The KitchenAid KDTM604KPS's own Problem Solver has a quick test for cloudy glass: soak the item in white vinegar for 5 minutes. If the cloudiness disappears it is hard-water film, so adjust the detergent and rinse aid; if it does not clear, it is etching, which is permanent damage to the glass and cannot be cleaned off. The manual adds liquid rinse aid is necessary for drying and to reduce spotting, incoming water should be 120 F (49 C), and the Hi-Temp Wash or Sani Rinse option can help. For removing hard-water film, load affected dishes, put a tablet in the main compartment and run Tough.
Differential
Likely causes of “KitchenAid dishwasher leaves spots, film or cloudy glassware”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Hard water film
What separates it Cloudiness that a 5 minute white vinegar soak removes
How to confirm Increase rinse aid and adjust detergent; run the monthly affresh cleaner
- 2
Etching of the glass
What separates it Cloudiness that does not clear after the vinegar soak
How to confirm Accept it as permanent damage and reduce detergent and heat for those items
- 3
Rinse aid is empty or the cap was left off
What separates it Spots and streaks dry on glasses and the dispenser level is low
How to confirm Refill and press the cap back on; the manual says a missing cap causes suds
- 4
Water colder than 120 F
What separates it There is film and residue with poor dissolving of detergent because the water is colder than 120 F
How to confirm Set the incoming water to 120 F (49 C) and try Hi-Temp Wash
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether a 5 minute white vinegar soak clears the cloudiness
- Your water hardness and the detergent type and amount used
- Whether the rinse aid cap was replaced after filling
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedRun the vinegar test
ReversibleSoak a cloudy glass in white vinegar for 5 minutes. If it clears, the cause is hard water; if not, it is etching.
Use the right rinse aid
ReversibleLiquid rinse aid is necessary for drying and reducing spotting. Open the dispenser by pressing the center of the lid while lifting the edge, fill until the indicator shows full and press the lid down. Turn the arrow adjuster up for hard water.
Measure detergent
ReversibleUse the correct amount of fresh detergent; more is needed for heavy soil and hard water. Use tablets or packs in the main compartment when you can, which KitchenAid says reduce filming best.
Raise the wash temperature
ReversibleConfirm the incoming water is 120 F (49 C) and try the Hi-Temp Wash or Sani Rinse options, which raise the main wash temperature.
Remove existing film
ReversibleFor hard water film, use a monthly maintenance product such as affresh Dishwasher Cleaner: load dishes affected by filming, place the tablet in the main compartment and run Tough.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Tools and supplies
- A flashlight, towels and a shallow pan, a sponge and warm water, white vinegar or affresh Dishwasher Cleaner and a small level. KitchenAid says not to repair any part unless the user-repair instructions say so, so these tools are for the owner checks below.
- Options that raise temperature
- Hi-Temp Wash raises the main wash temperature from 105 F to either 130 F or 140 F (41 C to 55 C or 60 C) on ProWash, Tough and Normal. Sani Rinse increases the main wash temperature from 105 F to 140 F and the final rinse from 140 F to 155 F (60 C to 68 C).
- Parts for this problem on the KDTM604 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- detergent dispenser, part number W11412300, at $115.21; filter cover, part number W11568785, at $23.43.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models KDTM704, KDTM804, KDTE204, KDTE304, KDFM404.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If film returns immediately after cleaning with correct rinse aid and detergent, have the water hardness tested and consider a softener
- !If glasses feel rough and the cloudiness will not clear with vinegar, it is etching and no cleaner will fix it
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
KitchenAid's own manual for this model, English pages 1 to 8: operating, cycle guide, options, care and the Problem Solver table.
KitchenAid's own help articles for its dishwashers, each; the article for this page is named in the page's notes.
KitchenAid's own help articles on drying, cleaning, spotting, cycle length, sounds and interior cleaning.
KitchenAid's own page for this model's manuals and support.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
How can I tell hard-water film from etching?+
Soak the item in white vinegar for 5 minutes. If the cloudiness disappears it is hard water; if it stays, it is etching.
Can etching be reversed?+
No. Etching is permanent damage to the glass surface.
Is rinse aid necessary?+
KitchenAid says liquid rinse aid is necessary for drying and to reduce spotting.
Which options help?+
Hi-Temp Wash raises the main wash temperature from 105 F to 130 or 140 F, and Sani Rinse raises the final rinse.
What if the cap is left off the rinse aid?+
The manual lists not replacing the cap as a cause of suds.
How do I clean hard water from the tub?+
Run affresh Dishwasher Cleaner monthly, following its directions, with the Tough cycle.