Kitchen Aid dishwashers are known for their excellent performance and durability. However, like any other appliance, they are not immune to problems. One of the most common issues that Kitchen Aid dishwasher owners face is the dishwasher not washing dishes properly. This can be frustrating, especially when you have a pile of dirty dishes to clean. In this article, we will discuss the possible reasons why your Kitchen Aid dishwasher is not washing dishes and provide solutions to fix the problem.
What Does It Mean When Your Kitchen Aid Dishwasher Is Not Washing?
When your Kitchen Aid dishwasher is not washing dishes, it means that the dishwasher is not cleaning the dishes properly. This can be due to various reasons such as clogged spray arms, a malfunctioning pump, a broken dishwasher motor or a faulty detergent dispenser. If left unchecked, this problem can lead to a buildup of bacteria and mold in your dishwasher, which can cause bad odors and potentially harmful health effects.
Common Reasons Why Your Kitchen Aid Dishwasher Is Not Washing
Clogged Spray Arms
One of the most common reasons why your Kitchen Aid dishwasher is not washing dishes is due to clogged spray arms. The spray arms are responsible for spraying water onto the dishes, and if they are clogged with debris, the water will not be able to reach the dishes properly.
To check if your spray arms are clogged, remove them from the dishwasher and rinse them under running water. If you notice any debris or particles lodged in the spray arms, clean them using a toothbrush or a small wire brush.
Malfunctioning Pump
If your Kitchen Aid dishwasher is not washing dishes properly, it could be due to a malfunctioning pump. The pump is responsible for pumping water into the dishwasher and spraying it onto the dishes. If the pump is not working properly, the water will not be able to reach the dishes.
To check if your pump is working properly, listen for any unusual noises when the dishwasher is running. If you hear any grinding or buzzing sounds, it could be a sign that the pump is malfunctioning. In this case, you will need to replace the pump.
Broken Dishwasher Motor
If your Kitchen Aid dishwasher is not washing dishes, it could be due to a broken dishwasher motor. The motor is responsible for powering the pump and spray arms, and if it is not working properly, the dishwasher will not be able to clean the dishes properly.
To check if your dishwasher motor is working properly, listen for any unusual noises when the dishwasher is running. If you hear any grinding or buzzing sounds, it could be a sign that the motor is broken. In this case, you will need to replace the motor.
Faulty Detergent Dispenser
If your Kitchen Aid dishwasher is not washing dishes properly, it could be due to a faulty detergent dispenser. The detergent dispenser is responsible for releasing detergent into the dishwasher during the wash cycle. If the dispenser is not working properly, the dishes will not be cleaned properly.
To check if your detergent dispenser is working properly, run a cycle with a small amount of detergent and check if the dispenser opens during the wash cycle. If the dispenser does not open, it could be due to a faulty dispenser door or a clogged dispenser. In this case, you will need to replace the dispenser.
How to Fix Your Kitchen Aid Dishwasher That Is Not Washing
Clean the Spray Arms
If your Kitchen Aid dishwasher is not washing dishes properly due to clogged spray arms, you can clean them using the following steps:
- Remove the spray arms from the dishwasher.
- Rinse the spray arms under running water to remove any debris or particles.
- Clean the spray arms using a toothbrush or a small wire brush.
- Reattach the spray arms to the dishwasher.
Replace the Pump
If your Kitchen Aid dishwasher is not washing dishes properly due to a malfunctioning pump, you will need to replace the pump. Here are the steps to follow:
- Turn off the power to the dishwasher.
- Remove the lower access panel from the dishwasher.
- Locate the pump and disconnect the wires and hoses attached to it.
- Remove the pump from the dishwasher.
- Install the new pump and reattach the wires and hoses.
- Replace the access panel and turn on the power to the dishwasher.
Replace the Dishwasher Motor
If your Kitchen Aid dishwasher is not washing dishes properly due to a broken dishwasher motor, you will need to replace the motor. Here are the steps to follow:
- Turn off the power to the dishwasher.
- Remove the lower access panel from the dishwasher.
- Locate the motor and disconnect the wires and hoses attached to it.
- Remove the motor from the dishwasher.
- Install the new motor and reattach the wires and hoses.
- Replace the access panel and turn on the power to the dishwasher.
Replace the Detergent Dispenser
If your Kitchen Aid dishwasher is not washing dishes properly due to a faulty detergent dispenser, you will need to replace the dispenser. Here are the steps to follow:
- Turn off the power to the dishwasher.
- Remove the front panel from the dishwasher.
- Locate the detergent dispenser and remove it from the dishwasher.
- Install the new detergent dispenser and reattach the front panel.
- Turn on the power to the dishwasher.
People Also Ask
Why Is My Kitchen Aid Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes?
Your Kitchen Aid dishwasher may not be cleaning dishes due to clogged spray arms, a malfunctioning pump, a broken dishwasher motor or a faulty detergent dispenser.
How Do I Fix My Kitchen Aid Dishwasher That Is Not Cleaning Dishes?
To fix your Kitchen Aid dishwasher that is not cleaning dishes, you can try cleaning the spray arms, replacing the pump or motor, or replacing the detergent dispenser.
What Are Some Common Kitchen Aid Dishwasher Problems?
Some common Kitchen Aid dishwasher problems include not cleaning dishes properly, not draining water, making loud noises, and leaking water.
How Do I Maintain My Kitchen Aid Dishwasher?
To maintain your Kitchen Aid dishwasher, you should clean the dishwasher regularly, check and clean the spray arms, clean the dishwasher filter, and check the dishwasher for any leaks or malfunctions.