How to Clean a KitchenAid Dishwasher

All home appliances need to be cared for with proper maintenance, and that includes your dishwasher. Foul odors and other issues can develop without regular cleaning. To help banish bad smells, we’ll review how trapped food particles and other factors cause dishwasher odors. We’ll also detail how to clean a KitchenAid dishwasher filter and interior and unclog a blocked drain.

Eliminating Odor: How to Clean a KitchenAid Dishwasher

Regular monthly cleanings go a long way to prevent dishwasher odor from becoming overwhelming. But how to clean a smelly dishwasher in the areas that need it most? We’ll pinpoint the source of the smells and detail how to clean a KitchenAid dishwasher to prevent and eliminate odor. But first, here’s some background on where dishwasher odor originates.

What Causes Dishwasher Odors?

Trapped food particles are the most common source of dishwasher odors. Though the dishwasher’s water flushes most particles through the filter and down the drain, some still find ways to stay behind. Most often, they collect in the interior and clog the filter or drain. As these food particles break down, they emit a foul odor and you’ll quickly notice your KitchenAid dishwasher smells like mold.

Sometimes dishwasher odor can have other causes. Standing water can create a musty smell and dishwasher leaking issues that may indicate a clog. Meanwhile, these odors are common to new dishwashers and should fade in 1-2 months:

• Petroleum: while petroleum is not used in dishwasher construction, a sound muffling substance that is used has this odor
• Varnish: this substance is used to treat several dishwasher motor components

Best Way to Clean Dishwasher Interior

Now that you know where dishwasher odor originates, what is the best way to clean the inside of a dishwasher, eliminating the smell? Follow these simple steps using a commercial dishwasher cleaner to remove or prevent odor:

1. Place one cleaning tablet in the dishwasher’s detergent dispenser
2. Place a 2^nd tablet in the pre-wash dispenser or in the bottom of an empty dishwasher
3. Run a heavy-duty wash cycle on the hottest temperature
4. If your dishwasher and disposal share a drain, place a 3^rd cleaning tablet in the disposal and slowly run hot water for 15 seconds

For a natural cleaning method, place a bowl with 2 cups of white vinegar in the top rack of an empty dishwasher. Without adding detergent, run a complete wash cycle.

How to Clean a KitchenAid Dishwasher Filter

Since a dishwasher filter is a common source of trapped food particles, it requires separate cleaning to eliminate odor. Here’s how to clean a KitchenAid dishwasher filter quickly and easily:

1. Remove the dishwasher’s bottom rack and twist the upper filter counterclockwise while lifting upwards
2. To remove the lower filter lift slightly and pull outward
3. Rinse both components separately under warm running water
4. For stubborn particles, brush each filter with a soft bristle brush
5. Replace the lower filter, aligning it with the opening for the upper filter
6. Lower the upper filter into the opening and turn clockwise until it drops into place. Keep turning until it locks in place.

Also, try scraping off large chunks of food before loading dirty dishes. This will improve your dishwasher’s cleaning performance and reduce the need for frequent filter cleaning. You should skip pre-rinsing though as it can be counter-productive.

Modern dishwasher detergents utilize enzymes that will get your dishes even cleaner when some food particles are left on your dishes. Just scrape off the large bits before loading and you’re good to go!

Image from KitchenAid

KitchenAid Dishwasher Drain Clogged

Drain clogs can occur when food particles slip past the filter and accumulate in the drain. Cleaning the filter regularly can prevent drain clogs but these tips can also help:

• Clear the garbage disposal: many dishwashers and garbage disposals share a drain. Running the disposal before the dishwasher will empty it of food particles that could cause clogs
• Clean the air gap: if you have an air gap it also shares a common drain with the dishwasher. Clean the air gap before a wash cycle by removing the cap and clearing away any visible debris.

To break up an existing dishwasher drain clog, pour a solution of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, After 10 minutes, pour hot water down the drain to flush the solution and break up the clogs.

While knowing how to clean a KitchenAid dishwasher is part of regular maintenance, sometimes there’s no way to avoid a repair. For a quick and expert dishwasher repair service call Cody’s Appliance Repair!