Having fully functioning cheap portable dishwashers is essential in most kitchens. If you own a GE Profile dishwasher and are having problems with dirt and grime buildup, it could be originating from the perforated screen at the base of the unit. Food that is left on dishes gets filtered in this area to prevent it from clogging up the drains underneath and behind the dishwasher. Ensuring the GE Profile dishwasher has a clean filter helps prevent permanent damage to the unit.
If your dishwasher has been malfunctioning, you may want to troubleshoot the appliance and check the GE Profile dishwasher parts to determine the exact cause. Always unplug the unit before taking it apart or inspecting the inside of the dishwasher.
When the dishwasher water backs up into the main base of the unit, begins to leak, or does not drain properly, check all of the drains and hosing first, advises GE Appliances. Make sure there are no kinks in the housing and nothing is blocking the main drain. Pull out the screen that filters heavy particles.
Remove the Filter
Specific instructions for removing the filter may vary depending on the specific model you have. Be sure to check the owner’s manual for details. After the wash cycle is completed on the dishwasher, empty the contents and pull out the lower rack. You should be able to see the screen below the spray arm at the base of the unit.
Take off the cap assembly that is on top of the filter. Set the cap aside for cleaning. Pull the screen out and check it for food, hair, sludge, or pieces of plastic. If there is a backup of water and food particles, remove the chunks completely from the clogged drain and screen.
GE Profile Dishwasher Clean Filter
Removing food and rust buildup from the screen helps your dishwasher continue to perform correctly. Gather basic cleaning supplies, including a soft brush, sponge, soap, and rubber gloves. Avoid scouring pads and wire brushes that may scratch the filter, advises GE Appliances.
At the sink, use warm, soapy water to lightly rinse off the screen. If calcium buildup and caked-on materials are still stuck to the filter, use the soft brush or sponge to remove this debris. Rinse the filter thoroughly. You can use a wet microfiber cloth to wipe away the remaining particles at the base of the unit underneath the screen.
Reinstall the filter in your cheap portable dishwashers and replace the bottom rack. Cleaning the screen at the bottom of your GE Profile should be a part of your monthly maintenance routine.
Safety Warnings and Considerations
If you notice that the screen is stuck or you are unable to remove the screen to clean it, do not force or pry the screen loose. Call a technician to help remove the screen. Never stick your hand in the dishwasher when it is cycling or turned on. Do not force anything down the drain to unclog it; remove the drain manually.
Dishwasher drains become clogged for a variety of reasons, but grease and food happen to be two of the main culprits. When you leave leftover food and grease on your dishes before you place them into the appliance, the dishwasher rinses all of the debris off the dishes. The debris then lands on the bottom of the dishwasher and finds its way into the drain hose. Once the drain hose becomes clogged or obstructed, it needs to be fixed quickly to prevent damage to the appliance.
Quick Fix
Open the dishwasher and look inside carefully. Inspect the bottom of the dishwasher and the area around the drain hose for grease and food residue. Wipe the interior of the dishwasher with paper towels to remove the grease. When you wipe the inside of the dishwasher, you may find sharp objects such as glass obstructing the drain pipe. Remove these items carefully. If the dishwasher remains clogged, you will need to remove the drain hose.
Drain Hoses
Unplug the dishwasher from the electrical outlet to prevent any accidents. Remove the kick plate underneath the dishwasher door to access the hose. You might have to consult your dishwasher owner’s manual. Look for the drain hose with a flashlight. The drain hose typically is located under the spraying arm. Place a bowl or pan under the hose and disconnect it by removing the clamp off the hose with pliers. Insert a long bristle brush or plumber’s snake into the hose to remove debris or run pressurized water directly down into the hose. Reconnect the hose and run the dishwasher.
Plumber
If you do not feel comfortable disconnecting the drain hose or if you are unsuccessful, you need to call a licensed plumber. While you may feel like the dishwasher contains clogged grease, there are varieties of other reasons why the water may not be draining. The pump motor may not be running properly, the water valve may be leaking or the hose may actually have a kink in it that you cannot reach. The dishwasher may also connect under the sink or to the garbage disposal, which can be part of the problem. If you cannot afford to call a plumber, consult your owner manual and call the manufacturer for advice on how to fix the problem.
Prevention
Always remove large pieces of food from dishes before you place them into the dishwasher. Scrape off pieces of food and bones into the trash and rinse the dishes to remove large chunks of food and residue. Always empty liquids from glasses and scrape off burned food. Allowing these items to go into the dishwasher can clog the drain hose and prevent the dishwasher from draining.
