When was the last time you looked at the bottom of your dishwasher? Not the rack, the actual floor of it. If you are like me, the answer is: never. I ran my dishwasher for two years before I learned it has a filter you are supposed to clean.

Two years of food sludge sitting in a plastic basket, and I never once thought about it.

Where the filter hides

Pop out the bottom rack and look in the corner. Most dishwashers have a cylindrical filter assembly you twist counterclockwise to remove. Under that is a mesh screen, and under that is the gross part.

How to clean it

1. Twist out the filter and rinse it under hot running water.
2. Scrub the mesh with an old toothbrush to knock off trapped bits.
3. Wipe the sump area underneath with a damp cloth.
4. Click everything back in place.

Takes five minutes. I timed it.

Why this fixes the dirty dishes

A clogged filter means dirty water keeps circulating during the wash. Your dishes come out looking clean until they dry, then the film and grit show up. That is not a broken dishwasher. That is a filter that needs attention.

Do it monthly

If you run the dishwasher daily, check the filter once a month. Hard water areas may need more frequent cleaning. It is the cheapest maintenance your kitchen has.

Since I started cleaning mine, my glasses come out actually clear. I also run an empty hot cycle with a cup of vinegar every few months, and the whole machine smells like it just got unpacked.