KitchenAid dishwasher not cleaning dishes properly

May 09, 2019

If your dishwasher not cleaning dishes properly

Is the water supply turned on to the dishwasher?

Make sure the dishwasher water supply is turned on.

Were items loaded correctly in the dishwasher?

Be sure that items in the dishwasher do not block the spray arms and no items are blocking the detergent dispenser when the door is closed. Items should be loaded with the soiled surface facing down and inward toward the spray arms.

CLICK HERE for more information on properly loading your dishwasher.

Did you run the hot water in the sink closest to the dishwasher?

By running the hot water for at least 30 seconds, the water lines going near the dishwasher will flush. Depending on where your hot water heater is located in your house, you could have cold water entering your dishwasher if you do not do this.

Was the correct amount of detergent and rinse aid used or was old detergent used?

Do not use hand soap or laundry detergents. Use automatic dishwasher detergents only.

Using pre-measured dishwasher detergent tablets and pacs have been proven better than powder, liquid or gel detergents to reduce filming on your dishes. By using these tablets and pacs, over time this will start to reduce or eliminate white film. Also, by using a rinse aid you can minimize repeat build-up of white film.

Never use less than 1 tablespoon (15g) per load.
Heavy soil and/or hard water generally require extra detergent.
Use automatic dishwashing detergent only. Other detergents can produce excessive suds that can overflow out of the dishwasher and reduce washing performance.
Store detergent in a cool, dry place to keep it fresh and effective.

Is the detergent old (if using powder detergent)?

Older detergent exposed to air will clump and not dissolve well.

Is the detergent caked in the dispenser?

Use fresh detergent only. Clean out the dispenser. Do not allow the detergent to sit for several hours in a wet dispenser. Clean the dispenser when caked detergent is present.

Was the correct cycle used or is the water temperature too low?

If your food soil is heavy on the dishes a heavier cycle may be required to fully clean your dishes. Check to see if the water pressure is high enough for proper dishwasher filling. Water pressure should be 20 to 120 psi (138 to 828 kPa).

CLICK HERE for more information on water temperature

Do the dishwasher filters need to be cleaned?

Cleaning the filters periodically helps keep the dishwasher working at peak performance. The filters can be found at the bottom center of your dishwasher

CLICK HERE for more information on cleaning the dishwasher filters