Maintaining a clean dishwasher is essential for ensuring its optimal performance and longevity. One crucial component that requires regular cleaning is the filter. A clogged or dirty filter can hinder the dishwasher’s ability to effectively remove food particles from dishes, leading to poor cleaning results and potential odor issues. Cleaning the filter on your Frigidaire dishwasher is a simple yet essential task that can be completed in a few easy steps. By regularly cleaning the filter, you can prolong the life of your dishwasher, improve its cleaning performance, and prevent unpleasant odors from developing.
To begin the cleaning process, locate the filter, which is typically situated at the bottom of the dishwasher tub. It is often covered by a protective cap or housing that can be easily removed by hand. Once the filter is exposed, carefully remove it from the dishwasher and proceed to the next step. Depending on the model of your Frigidaire dishwasher, the filter may have a different appearance and design. However, the general cleaning procedure remains the same. In the following section, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to clean the filter on your Frigidaire dishwasher, ensuring that your appliance operates at its peak efficiency.
Identifying the Dishwasher Filter
The dishwasher filter plays a crucial role in preventing food particles, detergent residue, and other debris from clogging the dishwasher and affecting its performance. Identifying and cleaning the filter regularly is essential to ensure the dishwasher operates smoothly and efficiently.
Different dishwasher models have varying filter designs and locations. Here are the most common types of dishwasher filters and their typical locations:
| Filter Type | Location |
|---|---|
| Cylindrical Filter | Bottom of the dishwasher, near the center |
| Cone-Shaped Filter | Bottom of the dishwasher, near the drain |
| Flat Filter | Bottom of the dishwasher, underneath the lower rack |
To locate the filter in your specific dishwasher model, refer to the user manual or consult the manufacturer’s website. Once you have identified the filter, you can proceed with cleaning it to maintain optimal dishwasher performance and extend its lifespan.
Removing the Filter Basket
The filter basket is a critical component of your Frigidaire dishwasher, ensuring that food particles and other debris are removed from the water before it circulates through the appliance. Here are the detailed steps on how to remove the filter basket:
- Locate the filter basket: Open the dishwasher door and locate the filter basket assembly, typically found at the bottom of the dishwasher tub.
- Detach the support bracket: Most Frigidaire dishwashers have a support bracket attached to the filter basket. To remove it, gently pull the bracket straight up and away from the basket.
- Lift the filter basket out: Once the support bracket is detached, carefully lift the filter basket straight up out of the dishwasher tub.
- Separate the filter parts: The filter basket consists of a coarse mesh filter and a fine mesh filter. Gently separate the two filters by pulling them apart.
Tip: It’s recommended to clean the filter basket and its components regularly to maintain optimal dishwasher performance.
Cleaning the Coarse Filter
1. Remove the Coarse Filter:
Locate the coarse filter on the bottom of your Frigidaire dishwasher. Grip the handle of the filter and pull it upwards to detach it from the dishwasher’s base.
2. Inspect the Coarse Filter:
Examine the surface of the coarse filter for any large food debris, such as seed husks, fruit pits, or plastic fragments. If any debris is present, remove it by hand or use a soft brush or toothpick to dislodge it.
3. Clean the Coarse Filter:
Rinse the coarse filter thoroughly with warm water. Use a soft dishcloth or sponge to gently scrub any remaining food particles or stains from the filter. Ensure that all food residue is removed before reattaching the filter.
| Description |
|---|
| Rinse the coarse filter with warm water. |
| Use a soft dishcloth or sponge to gently scrub the filter. |
| Ensure all food residue is removed before reattaching the filter. |
Cleaning the Fine Filter
The fine filter is located at the bottom of the dishwasher tub. It filters out food particles and other debris from the wash water. To clean the fine filter:
- Open the dishwasher door and remove the bottom rack.
- Locate the fine filter at the bottom of the tub. It is typically a round or square plastic disc with a mesh screen.
- Remove the fine filter by grasping the handle and pulling it up and out.
- Rinse the filter thoroughly with hot water and a soft brush to remove any food particles or debris. Be sure to rinse both sides of the filter.
- Reinstall the fine filter by inserting it into the bottom of the tub and pushing down until it clicks into place.
- Replace the bottom rack and close the dishwasher door.
Additional Tips for Cleaning the Fine Filter
To extend the life of your fine filter and keep it working properly, here are some additional tips:
- Clean the fine filter every 1-2 months, or more often if you wash dishes frequently.
- If the fine filter is heavily clogged, you may need to soak it in a solution of hot water and dish soap for 30 minutes before rinsing it.
- Never use a scouring pad or abrasive cleaner to clean the fine filter, as this can damage the mesh screen.
| Frequency | Cleaning Method |
|---|---|
| Every 1-2 months | Rinse with hot water and a soft brush |
| As needed | Soak in a solution of hot water and dish soap for 30 minutes before rinsing |
Cleaning the Drain Pump Seal
The drain pump seal can also become clogged, preventing the dishwasher from draining properly. To clean the drain pump seal, you will need a flashlight, a pair of pliers, and a small screwdriver.
- Locate the drain pump at the bottom of the dishwasher. It is usually located behind the kickplate.
- Unplug the dishwasher from the electrical outlet.
- Remove the kickplate by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place.
- Use the pliers to remove the hose clamp that connects the drain hose to the drain pump.
- Carefully pull the drain hose off of the drain pump. Be careful not to damage the hose.
Caution:
There may be some water in the hose, so be prepared for it to spill out.- Use the flashlight to inspect the drain pump seal. If it is clogged, use the small screwdriver to gently remove the debris.
- Reattach the drain hose to the drain pump and tighten the hose clamp.
- Reinstall the kickplate.
- Plug the dishwasher back into the electrical outlet.
Reinstalling the Fine Filter
After thoroughly cleaning the fine filter, it’s time to reinstall it into the dishwasher. Ensure the clip on the outer edge of the filter is in its proper position before inserting the filter.
Once inserted, push down firmly on the center of the filter to secure it in place. The tabs around the edges of the filter should snap into place, ensuring a tight fit.
With the fine filter securely reinstalled, you can now insert the coarse filter back into the dishwasher. Push down gently until it clicks into place, aligning the arrow on the coarse filter with the corresponding mark on the dishwasher.
To ensure optimal performance of your dishwasher, it’s recommended to regularly clean both the fine and coarse filters. Periodic maintenance will prevent sediment and debris from clogging these filters and impairing the dishwasher’s cleaning efficiency.
Reinstalling the Coarse Filter
7. Reinstall the Coarse Filter:
• Make sure the gasket is properly seated in the filter housing.
• Insert the Coarse Filter into the Filter Housing, ensuring it is correctly aligned.
• Thread the Filter Retainer Nut onto the Coarse Filter, hand-tightening it until snug.
• Use a pair of pliers or a Filter Wrench to further tighten the nut by about ⅓ to ½ a turn. Avoid overtightening.
• If the nut becomes loose or the filter starts leaking, tighten it as described above.
• Once the Coarse Filter is secure, proceed to the next step.
Note:
Refer to the table below for specific instructions on reinstalling the Coarse Filter for different Frigidaire Dishwasher models:
| Dishwasher Model | Reinstallation Instructions |
|---|---|
| Gallery GLD Series | Align the Coarse Filter with the tabs on the Filter Housing and press down to lock it in place. |
| Professional PFD Series | Thread the Coarse Filter into the Filter Housing and tighten it by hand until it is secure. |
| PureSource 3 Series | Insert the Coarse Filter into the Filter Housing and twist it clockwise to lock it into place. |
Reinserting the Filter Basket
Once the filter is clean or replaced, it’s time to put everything back together. Start by carefully lifting the filter basket out of the dishwasher tub.
Next, take a clean sponge or cloth and wipe down the inside of the filter basket to remove any remaining food particles or detergent residue.
Once the filter basket is clean, carefully insert it back into the dishwasher tub. Make sure that the filter basket is properly seated and that it is locked into place.
Finally, replace the dishwasher’s bottom rack and close the door. Your dishwasher is now ready to use again!
Here are some additional tips for reinserting the filter basket:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Make sure that the filter basket is properly seated. | The filter basket should fit snugly into the dishwasher tub. If it is not properly seated, it could leak water or cause the dishwasher to not work properly. |
| Lock the filter basket into place. | Most filter baskets have a locking mechanism that helps to keep it in place. Make sure that the filter basket is locked into place before you close the dishwasher door. |
| Replace the dishwasher’s bottom rack. | Once the filter basket is in place, you can replace the dishwasher’s bottom rack. |
| Close the dishwasher door. | Once the bottom rack is in place, you can close the dishwasher door. Your dishwasher is now ready to use again! |
Running a Test Cycle
After you’ve cleaned the filter, it’s important to run a test cycle to make sure it’s working properly. Here are the steps on how to do it:
1. Clear the Dishwasher
Remove any dishes or utensils from the dishwasher.
2. Close the Dishwasher Door
Close the dishwasher door but don’t latch it.
3. Select a Cycle
Use the control panel to select a normal wash cycle.
4. Press and Hold the “Start” Button
Press and hold the “Start” button for about 3 seconds until you hear a beep.
5. Wait for the Dishwasher to Fill
The dishwasher will start to fill with water.
6. Check the Filter
Open the dishwasher door and check the filter. It should be clean and free of debris.
7. Close the Dishwasher Door
Close the dishwasher door and latch it.
8. Allow the Cycle to Run
The dishwasher will complete the wash cycle.
9. Inspect the Dishes
When the cycle is complete, open the dishwasher door and inspect the dishes. They should be clean and free of food residue. If the dishes are still dirty, the filter may not be clean enough. You may need to repeat the cleaning process.
10. Reset the Dishwasher
Once you’ve inspected the dishes, press the “Reset” button on the control panel to reset the dishwasher.
Tool |
Description |
|---|---|
| Soft-bristled brush | For gently scrubbing the filter |
| Clean cloth | For wiping the filter and surrounding area |
| Toothpick or toothpick-like object | For removing any stubborn debris from the filter |
Regular Filter Maintenance
1. Locate the Filter
Typically, the filter is situated at the bottom of the dishwasher, near the spray arm. It may be concealed by a protective cover.
2. Remove the Protective Cover
Gently lift or unscrew the cover to expose the filter.
3. Remove the Filter
Grab the filter by its handle or grip and pull it straight up.
4. Rinse the Filter Screen
Use cold water to rinse away any visible food particles or debris from the filter screen.
5. Clean the Filter Housing
Use a soft cloth or brush to remove any accumulated gunk or residue from the filter housing.
6. Inspect the Filter
Examine the filter for any cracks, tears, or excessive wear. If damaged, replace the filter with a new one.
7. Reinstall the Filter
Align the filter correctly and push it down into the housing until it clicks or locks into place.
8. Replace the Protective Cover
Secure the protective cover back onto the filter.
9. Run a Test Cycle
Start a short wash cycle without dishes to ensure the dishwasher is functioning properly.
10. Monitor and Replace the Filter Regularly
| Filter Type | Replacement Frequency |
|---|---|
| Standard Filter | Every 6-12 months |
| HEPA Filter | Every 12-18 months |
| Stainless Steel Filter | Every 2-3 years |
Note: The replacement frequency may vary depending on the dishwasher usage and water conditions.
How to Clean the Filter on a Frigidaire Dishwasher
Keeping your Frigidaire dishwasher in optimal condition requires regular cleaning, including the removal and cleaning of its filter. Here’s a step-by-step guide to effectively clean the filter:
- Unplug the dishwasher: Always disconnect the power before working on the dishwasher.
- Locate the filter: The filter is typically located in the bottom of the dishwasher, near the center.
- Remove the filter: Depending on the model, you can either lift the filter up or twist it counterclockwise to remove it.
- Rinse and scrub the filter: Hold the filter under running water and gently scrub it with a sponge or brush to remove food particles and debris.
- Inspect for clogs: Carefully inspect the filter for any clogged holes or openings. Use a toothpick or small brush to clear any blockages.
- Reinsert the filter: Once the filter is clean, reinsert it into the dishwasher. Align it properly and secure it by pressing down or turning it clockwise.
- Run a cleaning cycle: After cleaning the filter, run a hot water cycle in the dishwasher with no dishes to flush out any remaining debris.
People Also Ask About How to Clean Filter on Frigidaire Dishwasher
What is the purpose of the filter in a Frigidaire dishwasher?
The filter captures food particles and debris to prevent them from recirculating within the dishwasher. This helps keep the water clean and ensures optimal dishwasher performance.
How often should I clean the filter?
For optimal performance, clean the filter every 1-3 months, or more frequently if the dishwasher sees heavy use.
What happens if I don’t clean the filter?
A clogged filter can restrict water flow, reduce cleaning effectiveness, and potentially lead to dishwasher malfunctions.
Can I replace the filter in my Frigidaire dishwasher?
Some Frigidaire dishwasher models have replaceable filters that need to be changed every 6-12 months, depending on the model. Consult your dishwasher’s user manual for specific instructions on replacing the filter.
