Kitchenaid Dishwasher not cleaning
KitchenAid Dishwasher Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve opens to allow water to enter the dishwasher. If the valve is clogged or defective, the dishwasher won’t get enough water to clean dishes properly. If the water inlet valve is clogged, replace it. Do not attempt to clean the water inlet valve—cleaning the valve could make it more likely to fail.
Improper loading
Improper loading will keep the water from cleaning the dishes. Make sure you are leaving enough space between the dishes.
Improper water supply temperature
The water may not be hot enough. The recommended water supply temperature for a dishwasher to clean properly is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If your hot water temperature is lower for safety reasons, try using a longer cycle that heats the water.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Center Wash Arm Assembly
The center wash arm circulates water to the dishes in the upper rack. If water can’t flow properly through the center wash arm, the dishes in the upper rack won’t be cleaned properly. Over time, food particles can get trapped in the tiny holes in the wash arm. If your dishes are coming out dirty, the wash arm might be clogged. To unclog the center wash arm, remove the wash arm and dislodge any debris from the holes. If the wash arm is extremely clogged, replace it. In addition, make sure that the center wash arm assembly is mating properly with the water supply nozzle.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Lower Wash Arm Assembly
The lower wash arm circulates water to the dishes in the lower rack. If water can’t flow properly through the lower wash arm, the dishes in the lower rack won’t be cleaned properly. Over time, food particles can get trapped in the tiny holes in the wash arm. If your dishes are coming out dirty, the wash arm might be clogged. To unclog the lower wash arm, remove the wash arm and dislodge any debris from the holes. If the wash arm is extremely clogged, replace it.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Lower Wash Arm
A dishwasher’s lower wash arm will spray water upwards as it rotates to clean the dishware during the wash and rinse cycles. If the wash arm is clogged with debris or damaged, the water won’t be able to jet upwards and the dishware won’t be cleaned effectively.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Upper Wash Arm Assembly
The upper wash arm circulates water to the dishes in the upper rack. If water can’t flow properly through the upper wash arm, the dishes in the upper rack won’t be cleaned properly. Over time, food particles get trapped in the tiny holes in the wash arm. If your dishes are coming out dirty, the wash arm might be clogged. To unclog the upper wash arm, remove the wash arm and dislodge any debris from the holes. If the wash arm is extremely clogged, replace it.
Clogged Sump Filters
There is usually a course and fine filter. If they are clogged, you will get low water flow and poor washability. To clean filters, remove them and wash with soap, warm water, and brush. If the filters cannot be cleaned effectively or if they are damaged, they will need to be replaced.
Clogged Wash or Spray Arms?
If the dishwasher is not cleaning well, the holes in the wash or spray arms may be clogged with debris, not allowing water to spray out or the arm to turn. Most wash arms are removable for cleaning. You can clear out the holes with a paper clip or small brush and run water through the wash arm to help clear out the debris.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Heating Element
Some dishwashers use a heating element to heat the dishwasher during both the washing and drying cycles. If the heating element has failed, the dishwasher may not clean the dishes properly. To determine if the heating element has burned out, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the heating element does not have continuity, replace it.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Control Board
A dishwasher’s control board provides power to nearly every electrical component in the dishwasher. A faulty board may be unable to supply power to the water inlet valve, preventing it from opening and allowing the necessary water to fill the tank.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Circulation Pump
The circulation pump uses a motor and impeller to force water up through the wash arms. If the circulation pump is defective, the dishes won’t be cleaned properly. If the motor isn’t making any noise or is just making a humming sound after the dishwasher has filled, the motor may be burned out. First, ensure that power is getting to the motor. Second, to ensure that the impeller can turn, check the pump housing for debris. If power is getting to the motor and the pump is clear of debris, the motor might need to be replaced. Be aware that the circulation pump may be challenging to replace, although many do-it-yourselfers have been successful with the replacement.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Pump and Motor Assembly
The motor drives an impeller to force water up through the wash arms. If the motor is defective, the pump impeller is broken, or some part of the pump is clogged, dishes won’t be cleaned properly. Make sure that power is getting to the circulation pump and motor. If power is getting to the pump and motor assembly but it still won’t run, replace the pump and motor assembly.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Wash Impeller
The wash impeller is a small plastic blade that forces water up through the wash arms. If the impeller is broken or is missing some of its fins, it might not generate enough pressure to force the water up through the wash arms. On most models, you can replace the wash impeller independently of the pump and motor assembly. Search for your model number to determine if your impeller is replaceable. If the impeller cannot be replaced separately, you will have to replace the entire pump and motor assembly.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Main Control Board
A dishwasher’s main control board provides power to nearly every electrical component in the dishwasher. A faulty board may be unable to supply power to the water inlet valve, preventing it from opening and allowing the necessary water to fill the tank.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Circulation and Drain Pump Motor
The circulation pump uses a motor and impeller to force water up through the wash arms. If the circulation pump is defective, the dishes won’t be cleaned properly. If the motor isn’t making any noise or is just making a humming sound after the dishwasher has filled, the motor may be burned out. First, ensure that power is getting to the motor. Second, to ensure that the impeller can turn, check the pump housing for debris. If power is getting to the motor and the pump is clear of debris, the motor might need to be replaced. Be aware that the circulation pump may be challenging to replace, although many do-it-yourselfers have been successful with the replacement.
Too much detergent
Too much detergent with soft water will cause oversudsing and poor cleaning results. Adjust the amount of detergent being used to the water hardness and the cycle you choose. Always use fresh detergent.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Upper Wash Arm Spinner
The upper wash arm circulates water to the dishes in the upper rack. If water can’t flow properly through the upper wash arm, the dishes in the upper rack won’t be cleaned properly. Over time, food particles get trapped in the tiny holes in the wash arm. If your dishes are coming out dirty, the wash arm might be clogged. To unclog the upper wash arm, remove the wash arm and dislodge any debris from the holes. If the wash arm is extremely clogged, replace it.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Filter Assembly
A dishwasher’s filter assembly usually consists of both a course and a fine filter located in the sump. If one or both of these filters is clogged, you will get low water flow and poor washability. If the filters cannot be cleaned effectively or if they are damaged, they will need to be replaced.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Screen Filter
A dishwasher will usually have both a course and a fine screen filter located in the sump. If one or both of these filters is clogged, you will get low water flow and poor washability. If the filters cannot be cleaned effectively or if they are damaged, they will need to be replaced.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Strainer
Dishwashers will use a strainer located in the sump to catch food particles. If the strainer is clogged, you will get low water flow and poor washability. If the stainer cannot be cleaned effectively or is damaged, it will need to be replaced.