KitchenAid dishwasher model troubleshooting

KitchenAid dishwashers: third rack, drying and care

Dirty dishes point to a clogged filter, a blocked spray arm, items falling through the third rack or old detergent. Wet dishes need rinse aid and the heated dry option. A drain fault needs the filter, hose and air gap checked. Odors come from food in the sump, so clean the filter and run a cleaner.

The model label is inside the door. KitchenAid, a Whirlpool Corporation brand, asks for the model and serial. Use the right amount of detergent and rinse aid.

KitchenAid dishwashers with a third rack are loaded differently from ordinary machines, and many cleaning complaints come from loading. Put flatware and small utensils in the top tray spread flat, not nested. Keep tall items away from the spray arm path and make sure that the wash arm under the third rack can spin. Rinse aid matters for drying on these models because of the heated dry and condensation design, so keep the dispenser topped up and look at the indicator now and then.

KitchenAid dishwashers with a heated dry rely on a hot final rinse, and plastic items stay damp because plastic does not hold heat. Place plastics on the top rack, angle cups so that water runs off and use rinse aid. If the dishes are cool and wet at the end of a cycle, the heating element or the temperature sensor may be at fault, which a technician can test. Do not try to open the sump or the heater yourself.

If the dishwasher is noisy, look for a utensil in the spray arm path, a lid on a dish rattling or a loose rack wheel. If it still clatters, a technician can check the pump and the motor mount.

KitchenAid's dishwashers are sold in several tiers, from models with a standard rack set to ones with a third rack, wash zones and a PrintShield finish on the door. The finish resists fingerprints but can be scratched by abrasive cleaners, so wipe it with a soft cloth. A change of tier changes the cycles and options, so check the manual for the model before you follow a general guide.