Clean the filter and drain first

The filter is the part that catches food and debris, and it clogs faster than any other component in your dishwasher. A blocked filter forces water to back up, which leaves dishes wet and can eventually damage the pump. On KitchenAid models, the filter sits at the bottom of the tub — you'll see a cylindrical or basket-shaped piece if you open the door and look down.

Pull the filter straight up and out. Rinse it under hot running water and use an old toothbrush or soft brush to scrub away stuck-on food and grease. If debris is packed in tight, soak the filter in hot water for 10 minutes first. While the filter is out, shine a flashlight into the drain opening below it and remove any visible food or debris by hand or with tweezers.

Replace the filter by pushing it down until it clicks or seats firmly — the exact motion depends on your model, so check your manual if you're unsure. A loose filter won't seal properly and water will bypass it.

Key Takeaways

  • Clean the filter and drain at the bottom of the tub every one to two weeks by rinsing under hot water and brushing away stuck food.
  • Run the cleaning cycle with a commercial dishwasher cleaner once a month to dissolve mineral buildup and grease inside the spray arms and walls.
  • Check the spray arm holes for blockages and clear them with a toothpick or thin wire so water reaches all dishes evenly.
  • Wipe the door gasket and edges with a damp cloth monthly to prevent mold and odors from trapped food particles.
  • Use rinse aid in the dispenser to reduce spotting and help water drain properly, especially if you have hard water.

Run a cleaning cycle with dishwasher cleaner

Even with a clean filter, mineral deposits and grease build up on the spray arms, walls, and heating element over time. This reduces water pressure and can leave a film on dishes. KitchenAid recommends running a cleaning cycle with a commercial dishwasher cleaner once a month.

Popular options include Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner and Finish Dishwasher Cleaner — both are widely available and work in most KitchenAid models. Place the bottle or packet in the bottom of an empty tub (no dishes inside) and run a normal or heavy wash cycle on hot water. The cleaner dissolves buildup as it circulates through the spray arms and interior surfaces.

Do not mix different cleaners or use vinegar and baking soda together in the dishwasher — the combination can damage seals and the heating element. Stick to one commercial cleaner per cycle.

Clear the spray arm holes

The spray arms have small holes that spray water onto dishes. If food particles or mineral deposits block these holes, water won't reach parts of your load and dishes will come out dirty. You can see the holes if you remove the spray arms and hold them up to the light.

Most KitchenAid models have two spray arms — one on the bottom and one on the top or side. To remove them, twist or unclip them (check your manual for the exact method). Rinse each arm under hot water and use a toothpick, thin wire, or a straightened paperclip to poke through each hole and dislodge debris. Do not use a knife or anything sharp enough to enlarge the holes.

Reinstall the arms by twisting or clipping them back into place until they're snug. Spin them by hand to make sure they rotate freely without hitting the tub walls.

Wipe the door gasket and seals

The rubber gasket around the door traps moisture and food particles, which creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew. A moldy gasket causes odors and can eventually leak. Wipe it down monthly with a damp cloth or sponge, paying attention to the folds where debris hides.

For stubborn buildup, dampen the cloth with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water. Wipe the entire gasket, including the underside where it meets the tub. Also wipe the door edges and the frame where the door closes, as food and grease accumulate there too.

If you notice black spots or a persistent smell even after wiping, the gasket may need to be replaced — contact a KitchenAid service center or an appliance repair technician for that job.

Check and refill the rinse aid dispenser

Rinse aid is a liquid that helps water sheet off dishes and dry faster, and it also reduces spotting and mineral buildup. The dispenser is usually located on the inside of the door or on the side wall — your manual will show the exact location. Open it and look inside; if it's empty or low, refill it with rinse aid (Finish Rinse Aid and Cascade Rinse Aid are common brands).

Fill the dispenser until it's full, then close the cap. Most dispensers hold enough for 20 to 40 loads depending on the model. Check it every few months and refill as needed. If your water is very hard, you may need to refill more often.

If you don't use rinse aid, water will bead on dishes and leave spots and streaks. It's inexpensive and makes a noticeable difference in drying performance.

Clean the tub walls and interior

Over time, grease and mineral deposits coat the inside walls of the tub, which can reduce water circulation and leave a film on dishes. A monthly cleaning cycle with commercial cleaner handles most of this, but you can also wipe down the walls manually if you notice visible buildup.

Empty the dishwasher and remove the filter and spray arms. Dampen a cloth or sponge with hot water and wipe the entire interior, including the sides, back, and bottom. For stubborn spots, use a soft brush or the non-scratch side of a sponge. Do not use abrasive scrubbers or steel wool, as they can scratch the stainless steel or enamel finish.

Rinse the cloth and wipe again with plain water to remove any residue, then replace the filter and spray arms.

Descale if you have hard water

Hard water leaves white or chalky mineral deposits (calcium and magnesium) on the spray arms, heating element, and interior surfaces. If you notice white buildup or your dishes come out spotty even with rinse aid, descaling will help. Some dishwasher cleaners include a descaling agent, but you can also run a cycle with white vinegar if the manufacturer approves it for your model.

Check your KitchenAid manual first — some models warn against vinegar because it can damage seals over time. If vinegar is approved, place a bowl of white vinegar on the bottom rack (not in the dispenser) and run a hot water cycle with no dishes inside. The vinegar circulates through the spray arms and dissolves mineral deposits.

If your manual does not mention vinegar, use a commercial descaling product made for dishwashers instead. Hard water is common in many regions, so descaling every three to six months is normal maintenance if you live in an area with mineral-heavy water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use vinegar to clean my KitchenAid dishwasher?

Vinegar can work for descaling, but only if your manual says it's safe — some KitchenAid models warn against it because vinegar can damage rubber seals and the heating element over time. If your manual approves vinegar, place a bowl of it on the bottom rack and run a hot cycle with no dishes. When in doubt, use a commercial dishwasher cleaner instead.

Why does my dishwasher smell bad even after cleaning?

Odors usually come from a clogged filter, a moldy gasket, or standing water in the drain. Clean the filter thoroughly, wipe the gasket with a vinegar-water solution, and make sure the drain opening at the bottom is clear of debris. If the smell persists, the drain line itself may be blocked — that requires a service technician.

How often should I clean my dishwasher?

Clean the filter every one to two weeks, wipe the gasket monthly, and run a cleaning cycle with commercial cleaner once a month. Check the spray arm holes every few months and clear them if needed. These straightforward steps prevent most buildup and odor problems.

What's the difference between dishwasher cleaner and rinse aid?

Dishwasher cleaner dissolves grease and mineral buildup inside the machine itself — you run it in an empty tub. Rinse aid goes in a dispenser and is released during the rinse cycle to help water drain off dishes and reduce spotting. Both are useful, but they do different jobs.

Do I need to rinse dishes before loading them?

You don't need to rinse, but scraping off large food chunks helps the filter last longer and keeps the drain clear. A clean filter means better water circulation and cleaner dishes, so it's worth the 10 seconds per load.