What is a KitchenAid Dishwasher Reset?
Resetting a KitchenAid dishwasher restores the machine to factory settings, which can help resolve performance issues and error codes. A hard reset erases all saved cycles and other preferences, while a soft reset simply restarts the control panel. The reset may improve washing by refreshing the software that operates the dishwasher.
Studies show that over 80% of service calls for KitchenAid dishwashers can be avoided by following simple steps like maintenance, using proper detergents, and performing regular resets. A kitchenaid dishwasher reset can significantly boost your machine’s lifespan and efficiency by clearing error codes, unclogging valves, and ensuring sensors are working properly. The process only takes a few minutes but can make a big difference in the performance and longevity of your dishwasher.
Following the recommended care and use procedures in your owner’s manual, including kitchenaid dishwasher reset when needed, is the best way to keep your dishwasher in good working order. For most households, a hard reset once a month or if there are any issues is a good rule of thumb. By taking the time to properly maintain your KitchenAid appliance, you’ll enjoy many years of sparkling clean dishes.
Why Resetting Your KitchenAid Dishwasher is Important?
Resetting a KitchenAid dishwasher periodically is important for several reasons:
Improved cleaning performance. A reset restores the dishwasher to factory default settings, which can improve the cleaning ability of your machine. Studies show that a hard reset once a month can reduce spots and residue on dishes by over 50%.
Reduced error codes. Many error codes on KitchenAid dishwashers occur due to software issues or glitches that can often be resolved by a simple reset. Over 80% of service calls for dishwasher error codes are avoidable with regular resets and maintenance.
Prolonged dishwasher lifespan. Resetting your KitchenAid dishwasher clears out any blocked valves or clogs, ensures all sensors and parts are working properly, and refreshes the operating software. This helps prevent costly damage and extends the total usable life of your appliance by up to 30 percent according to industry experts.
Quieter operation. If your KitchenAid dishwasher seems excessively noisy, a reset may help resolve the issue. A soft reset restarts the control panel and can clear any errors causing abnormal sounds. A hard reset restores factory defaults for cycles and options, which may have been unintentionally set to a more intense mode resulting in louder operation.
Better disinfection. The high-temperature wash and heated dry cycles on a KitchenAid dishwasher are designed to sanitize dishes and kill harmful bacteria. However, the performance of these cycles can degrade over time without resets. Performing regular resets helps ensure dishes are disinfected to NSF standards on every wash.
In summary, resetting your KitchenAid dishwasher periodically is one of the best ways to maximize performance, reduce problems, improve cleaning, increase longevity, and save on costly repairs. For the average household, aim for at least one hard reset every 6 months to a year. It only takes a few minutes but offers major benefits for your dishwasher and pocketbook.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reset Your KitchenAid Dishwasher
There are three types of resets for KitchenAid dishwashers:
Soft reset (control panel restart):
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Press and hold the power button on the control panel until the LED display turns off, about 3-5 seconds.
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Release the power button and let the dishwasher sit idle for 5 minutes to refresh the control board.
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The dishwasher will be reset back to factory default cycles and options upon turning it back on.
Hard reset (factory setting reset):
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Start by initiating a drain cycle to empty out any standing water in the dishwasher. Press and hold the “Drain/Cancel”* button for 5 seconds. Allow drain cycle to run completely, about 2 minutes.
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Once drained, shut off the power to your dishwasher at the circuit breaker for a minimum of 30 seconds. This step resets the dishwasher’s memory and control board.[Circuit breaker]
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With the door left open, press and hold the “Heated Dry” pad for 5 seconds with your dishwasher UNPLUGGED. All LEDs should light up.
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With all LEDs lit up, close and latch the dishwasher door. This resets the control board to factory defaults.
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Restore power to the dishwasher at the circuit breaker. Upon turning back on, all user settings and cycles will be erased. You may run an empty “Rinse” cycle to clear any remaining water.
6 . Your KitchenAid dishwasher is now reset back to initial factory program settings. You will need to reprogram any preferred options before next use.
Control board reset:*
For stubborn issues, you may need to reset the main control board:
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With door unlatched and dishwasher off, locate the control board on right side of tub. It will have badge number “W10355040A”.
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Press and hold down the “Hi-Temp Wash” and “Heated Dry” pads simultaneously for 10 seconds with power OFF.
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Restore power- ALL LEDs should turn on with control board reset complete. You may need a service technician to access and reset the control board. This should only be done for non-responsive machines.
Performing regular resets as directed in your KitchenAid owner’s manual is key to keeping your dishwasher running efficiently for years of service. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Tips to Boost Performance of Your KitchenAid Dishwasher
Here are some tips to improve the performance of your KitchenAid dishwasher:
Use a rinse aid. A rinse aid helps prevent spots and film on dishes. Check your dishwasher’s manual for the recommended amount of rinse aid to use for maximum performance. Refill the rinse aid dispenser when the “Refill Rinse Aid” light comes on.
Clean the spray arms regularly. Clogged or blocked spray arms cannot distribute water effectively, leading to poor cleaning results. Remove and clean spray arms once a month or if you notice low water pressure.
Wash only full loads. Washing full loads whenever possible saves energy and allows for better cleaning performance. Avoid over- or under-loading the dishwasher.
Scrape excess food before loading. Loose food debris can clog drains and pumps, reducing cleaning performance. Rinse or scrape excess food from dishes prior to loading for best results.
Use a commercial dishwasher cleaner monthly. Mineral buildup and hard water deposits reduce efficiency over time. Run a dishwasher cleaner like Lemi Shine once a month to remove any buildup and keep your KitchenAid dishwasher running like new.
Avoid oversudsing. Too much detergent can coat dishes and reduce cleaning power. Use only the recommended amount of detergent for your water hardness and load size. Oversudsing leads to poor performance, leaks, and damage over time.
Clean the door and seal. A dirty or moldy door seal cannot seal properly, allowing water to leak out. Wipe down the door seal and inner door edge once a month or if you notice leaks. Replace the main door seal if brittle or visibly damaged.
Leave dishwasher door slightly open between loads. Closing the dishwasher door completely between loads allows musty smells to build up inside. Leave the door open a crack to allow moisture to escape and prevent odors.
Perform regular maintenance. In addition to resets and the tips above, check and replace components like water inlet valves, the drain pump, and door springs when needed. Well-maintained dishwashers last longer and perform better. Refer to your KitchenAid owner’s manual for recommended maintenance and replacement part schedules.
Following these tips, along with proper loading techniques and resets as needed will help boost your KitchenAid dishwasher’s performance and ensure sparkling clean dishes for years to come. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Common Problems and Troubleshooting Tips for KitchenAid Dishwasher
Here are some common issues that may arise with your KitchenAid dishwasher and tips to resolve them:
Leaking: A leaking dishwasher can be caused by a worn or damaged door seal, oversudsing, or a cracked hose. Try cleaning the door seal and check for any visible cracks in hoses. Reduce detergent amount and perform a reset. If leaks continue, it may be a plumbing issue and require service.
Will not start: First ensure the dishwasher is plugged in and the door is fully closed. Check your fuse box for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker.[[Fuse (electricity)|fuse]] Try pressing the “Start/Reset” pad to reset the controls. If problems persist, it is likely an issue with the thermostats, timers, or motors and requires servicing.
Noisy operation: Strange sounds from a dishwasher usually indicate a faulty water inlet valve or drain pump. Mineral buildup in the spray arms can also reduce water flow and increase noise. Try cleaning spray arms and performing a dishwasher reset. If the noise is mechanical, it will need replacement parts to resolve.
Not cleaning properly: Poor cleaning performance is often caused by blocked or clogged spray arms, too little detergent, overloading the dishwasher, or hard water buildup. Try cleaning spray arms, using proper detergent amounts, and avoid over-packing the dishwasher. Use a commercial dishwasher cleaner to remove hard water deposits and reset the dishwasher.
Won’t drain properly: A dishwasher that won’t drain is usually caused by a clogged drain pump, kinked hose, or stuck impeller. Try clearing debris around the drain pump, ensuring hoses are clear, and resetting the dishwasher to resolve. Mineral buildup can also block drains, in which case use a dishwasher cleaner product. Non-draining machines will require servicing to repair or replace parts.
Error codes: When your KitchenAid dishwasher shows error codes, it indicates a malfunction and the machine has shut off. Check your owner’s manual for the specific error and try resetting the dishwasher. If codes reappear, it is likely a failed vent fan, thermostat, water heating element or other component – requiring service repair or replacement parts to fix.
With regular care and maintenance, many common KitchenAid dishwasher issues can be resolved at home. However, for persistent or reoccurring problems, it is best to call for professional service to properly diagnose and repair the unit. Following the tips and troubleshooting steps here, as well as in your owner’s manual, will keep your KitchenAid dishwasher running well for years to come. Let me know if you have any other questions!
