How to Clean a Maytag Dishwasher Screen

The Maytag dishwasher is a reliable appliance that makes dish washing a snap. However, just like any other appliance, things do not always work as they should. If your dishes do not seem to be getting clean or the dishwasher is taking a long time to wash, the water inlet screen may need cleaning. The inlet screen is similar to the inlet screen on your washer. The screen keeps sediment and debris out of the incoming water to the appliance. You can clean the screen yourself and save money on a service call in the process.

Step 1

Turn off the circuit breaker to the Maytag dishwasher. Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher by turning the water shut-off valve.

Step 2

Remove the single screw on each end of the front support panel with a Phillips-head screwdriver. The front support panel is directly under the dishwasher door and over the toe panel. Pull the front support panel off and remove the two screws that secure the toe panel to the dishwasher to remove the toe panel.

Step 3

Locate the water inlet valve on the left side of the dishwasher tub just inside the lower access. The valve will have a water supply hose connecting to the side.

Step 4

Remove the two wires that connect to the valve solenoid terminals with a pair of needle nose pliers. Grab the wires by the metal ends and pull them off the terminals.

Step 5

Place a bowl close to the inlet hose and use a Phillips-head screwdriver to loosen the inlet hose clamp securing the hose to the inlet valve. Pull the hose off of the inlet valve and place the hose end in the bowl.

Step 6

Remove the two screws that secure the water inlet valve to the dishwasher with the Phillips-head screwdriver. Pull the water inlet valve with the bracket out of the dishwasher.

Step 7

Disconnect the valve bracket from the valve body by removing the four screws with the screwdriver. Pull the screen out of the valve body and take the screen to a sink.

Step 8

Run water in the sink while holding the screen. Use a small toothbrush if necessary to remove any sediment that does not loosen with the running water. Place the screen back inside the valve body.

Step 9

Reattach the mounting bracket to the valve body, securing the bracket with the four retaining screws, Place the water inlet valve back under the dishwasher and secure the valve assembly to the dishwasher with the two retaining screws.

Step 10

Slide the wire leads over the terminal ends of the water inlet valve solenoid until they lock into place. Push the inlet hose back onto the valve and secure the hose by tightening the clamp.

Step 11

Place the toe panel back into position under the dishwasher door and secure the toe panel with the retaining screws. Secure the front support panel back over the toe panel with the two securing screws.

Step 12

Turn the water supply back on to the dishwasher and turn the circuit breaker on to power the dishwasher.