A dishwasher can leave grit on glasses, develop an odor, or drain slowly when its filter is coated with food particles and grease. The filter is designed to be removed for routine cleaning, but the locking motion differs by model. Check the owner manual if it does not lift or twist easily.
Start with a cool machine
Wait until the cycle has finished and the interior is cool. Turn the dishwasher off and remove the lower rack. Most modern machines have a cylindrical filter paired with a flat mesh screen beneath the spray arm.
Remove loose debris first
Use a paper towel to pick up bones, labels, broken glass, and other large pieces. Do not reach blindly into standing water. If glass may be present, wear cut-resistant gloves and use tongs. A filter is not a garbage disposal, and hard objects can damage the circulation pump.
Wash the filter gently
Unlock the filter in the direction marked by the arrows and lift it out. Rinse it under warm water. A soft dish brush can loosen grease from the mesh. Avoid steel wool, abrasive powders, and sharp picks because they can enlarge the openings. For stubborn film, soak the filter in warm water with a little dish detergent, then rinse thoroughly.
Reinstall and test
Wipe the flat screen and the recess where the filter sits. A grain of rice or plastic can keep the filter from seating. Set it back into its guide and turn it until it locks. Run a short rinse without dishes and listen for grinding. If water remains, inspect the drain hose, air gap, and disposal connection instead of repeatedly washing the filter. Disconnect power before servicing anything below the tub, and call a technician if the pump leaks or remains noisy.