HOW TO TROUBLESHOOT A DISHWASHER: ISSUES AND SOLUTIONS
Your dishwasher is essential to keeping dishes out of the sink and your kitchen looking its best, which is why dishwasher problems can be so frustrating.
From leaks and odors to clogs and draining issues, there are a number of reasons why your dishwasher may have stopped working properly. Keep reading for guidance on what to do when your dishwasher isn’t holding up its end of the bargain, how to identify common dishwasher issues and when to call in a professional.
DISHWASHER REPAIR 101: SAFETY GUIDELINES AND FIRST STEPS
There are some common troubleshooting practices you can try on your dishwasher that are typically straightforward and may only require simple solutions like cleaning parts of the appliance or changing detergents. However, it’s important to always take care when working on electrical appliances.
Before you jump into dishwasher troubleshooting, be sure to reference your model-specific owner’s manual. Depending on the model and type of issue you think you may be dealing with—particularly if it’s electrical or mechanical—you may want to call in a professional for help.
SHOP KITCHENAID® DISHWASHER REPLACEMENT PARTS
It’s not uncommon to have to replace a dishwasher part from time to time, but when you do so, it’s important to ensure you’re using genuine parts from your appliance manufacturer. KitchenAid brand has genuine accessories and parts designed to the exact fit of your appliance that will help keep your dishwasher in tip-top shape
9 POSSIBLE DISHWASHER PROBLEMS AND FIXES
There are a number of reasons why your dishwasher may not be performing up to standard. Here are nine dishwasher issues and tips for troubleshooting them:
1. DISHWASHER IS NOT CLEANING DISHES
Your dishwasher is a key component to helping keep your kitchen and dishes sparkling clean, so it can be a real bummer when your dishes come out of the wash as if they never went in. There are several reasons your dishes may still be dirty after running them through the dishwasher, including overloading, using too much or the wrong detergent, picking the wrong cleaning cycle or even just having dirty parts.
LOAD ITEMS PROPERLY
If your dishes aren’t loaded properly, they may not be able to get clean. Load your dishes with the soiled surface face down and avoid overpacking to ensure optimal cleaning. Overpacking your dishwasher can also lead to scratches, so be sure to give your dishware, glasses and utensils the space they need to come out looking clean and unblemished.
CHECK DETERGENT
Too much detergent can leave buildup on your dishes, so be sure to use the amount recommended on the package. Choosing the right dishwashing detergent for the type of loads you are running can also play a role in your dishes coming out sparkling clean.
ADJUST YOUR SETTINGS
Be sure to choose a dishwasher cycle that matches the type of load you are running in the dishwasher—such as normal or heavy-duty—to ensure optimal soil removal from your dishware.
2. DISHWASHER IS CLOGGED OR WON’T DRAIN
It’s typically normal to see up to an inch of water in your machine after running a load of dishes, but any more than that could mean something is blocked. If you are finding excess water in your dishwasher after running a cycle, try the following to check your filter or drain for a clog.
CLEAN YOUR FILTER
It’s possible that buildup and food particles on your dishwasher filter are preventing it from draining. Depending on your dishwasher model, you may need to remove the bottom rack to access your filter for cleaning. Select KitchenAid® dishwashers feature True Self-Cleaning Filtration, so be sure to check your model-specific owner’s manual before trying to access and clean the filter. Refer to these instructions for tips on how to properly clean your dishwasher filter.
Cleaning your dishwasher filter periodically can also help to keep your dishwasher working at its best. If your dishwasher still seems to be blocked or full of water after cleaning the filter, you may need to consult a professional.
cONTACT A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL
Sometimes a drainage issue can’t be fixed by cleaning or replacing the filter. If this is the case, you may have a clogged drain. It’s recommended to have a licensed professional address this type of repair.
3. DISHWASHER IS LEAKING
A leaking dishwasher may seem like a reason to fret, but there may be a straightforward reason why you’re ending up with water on the floor. Consider the following troubleshooting tips:
SWITCH DETERGENTS
Using the wrong type of detergent for your dishwasher can lead to excess suds buildup and overflowing of the tub, not to mention it can also cause damage to your appliance. Avoid dish soaps, homemade detergents or detergents that are not compatible with automatic dishwashers.
AVOID OVERLOADING
Overloading your dishwasher can lead to the blocking of spray arms and drains, which can lead to leaking. If you’ve stuffed your dishwasher to the brim, it can also prevent the door from sealing properly and lead to water on your floor instead of where it belongs.
CHECK FOR WEAR AND TEAR
Broken seals, cracks or holes in your dishwasher can contribute to leaks. If it looks like your machine has fallen victim to standard signs of aging, it may be time to call in a professional.
IDENTIFY THE LOCATION OF THE LEAK
The location of your leak can be telling when trying to figure out where the issue stems from. If the dishwasher is leaking from the bottom or sides, there may be a part needing repair or replacement. Always check your model-specific owner’s manual before attempting any repairs yourself, and consider bringing in a professional.
KitchenAid® dishwashers typically come with a limited warranty to help cover the repair or replacement of worn or damaged parts. Locate your model number on your appliance or in your owner’s manual for access to specific service and support information.
4. DISHWASHER IS SMELLY
Your latest kitchen creations may be leading to some unwanted lingering odors, especially if your dishes have been sitting in the dishwasher—but don’t fret. Dishwasher smells can be common but are easy to mitigate with good cleaning practices. Try the following if you’re experiencing unwanted odors coming from your dishwasher.
CLEAN INTERIOR PARTS
Odors can be the result of leftover food particles stuck to the inside of your dishwasher. Wiping down the inside of the dishwasher and cleaning the filter are two ways to get rid of unwanted debris. Establishing a regular cleaning cadence can also help to prevent unwanted odors in the future. Your model-specific owner’s manual may be able to provide guidance on best practices.
USE A DISHWASHER CLEANER
Using a dishwasher cleaner like these tablets from affresh®1 every 30 washes or so can help power away limescale and mineral buildup to help keep odor and debris at bay.
1. affresh® brand products and the recommending brands' products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.
5. DISHWASHER WON’T TURN ON OR START
While your initial reaction may be to panic, there’s a good chance you may have no reason to fret if your dishwasher won’t turn on or start. Here are a few simple tricks you can try before jumping to conclusions. They may also work if you seem to be having issues with your control panel.
CHECK YOUR SETTINGS
There’s a chance your dishwasher may have been set to sleep mode, accidentally has the control lock setting on or even has a delay wash option selected. Your model-specific owner’s manual can help provide instructions about how to navigate these settings if this is the case.
RESET YOUR DISHWASHER
Sometimes, all it takes is a simple reset. Try unplugging your dishwasher and waiting a full minute before plugging it back in. You may want to consider turning off the circuit breaker connected to the dishwasher if the appliance doesn’t have a plug.
6. DISHWASHER WON’T DRY
Opening your dishwasher after it’s finished running to a rack full of water is not ideal. Who wants to put away dishes that drip water all over the kitchen? You may be able to troubleshoot this problem with some simple adjustments, but if the tactics below don’t work, you may want to reach out to a service professional to help figure out why your dishwasher won’t dry.
CHANGE YOUR DRY SETTING
You may be able to choose from several different types of dry cycles depending on the make and model of your dishwasher. Heat Dry, Extended-Heat Dry and Air Dry are cycles that are common to see. Select KitchenAid® dishwashers like this model also have a Fan-Enabled ProDry™ System, which combines a heating element and fan for optimal drying performance. This system works by circulating hot air around dishes after the wash cycle to give them a thorough dry.
CHECK RINSE AID STATUS
Rinse aid helps water to roll off the surface instead of clinging to your dishes, which in turn promotes drying. If your rinse aid runs low, it may impact your dishwasher’s drying performance.
GIVE YOUR DISHES SPACE
Placing dishes too close together or angling them improperly in the dishwasher can impede drying. Be sure to load your dishes angled down and toward the center of your dishwasher while giving your dishes enough space for a proper wash and dry.
7. DISHWASHER MAKING LOUD OR STRANGE NOISES
It’s normal to hear some noise as your dishwasher runs through its cycles, such as rushing or swishing water and gentle humming. You may even hear a fan running after the cycle is complete. However, certain noises, like grinding or thumping, may require additional investigation.
ADJUST YOUR DISHWARE
If you hear thumping or clanging while your dishwasher is running, your dishes may be too close together or knocking into the wash arms. If this is the case, try adjusting the placement of your dishware before resuming the wash cycle.
CHECK THE FILTER
Items stuck in the filter can cause more than odors and water backup; they can also cause grinding noises. Cleaning your filter can help with this. Check your owner’s manual before trying to remove and clean your filter. If you have a filter that isn’t accessible, you may need to reach out to a certified technician.
8. DISHWASHER IS NOT DISPENSING DETERGENT
Your dishwasher detergent is a critical component in helping your dishes come out clean. If your detergent isn’t dispensing properly or at all, there may be a problem with the dispenser or the detergent itself. Try these troubleshooting tips before calling in for help or replacing the dispenser.
CHECK THE DISPENSER
Caked-on detergent can lead to clogs and prevent the detergent dispenser, which is typically located on the door interior, from opening properly. Check the dispenser for any blockages and clean it to remove any detergent buildup.
UPGRADE DETERGENT AND STORAGE
If your detergent has been exposed to air, it may clump, preventing it from dissolving as it should in the dishwasher. Try replacing your detergent with a fresh batch and seal it in an airtight container when not in use.
CHECK THE WATER TEMPERATURE
If your water heater is having problems, your dishwasher may not be dispensing water that’s warm enough to dissolve your detergent. For best results, the water entering your dishwasher should be about 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
9. DISHWASHER IS NOT FILLING WITH WATER
Obstructions are a common reason why a dishwasher may not be filling with water. Another reason is a door that hasn’t been properly closed or sealed. If your dishwasher isn’t filling with water, try the following:
CHECK THE DOOR
Make sure the dishwasher door has been properly closed and latched. If it’s not, the dishwasher won’t run, and you may see a flashing light asking you to start or resume your cycle.
CHECK FOR OBSTRUCTIONS
There are several parts of a dishwasher that can prevent the proper flow of water if they are blocked: the inlet valve, the overfill protection float and the water supply valve. Using these tips from KitchenAid brand, in addition to instructions from your model-specific owner's manual, check each of these parts to make sure they are unobstructed and water can flow through freely. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, it’s probably wise to call in a professional technician.
CHECK THE DRAIN HOSE POSITION
If your drain hose isn’t at the proper height—at least 20 inches above the floor—your dishwasher may not be able to fill with water.
PROFESSIONAL DISHWASHER REPAIR
If you’ve tried the above troubleshooting tips and you are still having problems with your dishwasher, it may be time to call in a licensed professional to help identify the root cause of the problem. It may also be worth calling in a licensed technician if you aren’t comfortable with trying to fix the appliance yourself or if there are parts you can’t access yourself.
KitchenAid brand has a Service and Support center where you can find information about scheduling services for major appliances.
Explore KitchenAid® Dishwashers: Ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction2
According to a 2024 U.S. Appliance Satisfaction Study by J.D. Power, KitchenAid brand ranks highest in customer satisfaction for dishwashers. With a variety of loading options, advanced cleaning features and state-of-the-art design to help master the mess of making, KitchenAid® dishwashers can help you keep up with your creations. Explore a variety of KitchenAid® built-in dishwashers with both two- and three-rack options to help accommodate how you prefer to use your kitchen.
2. Data is based on the first 12 months of ownership. For J.D. Power 2024 award information, visit jdpower.com/awards.
