Ever opened your KitchenAid dishwasher expecting sparkling dishes but instead caught a whiff of something funky, or worse, saw spots and cloudy glassware? You’re not alone. Most of us assume dishwashers clean themselves, but sadly, that’s not the case. Over time, grease, food bits, and hard water buildup can turn your powerful cleaning machine into a smelly, underperforming box. The good news? You don’t need fancy tools or expensive cleaners to fix it. Learning how to clean KitchenAid dishwasher is easier than you think—and way more satisfying than rewashing your plates by hand. Let’s walk through the exact steps to make your dishwasher look, smell, and work like brand new again.

Why You Must Clean Your KitchenAid Dishwasher Regularly

A KitchenAid dishwasher is a trusted kitchen workhorse, but even the best machines need care. Just like your oven or fridge, this appliance collects grime, grease, and food debris with daily use. Ignoring this leads to more than just ugly dishes. It can cause odor, clogging, and even damage over time.

Build-Up Equals Breakdown

Over time, old food, soap buildup, and hard water can accumulate inside your machine, particularly in the filters, spray arms, and drain. This buildup can block parts, slow down water flow, and reduce the dishwasher’s effectiveness.

Dirty Dishwasher = Dirty Dishes

Ever unloaded the dishwasher only to find glasses still spotted or utensils covered in grit? That’s a red flag that your machine needs attention. Learning how to clean KitchenAid dishwasher ensures every dish gets a proper clean, every time.

Funky Odors Come From Inside

If your dishwasher smells like last week’s dinner, chances are food is stuck in the filter or drain. Regular cleaning removes trapped particles and eliminates that unpleasant smell at the source.

It Protects Your Investment

KitchenAid dishwashers are designed to last—but only if they’re correctly maintained. A routine cleaning schedule can extend its life, boost efficiency, and save you the cost of early repairs or replacements.

What You’ll Need to Clean a KitchenAid Dishwasher (Supplies)

Before you start scrubbing, let’s ensure you have the right tools. The beauty of learning how to clean KitchenAid dishwasher is that most supplies are probably already in your home—no fancy products required.

Essential Cleaning Supplies

• White vinegar – Your go-to natural degreaser. It dissolves hard water stains, soap residue, and neutralizes odor.
• Baking soda – A gentle scrubber and deodorizer that leaves your dishwasher smelling fresh.
• Dish soap – Use a mild, non-abrasive one for cleaning removable parts.
• Old toothbrush or soft brush – Perfect for scrubbing filters, rubber seals, and hidden crevices.
• Microfiber cloth or sponge – For wiping down all surfaces.
• Toothpick or straight pin – Great for unclogging the spray arm holes.

Optional but Helpful Extras

• Rubber gloves – Keep your hands clean and protected from dirt and grime.
• Small bowl or basin – Ideal for soaking filters or spray arms.
• Lemon or essential oil – Adds a lovely, natural scent after cleaning.
• KitchenAid-approved dishwasher cleaner tablets – A professional-strength boost for deep monthly maintenance.

With these supplies on hand, you’re fully prepped to dive into the cleaning process without running around the kitchen.

Prep Before You Start Cleaning

Before you start scrubbing, doing some thoughtful preparation can make everything easier, safer, and much more effective. Cleaning your KitchenAid dishwasher is easy, but it needs some planning.

Step 1: Power Off the Dishwasher

Put safety first. Always switch off the power before you begin. You can either unplug the dishwasher or turn off the switch that controls it. You will be working with water, so this step is crucial to prevent electrical issues.

Step 2: Let the Dishwasher Cool

If your dishwasher has just finished a cycle, allow it to cool for approximately 30 minutes before opening it. The heating element inside may still be hot and could burn you during cleaning.

Step 3: Empty the Dishwasher Completely

Remove all dishes, utensils, and removable parts like the utensil basket and racks (if detachable). This gives you full access to hidden areas that need your attention, especially the filter and drain.

Step 4: Run Hot Water in Your Sink First

Here’s a simple tip: let hot water run in your kitchen sink for 30 seconds before you start the dishwasher. Why it ensures the first splash of water during cleaning is hot, which helps clean better afterwards.

Step 5: Gather All Your Cleaning Supplies

Now that you know how to clean KitchenAid dishwasher properly, make sure your supplies—vinegar, baking soda, brush, cloth, etc.—are within arm’s reach. Having everything ready prevents interruptions and speeds up the job.

A few minutes of preparation now will save you from repeating steps later, and help you clean more efficiently and safely.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean KitchenAid Dishwasher

Ready to deep-clean your appliance like a pro? This is the core of what you came for—how to clean KitchenAid dishwasher effectively, thoroughly, and without guesswork. Follow each step carefully, and you’ll not only restore performance but also extend the life of your machine.

Step 1: Remove and Wash the Racks

• Obliterate the top and bottom shelves.  
• Clean them in your sink with warm water and gentle dish soap.  
• Use a gentle brush to clean off any food or grease that is stuck on.  
• Wash them and let them dry while you clean the inside.

Step 2: Clean the Spray Arms

• Spray arms can get clogged over time.
• Remove them carefully (check your KitchenAid model instructions).
• Rinse under warm water and use a toothpick or small brush to clear out spray holes.
• Soak them in vinegar if they’re coated with mineral deposits.

Step 3: Clean the Filter and Drain Area

• Twist and lift the lower filter out of the bottom.
• Rinse under hot water, then scrub with an old toothbrush.
• Wipe down the area around the drain, where food particles can build up and cause odors.
• Reinstall the filter when clean and dry.

Step 4: Wipe Down the Interior Walls

• Dip a microfiber cloth in white vinegar and wipe down all interior surfaces.
• Pay attention to the rubber door gasket, detergent dispenser, and corners.
• Let vinegar sit on stubborn spots for 10 minutes before scrubbing.

Step 5: Run a Vinegar Cycle

• Place a dishwasher-safe bowl filled with 1 cup of white vinegar on the top rack of the dishwasher.
• Run a complete hot-water cycle with no detergent or dishes.
• This step is key to dissolving grease, soap scum, and hard water stains.

Step 6: Follow Up with Baking Soda

• Sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda on the bottom of the empty tub.
• Run a short hot water cycle.
• Baking soda deodorizes and gives your KitchenAid dishwasher a sparkling finish.

Learning how to clean a KitchenAid dishwasher the right way isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing it smarter. With just these steps, you’ll restore your dishwasher to peak performance and eliminate odor, residue, and grime.

Easy Maintenance Tips to Keep Your KitchenAid Dishwasher Clean

Once you’ve learned how to clean a KitchenAid dishwasher thoroughly, the next step is to maintain it that way with simple, everyday habits. These tips will save you time, reduce odors, and extend your dishwasher’s lifespan, eliminating the need for frequent deep cleans.

Scrape, Don’t Rinse

Avoid pre-washing dishes with soap. Just scrape off significant food bits before loading to reduce filter clogs.

Use Rinse Aid Consistently

It prevents spots, helps dishes dry faster, and minimizes mineral buildup inside the machine.

Run Hot Water First

Let hot water run in the sink before starting the cycle. This ensures your dishwasher fills with hot water immediately for better cleaning.

Leave the Door Slightly Open

After each cycle, crack the door open for 15–20 minutes. This helps prevent mold and mildew buildup by letting moisture escape.

Don’t Overload the Racks

Crowding blocks spray arms and weakens the wash. Load dishes so water can reach every surface.

Clean Spills Right Away

If detergent or food spills inside, wipe it up immediately. This prevents hardened gunk and odors.

Following these small habits daily or weekly can make a huge difference in how your KitchenAid dishwasher looks, smells, and performs, so it always runs like new.

Troubleshooting Common KitchenAid Dishwasher Issues Before Cleaning

Before explaining how to clean a KitchenAid dishwasher, it’s essential to check if another issue is causing the problem. Sometimes, bad performance isn’t just due to dirt—it might be a minor issue with the machine that a quick repair can resolve. Here’s how to fix the most common problems: .

Problem: Dishes Aren’t Coming Out Clean

• Check the Spray Arms: Food particles might be clogging the tiny spray holes. Clean them with a toothpick or rinse under warm water.
• Inspect the Filter: If it’s dirty or greasy, water can’t flow correctly. Remove and wash it thoroughly.
• Avoid Overloading: Ensure that dishes aren’t stacked too close together—water needs space to reach all surfaces.

Problem: Foul Odors After Each Wash

• Gunk in the Drain or Filter: These are hotspots for food particles. Clean them weekly.
• Door Gasket Mold: Wipe the rubber seal with vinegar to eliminate trapped moisture and mildew.
• Leave the Door Open: Airflow reduces smell buildup.

Problem: Cloudy Glasses or White Film

• Challenging Water Issues: Use a rinse aid regularly.
• Run a Vinegar Cycle: This breaks down mineral deposits and restores sparkle.
• Reduce Detergent Use: Excessive soap in hard water areas can lead to residue.

Problem: Water Not Draining

• Check the Drain Filter and Hose: Clean out any visible blockage.
• Look for Kinks or Clogs: The drain hose should be straight and free of obstructions.
• Reset the Dishwasher: Sometimes, a simple power reset solves drainage issues.

These minor fixes are often all that is needed to restore performance. And once resolved, you can confidently move forward with learning how to clean KitchenAid dishwasher thoroughly and maintain its sparkle.

Deep Cleaning the Filter and Spray Arms of Your KitchenAid Dishwasher

If your dishes are still dirty or your dishwasher smells bad, even after cleaning, you need to focus on two essential parts that are often overlooked: the filter and the spray arms. These parts collect a lot of food scraps and mineral buildup. To clean your KitchenAid dishwasher well, you need to pay extra attention to these areas.

Step 1: Remove and Clean the Filter

• Locate the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher tub (usually a twist-lock or pull-out design).
• Turn it counterclockwise to remove. Some models have a lower flat filter under the cylindrical one—take both out.
• Rinse under hot water. Use a soft toothbrush and a few drops of dish soap to scrub off grease, grime, and food particles.
• Let it dry thoroughly before reinstalling.

Pro Tip: If your dishwasher smells bad, a clogged filter is likely the cause.

Step 2: Clean the Spray Arms Thoroughly

• Remove the lower spray arm by gently pulling it upward. For the upper arm, try to remove it by unscrewing or pulling it out.
• Rinse both arms under warm water to remove loose debris.
• Use a toothpick or a pin to unclog the spray holes where water jets out—these often get blocked by food, seeds, or mineral buildup.
• Soak the arms in a vinegar solution for 20–30 minutes if you notice white or chalky buildup. Scrub with a toothbrush afterward.

Step 3: Reassemble and Test Spin

• Replace the filter and spray arms in their designated locations.  
• Make sure they fasten or snap in tightly.  
• Turn the arms by hand to ensure they move smoothly without any obstruction.

This thorough cleaning process is essential for anyone who wants to learn how to clean a KitchenAid dishwasher effectively. Once you finish, you’ll quickly see improved water flow, cleaner dishes, and fresher air every time you open the door.

Related: How to Clean GE Dishwasher: Fast, Simple & Proven Steps

FAQs

Sources

https://producthelp.kitchenaid.com/Dishwashers/Product_Info/Dishwasher_Cleaning_and_Care/Cleaning_the_Dishwasher_Interior?

https://www.kitchenaid.com/pinch-of-help/major-appliances/how-to-clean-a-dishwasher.html?

https://homegeargeek.com/how-to-clean-a-kitchenaid-dishwasher/?

https://homegeargeek.com/how-to-clean-my-kitchenaid-dishwasher/

https://homegeargeek.com/how-to-clean-kitchenaid-dishwasher-drain/

https://producthelp.kitchenaid.com/Dishwashers/Product_Info/Dishwasher_Cleaning_and_Care/Using_the_Correct_Type_and_Amount_of_Detergent

https://www.kitchenaid.com/content/dam/global/documents/201605/owners-manual-W10579121-RevC.pdf

https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-clean-a-dishwasher-with-vinegar

https://producthelp.kitchenaid.com/Dishwashers/Dishwasher/Other/Cleaning_and_Odor/Cleaning_and_Maintenance