Learn when to clean and when to replace filters in your home’s most-used appliances.
When it comes to keeping your home running smoothly, the little things make a big difference—and few things are littler than your appliance filters. They sit quietly inside your fridge, dishwasher, dryer, microwave, and even your HVAC system, working day after day to keep your air cleaner, your water fresher, and your appliances safe from strain.
But here’s the catch: filters only do their job if you take care of them. Cleaning and replacing them on schedule is one of the simplest ways to extend the life of your appliances, save energy, and avoid bigger repairs down the road. The good news? With just a few minutes of attention, you can keep your home’s filters in great shape.
Refrigerator – Water Filter
Your refrigerator’s water filter works hard behind the scenes to make sure every glass of water and ice cube is clean, fresh, and safe to drink. When it’s neglected, the results show up quickly in taste, smell, and even how well the dispenser works.
So, how do you take care of it?
Locate the filter (commonly in a grille at the base, inside an upper corner, or behind a panel).
Shut off the water if your model requires it.
Twist or release the old filter and pull it out.
Insert the new filter, making sure it locks in place.
Run and discard 2–3 gallons of water through the dispenser to flush out air and activate the filter.
Reset the filter indicator light if your fridge has one.
Cleaning Frequency: Replace every 6 months, or every 3–4 months for heavy use, larger households, or poor water quality.
Signs to Watch For: Cloudy water, slower dispenser flow, smaller or misshapen ice, odd taste or smell, strange noises, or a filter indicator light.
What Happens if I Don’t? You may end up drinking contaminated water, dealing with mold and bacteria buildup, or facing a clogged dispenser or ice maker.
Refrigerator – Air Filter
The air filter inside your fridge helps control odors, slow down bacteria growth, and keep food fresher for longer. A clean air filter means your fridge smells pleasant and your groceries last as they should.
So, how do you take care of it?
Locate the filter (typically near the back wall or ceiling inside the fridge).
Remove the cover and the old filter.
Insert the new filter into the holder.
Reattach the cover and reset the filter indicator if your fridge has one.
Cleaning Frequency: Replace every 6 months, or up to 12 months in lower-use households.
Signs to Watch For: Lingering odors, food spoiling faster than usual, or a filter alert light.
What Happens if I Don’t? Odors linger, bacteria spreads, food spoils more quickly, and you may notice a stale or musty smell in your fridge even after cleaning.
Dishwasher Filter
Your dishwasher’s filter is what stands between you and gritty, dirty dishes. It traps leftover food scraps and keeps the drain from clogging. Clean it regularly, and your dishes come out sparkling. Neglect it, and you’ll start to smell the difference.
So, how do you take care of it?
Remove the bottom rack to reach the filter, usually found under the spray arms.
Twist and lift the filter out (some models have multiple pieces).
Rinse under hot water to remove debris.
Use a sponge or small brush with mild soap for stubborn grime.
Reinstall the filter securely, then replace the rack.
Cleaning Frequency: Clean every 1–4 weeks depending on usage. Manufacturers often recommend every 2–3 months. Some models have indicators after about 50 wash cycles.
Signs to Watch For: Gritty dishes, foul odor, drainage issues, or visible debris in the filter.
What Happens if I Don’t? Food debris builds up, leaving dishes dirty and smelly. Clogs can cause water backup, drainage issues, and even damage to the pump.
Microwave Filters – Grease & Charcoal
Over-the-range microwaves have two filters: grease filters that trap cooking residue, and charcoal filters that absorb odors. Keeping them clean means better ventilation and a fresher kitchen.
Grease Filter – How to Clean:
Unplug the microwave.
Slide or unclip the filter from the underside.
Soak in hot, soapy water (add a little baking soda for heavy grease).
Scrub gently with a dish brush, rinse thoroughly, and air-dry.
Reinstall when fully dry.
Charcoal Filter – How to Replace:
Unplug the microwave.
Remove the vent panel screws.
Take out the old charcoal filter.
Insert the new one in the correct position.
Reattach the panel and screws.
Cleaning Frequency: Grease filters should be cleaned monthly (or every 1–3 months with lighter cooking). Charcoal filters must be replaced every 6 months.
Signs to Watch For: Lingering smoke, persistent kitchen odors, or reduced vent performance.
What Happens if I Don’t? Odors and smoke linger, grease builds up, efficiency drops, and overheating becomes a risk.
Clothes Dryer – Lint Filter
Every load of laundry leaves behind lint, and your dryer filter’s job is to catch it. Clean it after each use, and your clothes will dry faster and safer.
So, how do you take care of it?
Pull out the lint filter and remove lint by hand after each load.
Once a month, scrub the filter with a brush in warm, soapy water.
Rinse thoroughly and let dry completely before replacing.
Cleaning Frequency: After every load for lint removal, and once a month for a deeper wash.
Signs to Watch For: Longer drying times, overheating, burning smell, or visible lint buildup in the vent.
What Happens if I Don’t? Expect slower drying, higher energy bills, damage to the dryer, and a serious fire risk from lint buildup.
HVAC / Air Conditioner
Your HVAC system is a home necessity when it comes to living in Texas, and that means taking care of it is too. Cleaning out the filters on it fights on two fronts: preventing excess strain on the system and keeping the air clean inside your home. In case you didn’t know, your HVAC system keeps the air clean by trapping dust, pollen, and other contaminants.
So, how do you take care of it?
Turn off the power to the unit.
Find the filter and inspect it for damage (there may be more than one—your manual will tell you).
Vacuum the filter with a soft brush attachment to remove loose debris.
For a deeper clean, soak it in hot water and white vinegar for 1 hour.
Rinse with clean water and let dry fully.
Replace the filter, ensuring it’s positioned correctly for airflow.
Cleaning Frequency: Reusable filters should be cleaned once a month and replaced every six. Disposable filters should be replaced every 1–3 months.
Signs to Watch For: Reduced airflow, increased dust in the home, or visible dirt on the filter.
What Happens if I Don’t? You’ll deal with higher energy bills, dirtier air inside your home, reduced airflow, and possible breakdowns in the system.
Filter care may not be glamorous, but it’s one of the smartest habits a homeowner can keep. Staying on top of these small maintenance tasks gives you cleaner air, safer water, fresher food, and peace of mind that your appliances are working their best.
And when the job calls for more than a filter swap—whether it’s a repair, replacement, or expert advice—ARS is here to help. Our team is dedicated to keeping your home comfortable and your appliances running smoothly, so you can focus on what matters most.
Call: (214) 599-0055
Additional Reading
4 Steps To A Clean Range Hood
Why Is My Oven Smelling So Strange?
Don't Overlook Your Ice Maker: The Benefits of Regular Cleaning