Most KitchenAid attachments can go in the dishwasher, but the motor head and some specialty pieces cannot
The flat mixing paddle, dough hook, and wire whip—the three main attachments that come with your KitchenAid stand mixer—are all dishwasher safe. You can put them on the top rack of your dishwasher without worry. The motor head itself (the part that stays on the mixer) should never go in the dishwasher; wash it by hand with a damp cloth.
The rule for specialty attachments is less straightforward. Food grinder, pasta maker, and rotor slicer/shredder attachments vary by model year and material. Always check the instruction booklet that came with your mixer or the specific attachment, because KitchenAid has changed recommendations over time. When in doubt, hand wash the attachment in warm soapy water and dry it when ready.
Key Takeaways
- The flat mixer, dough hook, and wire whip are dishwasher safe on the top rack.
- Never put the motor head or bowl in the dishwasher; hand wash both with a damp cloth.
- Specialty attachments like pasta makers and food grinders may or may not be dishwasher safe depending on the model and year.
- Your mixer's instruction booklet lists which attachments are dishwasher safe for your specific model.
- Hand washing and drying specialty attachments when ready prevents rust and extends their life.
The three standard attachments and the dishwasher
The flat mixing paddle, dough hook, and wire whip are made from stainless steel or coated metal and are designed to withstand dishwasher heat and water. Place them on the top rack of your dishwasher, away from the heating element at the bottom. Do not wash them on the bottom rack, where water pressure and heat are stronger.
Even though these three are dishwasher safe, some home cooks prefer to hand wash them anyway. Hand washing takes less than a minute and can extend the life of the coating on the paddle. If you hand wash, use warm soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge, then dry when ready with a towel. Do not let them air dry, as water spots can form.
Why the motor head and bowl must stay out of the dishwasher
The motor head contains electrical components and sealed bearings that will fail if exposed to dishwasher water and heat. Even a small amount of water inside the motor housing can cause rust or short circuits. Hand wash the outside of the motor head with a damp cloth and mild soap, then wipe it dry right away. Never submerge it or spray it directly with water.
The stainless steel bowl is technically dishwasher safe on some models, but KitchenAid recommends hand washing it to preserve the finish. The bowl's interior can develop water spots or a dull appearance after repeated dishwasher cycles. Wash the bowl in warm soapy water, rinse well, and dry it by hand. This takes only a few minutes and keeps the bowl looking new.
Specialty attachments: pasta makers, food grinders, and slicers
Specialty attachments—the pasta maker, food grinder, rotor slicer/shredder, and vegetable strainer—have more complex designs with multiple parts and small crevices where food can hide. Most of these should be hand washed, though some newer models may have dishwasher-safe components. The safest approach is to check your attachment's instruction sheet or the KitchenAid website for your specific model number.
If you cannot find the original instructions, hand wash the attachment in warm soapy water when ready after use, while food is still soft. Use a small brush or old toothbrush to clean the small holes and crevices. Dry every part completely before storing, because moisture trapped inside can cause rust on the metal gears and blades. Store specialty attachments in a dry place, not in a cabinet where humidity can build up.
How to find out what your specific mixer allows
The most reliable source is your mixer's instruction booklet, which lists every attachment by name and whether it is dishwasher safe. If you no longer have the booklet, visit the KitchenAid website and search for your mixer's model number. You can find the model number on a sticker on the back or bottom of the motor head. The website will have a PDF of the manual you can read and search.
If your mixer is older or you have a specialty attachment from a different era, call KitchenAid customer service. They can tell you whether your specific attachment is dishwasher safe based on the model number and year. Having this information before you put something in the dishwasher is worth the five-minute phone call, because washing a food grinder in the dishwasher can damage the gears and make it unusable.
Common mistakes that damage attachments
Putting the motor head in the dishwasher is the most common mistake and the hardest to fix. Once water gets inside the motor, the mixer may not turn on or may make grinding noises. Do not attempt to dry it out yourself; contact KitchenAid for repair options. The cost of repair usually exceeds the cost of a new mixer, so prevention is essential.
The second mistake is leaving specialty attachments wet or damp before storing them. Metal parts will rust within days if they are not completely dry. After hand washing a food grinder or pasta maker, use a clean towel to dry every visible surface, then leave it on the counter for an hour to air dry completely before putting it away. If you see rust spots forming, soak the attachment in white vinegar for 30 minutes, scrub gently with a soft brush, and dry thoroughly.
A third mistake is washing the bowl in the dishwasher repeatedly and then wondering why the finish looks cloudy. The bowl itself will not break, but the stainless steel surface will lose its shine. Once the finish is damaged, it cannot be restored. Hand washing takes less time than loading and unloading the dishwasher, so it is the better choice for the bowl.
Hand washing techniques that keep attachments in good condition
Wash attachments when ready after use, while food is still soft and has not dried on. Use warm (not hot) soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge. For the flat mixer and dough hook, a quick rinse and wipe is usually enough. For the wire whip, use a small brush to clean between the wires where flour or dough can get stuck.
For specialty attachments with small holes or gears, fill a bowl with warm soapy water and soak the attachment for five minutes. Then use an old toothbrush or a small bottle brush to scrub the crevices. Rinse under running water, holding the attachment so water flows through the holes. Dry with a clean towel, then set it on a clean dish towel on the counter to air dry for at least an hour before storing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put the KitchenAid bowl in the dishwasher?
The bowl is made of stainless steel and will not break in the dishwasher, but KitchenAid recommends hand washing it to keep the finish looking new. Repeated dishwasher cycles can leave water spots or make the surface look dull. Hand washing in warm soapy water and drying when ready takes only a minute or two and preserves the bowl's appearance.
What happens if I accidentally put the motor head in the dishwasher?
Water can get inside the motor housing and damage the electrical components and bearings. The mixer may not turn on, or it may make grinding or squealing noises. Do not try to dry it yourself. Contact KitchenAid customer service to discuss repair options, though repair is usually very expensive.
Are pasta maker and food grinder attachments dishwasher safe?
It depends on the model and year of your mixer. Check your attachment's instruction sheet or your mixer's manual for the specific answer. Most specialty attachments are safer hand washed because they have small crevices where food can hide and cause rust. Hand washing takes only a few minutes and extends the life of the attachment.
How do I remove rust from a KitchenAid attachment?
Soak the attachment in white vinegar for 30 minutes to dissolve light surface rust. Scrub gently with a soft brush or cloth, then rinse and dry completely. For heavy rust, repeat the process or contact KitchenAid. Prevention is easier than removal, so always dry specialty attachments completely before storing them.
Can I wash the wire whip in the dishwasher?
Yes, the wire whip is dishwasher safe and can go on the top rack. However, flour and dough can get stuck between the wires and may not come clean in the dishwasher. Hand washing with a small brush takes less time and cleans more thoroughly. Dry it when ready to prevent water spots.