Disassemble the pasta attachment completely before washing

The pasta attachment comes apart into three main pieces: the die (the shaped metal piece that cuts the pasta), the auger (the spiral screw inside), and the housing tube that holds everything together. You must separate these before cleaning, because dried pasta dough hardens quickly in the crevices and becomes nearly impossible to remove once it sets.

To disassemble, first unplug the mixer. Loosen the large collar nut on the back of the attachment by turning it counterclockwise by hand—you should not need a wrench. Slide the housing tube straight out toward you. The auger will come with it. The die stays in the mixer head and can be gently pried out with your fingers or a plastic spoon handle.

Do this disassembly when ready after using the attachment, while any dough is still soft. Waiting even an hour makes the job much harder.

Key Takeaways

  • Disassemble the attachment into three pieces—die, auger, and housing—right after use, before dough dries.
  • Soak all parts in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes to soften stuck dough before scrubbing.
  • Use a soft brush or old toothbrush on the die's holes and the auger's spiral grooves, never a scouring pad or dishwasher.
  • Dry every part completely with a cloth before reassembling to prevent rust on the metal die.
  • Store the attachment in a dry place, and consider wrapping the die in a cloth to protect it from moisture.

Soak the parts in warm water to loosen dried dough

Fill a bowl or sink with warm (not hot) water and submerge all three pieces for 10 to 15 minutes. This softens any dough stuck in the die's small holes and in the spiral grooves of the auger. Warm water works better than cold because it relaxes the gluten in the dough, making it easier to brush away.

While the parts soak, use a soft cloth to wipe down the mixer head where the attachment connects. Any dough residue there should come off easily with a damp cloth.

Brush out the die and auger with a soft brush

After soaking, take a soft-bristled brush—an old toothbrush works perfectly—and gently brush the die's holes from both sides. Work the brush in and out of each hole several times. You will feel the dried dough particles come loose. Pay special attention to the edges where dough tends to cake up.

For the auger, brush along the spiral grooves, working from the tip toward the base. The spiral shape traps dough, so brush in both directions to dislodge particles. Do not use a scouring pad, steel wool, or stiff brush—these scratch the die's surface and can damage the auger's precision fit.

If dough is still stuck after brushing, soak for another 5 minutes and try again. Patience here prevents damage.

Rinse thoroughly and inspect for remaining particles

Hold each piece under running water and rinse away all loosened dough and brush debris. Tilt the die so water flows through the holes from different angles. For the auger, run water along the spiral while rotating it slightly in your hands to flush out the grooves.

Hold each piece up to the light and look through the die's holes—you should see light coming through clearly. If you see white dough residue still stuck, soak and brush that spot again. Any dough left behind will harden and block the holes next time you use the attachment.

Dry completely before reassembling

Pat all three pieces dry with a clean cloth, paying special attention to the die. The die is made of metal and will rust if left wet. Wipe it thoroughly, then stand it upright on a cloth and let it air-dry for a few minutes while you dry the other pieces.

Do not reassemble the attachment while any part is damp. Moisture trapped inside the housing can cause rust on the die's surface and make the auger stick. Once everything is completely dry to the touch, you can reassemble by reversing the disassembly steps: insert the die into the mixer head, slide the auger and housing back in, and tighten the collar nut by hand until snug—do not over-tighten.

Store the attachment in a dry location

Keep the pasta attachment in a cabinet or drawer away from steam and humidity. If you live in a very humid climate or near the ocean, consider wrapping the die in a dry cloth before storing it. This extra layer protects the metal from moisture in the air.

Never store the attachment while damp or while still assembled with moisture inside. Check it before your next use—if you see any white spots or discoloration on the die, that is the start of rust, and you should dry it when ready and store it differently.

What to do if dough has hardened inside

If you did not clean the attachment right away and dough has hardened, soak the pieces in warm water for 20 to 30 minutes instead of 10 to 15. You can also add a small amount of white vinegar to the water—the acidity helps soften hardened dough. After soaking longer, use the soft brush as described above.

If dough is still stuck after a long soak, do not chip at it with a knife or screwdriver. Instead, soak again and use a plastic spoon handle or wooden skewer to gently work the dough loose. Metal tools can scratch the die and ruin its surface finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put the pasta attachment parts in the dishwasher?

No. The dishwasher's high heat and harsh detergent can damage the die's surface and cause rust. Hand washing with warm water and a soft brush is the only safe method. The die especially needs gentle care because its smooth finish is what makes the pasta extrude properly.

Why does my pasta come out rough or uneven after cleaning?

Scratches or residue on the die's surface cause this. If you used a scouring pad or metal brush, you may have scratched it. If dough particles are still stuck inside, they interfere with the extrusion. Soak and brush again, and inspect the die's surface under light for scratches. If scratches are deep, the die may need replacement.

How often should I clean the attachment?

Clean it when ready after every use, while dough is still soft. This takes only a few minutes and prevents the buildup that makes cleaning harder. If you use the attachment several times a week, you will notice that when ready cleaning keeps the die in much better condition over time.

What if the auger is stuck and won't slide out?

Do not force it. Soak the entire assembled attachment in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes, then try again. If it is still stuck, soak longer. Forcing it can bend the auger or crack the housing. Once it slides out freely, disassemble and clean as normal, then dry completely before reassembling.

Is the pasta attachment die replaceable?

Yes. KitchenAid sells replacement dies separately if yours becomes damaged or worn. You can order them through KitchenAid's website or through retailers that carry KitchenAid parts. Having a spare die on hand is useful if you use the attachment frequently, since you can keep one clean while using the other.