Dishwasher Quick Start Guide
For detailed installation, maintenance, winter storage, and transportation tips, please refer to the Owner's Manual included with your machine.
For comprehensive information, including a full cycle guide, detailed product dimensions, and complete instructions for use, installation, and warranty, visit www.kitchenaid.com/owners or, in Canada, www.kitchenaid.ca/owners. This may help you avoid the cost of a service call.
Operating Instructions
WARNING:
- Tip Over Hazard: Do not use the dishwasher until completely installed.
- Do not push down on the open door. Doing so can result in serious injury or cuts.
- WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons, read the IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS, located in your appliance's Owner's Manual, before operating this appliance.
- Prepare and Load the Dishwasher
See Key Usage Tips for more information on loading. - Add Detergent and Rinse Aid to the Dishwasher
See Key Usage Tips for more information on adding detergent and rinse aid. - Check that All Arms Spin Freely
Items in the rack can block the spray arms. - Select a Cycle and Options if Desired
Efficient dishwashers run longer to save water and energy. Typical cycle time is approximately 2.5 hours but can vary. Customize cycles by selecting options; select again to turn off. Invalid options will cause lights to flash. Adding options may increase cycle time. Refer to the online Cycle and Options Guide for model-specific information. - Start or Resume a Cycle
IMPORTANT: If the door is opened (even to add a dish during the Delay Hours option), the Start/Resume button must be selected each time.- If the Start/Resume button is on the top of the door, push the door firmly closed within 4 seconds of selecting Start/Resume. If not closed within 4 seconds, the LED will flash, an audible tone will sound, and the cycle will not start.
- If the Start/Resume button is on the front of the door, push the door firmly closed. The door latches automatically. Select the wash cycle, options, and then Start/Resume.
NOTE: Run hot water at the sink nearest your dishwasher until the water is hot. Turn off water.
NOTE: Select Start/Resume every time you add a dish.
Water Hardness and Salt Reservoir
The dishwasher is equipped with a water softener, but the setting is defaulted to OFF. No actions are needed if not being used. Refer to the Owner's Manual for instructions on how to activate the water softener if desired.
Key Usage Tips
Prepare and Load the Dishwasher
IMPORTANT: Remove leftover food, bones, toothpicks, and other hard items from dishes. Remove labels from containers before washing.
- Ensure no items block the detergent dispenser when the dishwasher door is closed.
- Load items with soiled surfaces facing down and inward toward the spray arms for improved cleaning and drying. Angle dirtiest dish surfaces downward, allowing space for water to flow.
- Avoid overlapping items like bowls or plates that may trap food.
- Place plastics, small plates, and glasses in the upper rack.
- Wash only items marked "dishwasher safe."
- To avoid thumping/clattering noises, load dishes so they do not touch one another. Secure lightweight items.
- Use slots in covers (if provided) and suggested loading patterns to keep silverware separated for optimum wash.
- If silverware does not fit into designated slots, lift and slide covers off to remove them and mix silverware types to keep them separated.
- When loading silverware, always place sharp items pointing down and avoid "nesting."
NOTE: Racks and silverware basket may vary by model.
Add Detergent
RECOMMENDED DETERGENT:
The United States and Canada have restricted phosphorus in household dishwasher detergents. Major manufacturers have reformulated their detergents. For convenience and improved performance, it is recommended to use tablets and packs. Quality tablets and packs are proven better than powder, liquid, or gel detergents at reducing filming on dishes. Using them over time will start to reduce or eliminate white film. They are suitable for all water hardness and soil levels. Using a rinse aid can further minimize repeat buildup of white film (not all packs and tablets contain rinse aid).
- Always place premeasured detergents in the main compartment and close the lid.
- Follow package instructions when using other dishwasher detergent types. See the complete Owner's Manual for more details about powders, liquids, and gels.
- Use automatic dishwasher detergent only. Add detergent just before starting a cycle.
- Fresh automatic dishwasher detergent results in better cleaning. Store detergent containers tightly closed in a cool, dry place.
Filtration System
IMPORTANT: Do not operate your dishwasher without filters properly installed to avoid damage. Ensure the lower filter is securely in place and the upper filter assembly is locked. If the upper assembly turns freely, it is not locked.
This dishwasher features an advanced filtration system that minimizes sound and optimizes water and cleaning performance. The filter system consists of two parts: an upper filter assembly and a lower filter.
A. Upper Filter Assembly
B. Lower Filter
When using the Sanitized Rinse cycle, the final rinse water is heated to 155°F (68.3°C), eliminating 99.999% of food soil bacteria, meeting national requirements for household sanitization.
Add Rinse Aid
Your dishwasher is designed to use rinse aid for good drying performance. Without rinse aid, dishes and the interior will have excessive moisture, and the heated drying option will not perform as well. Rinse aid prevents water from forming droplets that can dry as spots or streaks, and improves drying by allowing water to drain off dishes after the final rinse. Rinse aid does not adhere to dishware and is dispensed during each cycle.
- Check the rinse aid indicator with the door down (varies by model). Add rinse aid when the indicator drops to the "Add" level.
- To add rinse aid to a hinged lid-style dispenser: Twist the dispenser cap 1/4 turn clockwise to open and lift off. Pour rinse aid into the opening until the indicator level is at "Full". Replace the dispenser cap and turn to "Lock." Ensure the cap is fully locked.
- To add rinse aid to a sliding lid-style dispenser: Open the rinse dispenser lid by gently pushing in the center of the lid with your thumb and pulling up on the edge. Pour rinse aid into the opening until the dispenser is full. Then, close the dispenser by pushing down gently on the lid.
If experiencing poor drying performance, try a higher setting. Turn the arrow adjuster to a higher number to increase the amount of rinse aid. The factory setting usually gives good results for most water conditions.
Follow the Progress of Your Dishwasher
The Clean indicator glows when a cycle is finished.
Online Ordering Information
To contact KitchenAid Brand Home Appliances:
- United States: 1-800-422-1230, Customer Experience Center, 553 Benson Road, Benton Harbor, MI 49022-2692
- Canada: 1-800-807-6777, Customer Experience Centre, 200-6750 Century Ave., Mississauga, Ontario L5N 0B7