How to Clean a Kitchenaid Dishwasher

Kitchenaid is one of the biggest brands when it comes to kitchen appliances.

If anything, they’re one of the most popular, and for good reason – their appliances, including their dishwashers, are top of their class, and are designed to last.

Like all things, however, they do need to be maintained regularly, and that means cleaning them every now and then.

What’s the best way to clean a Kitchen aid dishwasher? Do you have to clean the dishwasher pump? What about the rinse aid dispenser?

We’ll be going over everything in detail below.

Keeping the Filter System Clean

Kitchen odors are often the result of lingering food particles that get trapped inside your appliance over time. These pesky leftovers can make your dishes smell less than fresh and lead to clogs in the dishwasher filter system and let’s face it, no one wants that.

Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as a maintenance-free filter system so you will have to clean out these bits regularly.

You’ll find the upper filter assembly at the bottom beneath the lower rack – just give it a gentle twist counterclockwise to remove.

If neglected, these remnants will break down into smaller pieces, which can cause unpleasant odors or even worse – blockages, which might impair the performance of your machine.

The Impact of Hard Water on Your Dishwasher’s Performance

Hard water can be a silent enemy to your KitchenAid dishwasher. It may seem harmless, but it carries minerals that build up over time, hindering the performance of your appliance.

Preventing Mineral Deposits

In areas with hard water, calcium and magnesium can accumulate on interior surfaces, including the spray arm or filters, and that can significantly affect its performance.

Fortunately, you can prevent that by cleaning your dishwasher with a specially formulated dishwasher cleaner, like ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner tablets every month.

Using ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets

Your KitchenAid dishwasher deserves the best, and that’s where ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner tablets come into play.

These small but mighty tablets are specifically designed to tackle stubborn mineral deposits, ensuring your appliance performs at its optimal level.

Benefits of Using ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets

The beauty of using these potent cleaning agents is twofold. Firstly, they offer an easy-to-use solution for maintaining a sparkling clean dishwasher interior.

Just pop one in during a complete washing cycle and it will automatically work its magic.

Secondly, unlike white vinegar or other home remedies you might have tried before, these professional-grade tablets are designed to target those hard-to-reach areas within your machine that can harbor unwanted food particles.

This goes beyond achieving good cleaning results; it’s about giving your dishwasher what it needs for longevity.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Use ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets

Locating and Removing Your Dishwasher Filter

Your KitchenAid dishwasher filter, usually found beneath the bottom rack, plays a big role in keeping your wash cycles effective.

To remove it, turn the upper filter assembly gently counterclockwise about a quarter turn and lift it out.

The lower part of the filter can be lifted slightly and then pulled forward for complete removal.

Regularly checking on these filters will help maintain efficient washing cycles while also preventing buildup that can lead to foul odors or even leaking issues.

Using ACTIVE Tablets in Your Cleaning Routine

To start off, place one tablet directly into your dishwasher’s detergent dispenser, then run an empty cleaning cycle.

The tablets will break down to remove hard water mineral deposits and any lingering food particles.

If anything, it’s like giving your machine an energy-saving dry spa treatment; it will leave both the interior clean whilst making sure there are no standing waters which could cause musty smell over time.

Why ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner is Best for Your KitchenAid Dishwasher

You love your KitchenAid dishwasher, but let’s face it; hard water mineral deposits can be a real nuisance.

For one thing, they can affect the appliance’s performance and leave you with less than sparkling dishes.

Comparing ACTIVE Cleaner with Other Methods

Some people swear by vinegar rinses to keep their dishwashers clean, but here’s the catch: vinegar just isn’t cut out for dealing with stubborn mineral build-up.

It may help freshen up your machine temporarily, but it doesn’t deliver lasting results or achieve good cleaning over time.

ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner, on the other hand, is specifically designed to combat even the toughest grime in high-end appliances like KitchenAid dishwashers, and it does more than just a simple refresh—it rejuvenates.

The cleaner will penetrate deep into the hidden parts of your dishwasher, where food residues and grease linger long after wash cycles have ended—places vinegar alone cannot reach.

This thorough cleaning will help prevent common issues such as foul odors or inefficient washing due to clogged jets.

The Consequences of Neglecting Regular Cleaning

Neglecting regular cleanings can cause an array of problems in your dishwasher. For starters, food particles left behind from previous washing cycles may start to accumulate on the interior surface and filter assembly.

Over time, this buildup can lead to foul odors making each opening of the appliance door less pleasant than before.

This isn’t just an inconvenience; these leftover particles will break down over time, potentially causing blockages and standing water, which might result in leaking issues.

So if you’ve ever wondered why your KitchenAid dishwasher smells or leaks, lack of cleaning might be at fault.

In addition to odors and potential leaks, not maintaining a proper maintenance routine for your dishwasher means hard water minerals have free rein inside the machine, and that can lead to stubborn mineral deposits forming throughout its internal components.

To avoid musty smells or pesky leak situations later on, it’s recommended that you use high-quality products like ACTIVE cleaner tablets as part of regular monthly cleanings for optimal performance.

How to Clean Kitchenaid Dishwasher – FAQs

What does the dishwasher filter do?

The dishwasher filter is responsible for catching food particles during the wash cycle. Not only that but it also prevents foreign objects from clogging the pump.

What is the best way to clean a KitchenAid dishwasher?

The top-notch method involves using ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner tablets, running a wash cycle, and routinely cleaning your filter.

Can I clean my Kitchenaid dishwasher with baking soda?

Baking soda can be used to eliminate odors. Simply sprinkle one cup onto the floor and run an empty cleaning cycle on the hottest cycle. Keep in mind, however, that it won’t be effective as using a commercial cleaner like ACTIVE.

How do I clean the filter on my KitchenAid dishwasher?

You’ll need to locate it at the bottom of your dishwasher. Gently turn the upper assembly counterclockwise by one-fourth and lift it out. Then, slightly raise and pull forward the lower filter.

How do I clean my Kitchenaid dishwasher with vinegar?

To use vinegar, fill a cup with white vinegar then place this on your top rack. Run an entire cycle without detergent but don’t dry it – just let air circulate afterwards.

What is the most common problem with a KitchenAid dishwasher?

Lack of regular maintenance can lead to issues like unpleasant smells or even leaks due to food particles stuck in filters or interior parts.