The KitchenAid KDTM604KPS's Problem Solver lists seven fixes for dishes that are not clean: load correctly (improper loading can greatly decrease washing performance), check the filter is properly installed and clean, select the proper cycle (ProWash or Tough for tougher loads), be sure incoming water is at least 120 F (49 C), use the proper amount of fresh detergent (more for heavy soil and hard water), scrape food but do not pre-rinse, and check for suds. Suds can come from laundry detergent, hand soap, dish soap, a missing rinse aid cap or too much detergent.
Differential
Likely causes of “KitchenAid dishwasher does not clean dishes”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Improper loading or blocked spray arms
What separates it Food remains where dishes faced away from the spray or the arms were blocked
How to confirm Face soiled surfaces down and inward and check the arms are free
- 2
A dirty or wrongly installed filter
What separates it Grit and residue on dishes and standing debris in the tub
How to confirm Check the filter is properly installed and clean it
- 3
Water colder than 120 F or too little detergent
What separates it There is a grease film and dull dishes, especially in winter, because the water is colder than 120 F or there is too little detergent
How to confirm Use 120 F water and enough fresh detergent
- 4
A cycle too light for the soil
What separates it Baked-on food remains after a Normal or Light cycle
How to confirm Use ProWash or Tough for heavier loads, and ProScrub or Hi-Temp Wash as needed
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Which cycle and options you used
- Where on the racks the dishes stayed dirty
- Whether the filter was clean and the water hot
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedLoad correctly
ReversibleRemove leftover food, bones and toothpicks, angle the dirtiest surface down and inward, avoid overlapping bowls and plates and place plastics, small plates and glasses in the upper rack.
Check the filter
ReversibleMake sure the filter is properly installed and clean it if needed. KitchenAid's full user guide has the filtration system details.
Choose the right cycle and option
ReversibleProWash senses the soil amount and toughness. Tough is for heavily soiled pots, pans and casseroles; ProScrub adds intensified jets and Hi-Temp Wash raises the main wash temperature.
Check water and detergent
ReversibleThe incoming water must be at least 120 F (49 C). Use the proper amount of fresh detergent; more is needed for heavier soil and hard water. Scrape food but do not pre-rinse.
Rule out suds
ReversibleIf foam is detected the dishwasher may not operate properly or fill with water. Suds come from laundry or hand soap, dish detergent for hand washing, not replacing the rinse aid cap or too much detergent.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Cycle descriptions from the manual
- ProWash senses the soil amount and toughness and uses only the water and energy needed; Tough is for hard-to-clean, heavily soiled pots, pans and casseroles; Normal with only Heat Dry is recommended for a full load of normally soiled dishes and is the energy label cycle; Light is for lightly soiled items and china; Express Wash cleans faster with slightly more water and energy; Rinse Only is for dishes not washed right away, with no detergent.
- Parts for this problem on the KDTM604 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- filter cover, part number W11568785, at $23.43; circulation pump & motor assembly, part number W11414076, at $200.31; water inlet valve assembly, part number W11434044, at $55.29.
- 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 dishes stay dirty with correct loading, a clean filter, hot water and fresh detergent, contact KitchenAid service
- !If suds appear again, check the detergent type and the rinse aid cap before another cycle
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
Should I pre-rinse?+
No. Scrape food off but do not pre-rinse; the ProWash cycle senses the soil.
How hot must the water be?+
At least 120 F (49 C).
What is ProScrub?+
Jets that spray from behind the lower rack and in the upper rack corners for intensified cleaning of tough soil.
Does hard water need more detergent?+
Yes. More detergent is needed for heavier soil and hard water.
Can I load plastics anywhere?+
Place plastics in the upper rack, where they are less likely to deform.