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HomeRepair HelpKitchenAid Dishwasher RepairKitchenAid Dishwasher not cleaning Repair
My KitchenAid Dishwasher is Not Cleaning
If your KitchenAid dishwasher is not cleaning, start with the most common cause: a restricted or failed water inlet valve. When the water inlet valve cannot let in enough water, the dishwasher is not washing properly and dishes still dirty after dishwasher cycle is the usual result. Next, check for improper loading, since crowded dishes can block spray patterns and leave your KitchenAid dishwasher not cleaning dishes on both racks. Water temperature matters too. If the incoming water is below about 120°F, cleaning performance drops fast. After that, inspect the wash system parts that move water through the tub, especially the center wash arm support, center wash arm assembly, and lower wash arm assembly. A clogged or damaged spray arm or support can keep water from reaching the dishes, which is a common reason for a dishwasher leaving dishes dirty. Clear debris from the wash arm holes and make sure each part lines up correctly with the water supply nozzle. To find the exact KitchenAid replacement part for your machine, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com and match the right water inlet valve, wash arm, or support to your specific dishwasher.
01 - 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.
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02 - Improper loading
Improper loading will keep the water from cleaning the dishes. Make sure you are leaving enough space between the dishes.
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03 - 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 (49 degrees Celsius). If your hot water temperature is lower for safety reasons, try using a longer cycle that heats the water.
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04 - KitchenAid Dishwasher Center Wash Arm Support
The center wash arm is attached to a support that is normally attached to the underside of the upper dishrack. Water flows through the support to the arm which circulates the water to the dishes in the upper rack. If the support is damaged or obstructed water may not flow properly. Inspect the support for any damage or obstruction and replace if necessary. In addition, make sure that the support is mating properly with the water supply nozzle.
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05 - 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.
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06 - 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my KitchenAid dishwasher not cleaning dishes on the top rack?
Why is my KitchenAid dishwasher not washing properly even though it fills with water?
Can a bad water inlet valve cause a KitchenAid dishwasher to leave dishes dirty?
How do I know if my KitchenAid dishwasher spray arm is clogged?
How do I find the right KitchenAid dishwasher part for my model?
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