schedule

Whirlpool dishwashers with manual-clean filters depend on regular cleaning for optimal performance:

• Monthly: Remove and rinse both filter pieces under running water
• Quarterly: Soak in baking soda solution to dissolve embedded grease
• Annually: Inspect for tears, cracks, and warping — replace if any damage is found
• After breaking a glass in the dishwasher: Immediately remove and inspect both filters plus the sump area for glass fragments

FAQ

How often should I clean my Whirlpool dishwasher filter?

Monthly for average use. Every two weeks if you run the dishwasher daily or wash heavily soiled cookware frequently. The most obvious sign that cleaning is overdue is a musty odor when you open the door.

Where is the filter in my Whirlpool dishwasher?

Center of the tub floor, under the lower spray arm. The upper cylindrical filter is visible when you open the door and look down. Pull out the bottom rack for easier access.

Do I need to replace the filter or just clean it?

Clean first. Replace only if the mesh is torn, the frame is cracked, or deep cleaning no longer restores flow. Most filters last 2-4 years before physical damage requires replacement.

My dishes are still dirty after cleaning the filter — what else should I check?

Check the spray arms for clogged nozzles (use a toothpick to clear each hole), verify your water temperature is at least 120 degrees F at the tap, and make sure the soil sensor lens in the sump is clean (wipe with a soft cloth).

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A clean filter solves most dishwasher performance complaints. If yours needs more than a filter cleaning, our technicians diagnose and fix all Whirlpool dishwasher issues on-site. Book a technician →