Do Whirlpool dishwashers have a filter that needs to be cleaned?

Yes, all modern Whirlpool dishwashers manufactured after 2010 have a filter that needs to be cleaned regularly to maintain cleaning performance and prevent odor and drain clogs. Models like WDT730HAMZ, WDT750SAKZ, WDT920SAPZ, WDTA50SAKZ, and WDT505SAKZ have a manual clean filter system located at the bottom of the dishwasher tub under the lower spray arm. The filter assembly consists of an upper coarse filter that catches large food particles and a lower fine mesh filter that traps small particles to protect the drain pump and circulation pump. To clean it, open door, pull out lower dish rack completely, locate cylindrical filter at bottom center, twist counterclockwise about a quarter turn until it unlocks, lift out upper and lower filters, rinse both under running water, scrub with soft brush to remove trapped food, check sump area underneath for food debris and remove, then reinstall by placing lower filter back, placing upper filter on top, and twisting clockwise until locked. Manufacturers recommend cleaning filter every 30 days if you do not rinse dishes well before loading, or every 60 days if you scrape well. Failure to clean filter causes poor cleaning, water standing in bottom, and foul odor. Older Whirlpool dishwashers made before 2010 had self-cleaning disposers that did not need manual cleaning.