[jenniferdahl]

My whirlpool gold dishwasher GU1200XTLQ1, doesn't clean like it use to. One suggestion I've heard is to clean the screen or pump trap regularly. So, where do I find it, and how do I clean it. Thanks

[twinkiedooter]

It's at the bottom of the machine. There is a larger white plastic screen that needs to be taken off. Then you need to carefully reach in with your fingers and take out any built up goo that's trapped there. Then you need to take a regular sink plunger (with the wooden handle sawed off so it will fit inside the unit) and plunge out the line inside the machine. Be prepared for the water to shoot up the middle spout and possibly get wet in the process. Then carefuly put back the white plastic grid into place or the dishwasher won't run (safety thing) and run a load with no soap and no dishes. Then repeat the process to see if you've dislodged any more goo. You probably will dislodge more goo by the way. Take out the new goo and replace the white plastic grid and your dishwasher should be like new again.

I only do this fix about once a year. Had the same dishwasher for 7 years and only had to dislodge goo twice now. My secret is to rinse off all the larger pieces of food prior to loading the dishes in the machine. I used to have a swell Maytag that had a built in garbage disposal in the bottom. Gosh I miss that machine...