Electrolux dishwasher filter cleaning means taking out the filter assembly and the glass trap, rinsing both under running water, wiping out the sump beneath them, and putting everything back locked in place. Do it about once a month, and straight away if the dishwasher leaves standing water, shows an i20 or i40, or starts leaving grit on glasses. On our Electrolux dishwasher pages, a buildup of food soil in the glass trap, filter and sump is the leading cause of poor drainage and of the i40 message on US models, and cleaning it clears the problem in most cases.
Why does an Electrolux dishwasher filter need cleaning?
A dishwasher recirculates the same wash water through a filter during the cycle, so every bit of food it removes from the dishes ends up there or in the sump. The glass trap, a small chamber that catches hard debris such as glass chips and seeds, and the filter, which catches finer particles, protect the pump. When they clog, water cannot flow through quickly. The signs are standing water or debris in the filter area, poor wash results with soil left on dishes, a drain step that runs long, and a cycle that pauses partway. Our model pages for the EIDW6305GS, EIDW6105GS and EI24ID50QS list the i-codes we see most, and the filter and drain path are checked first for every one of them.
How do I clean the filter and glass trap step by step?
Switch the dishwasher off at the breaker or unplug it, since you are working near water and the pump. Then follow this order.
- Remove the lower rack. Slide it out fully and set it aside so you can reach the floor of the tub.
- Lift out the filter assembly. Turn it to release it, following the arrows on the plastic, then lift it free. Take out the glass trap as well if your model has one.
- Rinse under running water. Brush the mesh with a soft brush and dish soap until the screen is clear. Do not use a wire brush or steel wool.
- Wipe the sump. Use a towel to wipe out the sump beneath the filter, removing soft debris, and check the opening for seeds, labels or broken glass.
- Reassemble. Put the glass trap and filter back and turn the assembly until it locks. A loose filter lets debris through to the pump.
Run a normal cycle to confirm the code or standing water is gone. If the glasses still come out cloudy, a rinse aid refill and a cleaner cycle for the tub can help, but the filter is the first step.
What other drain checks go with it?
Filter cleaning handles only part of the drain path. If the dishwasher still holds water after the filter is clean, there are three more places to look. The drain hose should not be kinked behind the unit, and it should loop high under the counter, about 32 inches according to our i20 page. If the dishwasher drains into a garbage disposer that was installed recently, a knockout plug in the disposer inlet may still be in place and will block the drain completely. And the sump can hold soft debris beyond the filter, which a flashlight and a damp cloth will reach. Our guide to the Electrolux dishwasher i20 error covers each of these in detail. Work from the filter outward, one change at a time, so you know which step actually fixed it.
Does cleaning the filter fix an i40 or i20?
Often, yes. On our pages i40 on US models means food soil has built up in the glass trap, filter or sump, and a thorough cleaning clears it in most cases. i20 means water stayed in the tub past the drain window, usually a blocked filter or hose. After cleaning, press Cancel or unplug the unit for about three minutes to reset the control, then restart a cycle. If the code returns after a clean filter and a clear hose, the next suspects are a pressure or water-level sensor, which needs testing. i30 is a different problem, a float or leak trip, covered in our i30 guide, and is not cleared by filter work.
How do I keep the filter from clogging so fast?
Scrape plates rather than rinsing them completely, because modern detergents work better with some soil present, but remove bones, seeds, labels and large scraps. Load items so the spray arm turns freely. Use the right amount of detergent, since too much leaves a film that traps debris. Run the hottest suitable cycle weekly for a fully loaded machine to dissolve grease. For general care beyond the filter, see the Electrolux dishwasher maintenance guide, and if the dishes are wet at the end, read why an Electrolux dishwasher is not drying.
When should I call a technician?
Call if the code or standing water returns after a clean filter and a clear drain hose, if the pump hums without moving water, or if you see water around the base. A technician checks the drain pump, the sump and the sensors, and tests the inlet valve before fitting a genuine part. We are an independent service. Electrolux dishwasher repair covers all of these models, and you can schedule a visit online.
