We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

It's Black Friday! For deals on Wirecutter picks that are actually worth it, check out our list of the best Black Friday deals. Ro Water Purifier Filter

This Thanksgiving, as you put your dishwasher to the test with more dirty pots, pans, and dishes than usual, you might want to pay attention to one part of the machine in particular before or after the big cleanup: the filter.

In late 2019, right after hosting a Thanksgiving for twenty guests, I received an error code on my Bosch 300 Series dishwasher (Wirecutter’s top pick).

It also smelled rotten inside. The appliance repairman explained to me that the error code meant water had been leaking to the bottom of my dishwasher. As he investigated, he quickly discovered that the cause of this leakage was not complicated, but just embarrassing.

He pulled out a disgusting filter covered in a slime of congealed food. He then showed me how to clean the filter, which also happened to be the source of the rotten smell. At last, I had a working dishwasher, along with what could have been a preventable bill. Since learning to clean the dishwasher filter, I am happy to say that I have not needed to have my dishwasher serviced again.

This simple maintenance can help you avoid a major repair bill, and it will take you less than five minutes every few months.

A dishwasher filter is actually amazing. Think of it as the first line of defense against major damage to the machine. The filter not only helps make it possible to skip prerinsing your dishes, but it also filters the water and catches food particles as the machine washes. It prevents major clogs that can cause leaks or break the pump, too.

Without a periodic inspection and rinse, food can build up and cause a blockage. Most of the appliance experts we spoke with told us that a dirty filter primarily causes a stench and less clean dishes, but in rare cases it can cause much more serious problems with drainage or even cause damage to the pump. This is why it is so important to check and rinse the filter. Fortunately, it’s easy to maintain your filter so your dishwasher is ready for whatever comes its way. Here’s how.

First, locate the filter. It’s always best to check your manual for specifics, but in most machines it is located below the propeller. When your dishwasher is empty, remove the bottom rack and set it aside. In the bottom of the machine, you will see the propeller. In most cases, you can easily remove the propeller and locate the filter underneath.

Rinse debris off the filter with hot water. You can use a brush to clean any hard-to-reach places. I recommend using a bottle brush to get into the smaller crevices, if necessary. I cleaned my filter recently, so it wasn’t nearly as gross as it can get.

Once it’s clean, gently place it back into the machine. Return the bottom rack, and you’re done. This simple maintenance hack can save you a major headache, especially if you’re hosting Thanksgiving and plan to stuff your dishwasher with a lot of dirty dishes.

Here at Wirecutter, we are big proponents of not scraping or rinsing your dishes before loading your dishwasher. And yes, that means cleaning the filter more often; Bosch suggests three to six times a year if you rinse your dishes beforehand and four to 12 times a year if you do not. Miele notifies users every 50 washes to check the filter. Whirlpool has an extensive online guide to filter cleaning with different guidelines that depend on whether you scrape and rinse. If you are unsure about your own dishwasher, reference the manual for specific guidelines. And if after this Thanksgiving your dishwasher starts to clean less effectively or smell funky, be sure to check the filter first.

This article was edited by Brittney Ho, Ingrid Skjong, Amy Koplin, and Sofia Sokolove.

Miele Great Britain, How to access and clean the drain filter and pump of Miele Dishwashers, YouTube, August 20, 2019

Andrea Barnes is a staff writer reporting on large cleaning appliances for Wirecutter. She previously worked as a research analyst. A number of avoidable appliance mishaps have led her to a passion for proper appliance care.

A portable dishwasher is a great option when a built-in won’t work. We recommend the GE GPT145SSLSS and GPT225SSLSS because of their convenient features.

by Daniel Varghese and Alex Arpaia

The AeroPress coffee maker and its travel companion, the AeroPress Go, are the best way to make single cups of coffee at work or on the go.

After testing 13 pet water fountains (and having one turned into a chew toy), we think the Catit Flower Fountain is the best for most cats (and some dogs).

Moka pots are inexpensive, stylish, and easy to use, and they brew strong coffee. We tested four different pots, and the Bialetti Moka Express is our favorite.

Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time).

water purifier faucet © 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company