Why can't I find my dishwasher filter?

You may not be able to find your dishwasher filter because location varies by brand and some models hide it, plus newer models have self-cleaning filters that are not user-removable. For most modern Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, GE, and Bosch dishwashers, the filter is located at the bottom of the tub under the lower spray arm. To find it, open door, remove lower dish rack completely by pulling it out, look at bottom center, you will see a cylindrical filter assembly with coarse outer filter and fine inner filter that twists counterclockwise to remove. If you cannot find it, possible reasons: your dishwasher is an older model manufactured before 2010 that has a self-cleaning food disposer and hard food disposer that grinds food and does not have a removable filter, it is built into pump. Second, filter is covered by spray arm: lower spray arm may hide it, you need to lift or twist spray arm off. Third, you are looking in wrong place: some GE and Frigidaire models have filter at back bottom. Fourth, manual not checked: check your model manual at manufacturer website by entering model number located on side of door. If dishwasher has no removable filter, it has self-cleaning system that does not need cleaning. For Whirlpool models WDT730HAMZ, WDT750SAKZ, filter is cylindrical at bottom and removes by twisting counterclockwise a quarter turn.