LEARN MORE
In an effort to conserve natural resources, this dishwasher includes a condensed User Guide. Complete User Instructions can be downloaded at www.kitchenaid.com/customer-service/manuals. For future reference, please make a note of your product model and serial numbers. These can be located on a label in the tub along the left outer edge.
Model Number________________________________ Serial Number______________________________________
Register your dishwasher at www.kitchenaid.com. In Canada, register your dishwasher at www.kitchenaid.ca.
Para una version de estas instrucciones en español, visite www.kitchenaid.com.
Your safety and the safety of others are very important
We have provided many important safety messages in this manual and on your appliance. Always read and obey all safety messages.
This is the safety alert symbol. This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can kill or hurt you and others. All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and either the word “DANGER” or “WARNING.” These words mean:
You can be killed or seriously injured if you don’t immediately follow instructions.
You can be killed or seriously injured if you don’t follow instructions.
All safety messages will tell you what the potential hazard is, tell you how to reduce the chance of injury and tell you what can happen if the instructions are not followed.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: When using the dishwasher, follow basic precautions, including the following:
- Read all instructions before using the dishwasher.
- Use the dishwasher only for its intended function.
- Use only detergents or rinse agents recommended for use in a dishwasher, and keep them out of the reach of children.
- When loading items to be washed:
- Locate sharp items so that they are not likely to damage the door seal; and
- Load sharp knives with handles up to reduce the risk of cut-type injuries.
- Do not wash plastic items unless they are marked “dishwasher safe” or the equivalent. For plastic items not so marked, check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Do not touch the heating element during or immediately after use.
- Do not operate the dishwasher unless all enclosure panels are properly in place.
- Do not tamper with controls.
- Do not abuse, sit on, or stand on the door, lid, or dish racks of the dishwasher.
- To reduce the risk of injury, do not allow children to play in or in the dishwasher.
- Under certain conditions, hydrogen gas may be produced in a hot water system that has not been used for two weeks or more. HYDROGEN GAS IS EXPLOSIVE. If the hot water system has not been used for such a period, before using the dishwasher turn on all hot water faucets and let the water flow from each for several minutes. This will release any accumulated hydrogen gas. As the gas is flammable, do not smoke or use an open flame during this time.
- Remove the door or lid to the washing compartment when removing an old dishwasher from service or discarding it.
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.
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
For a grounded, cord-connected dishwasher
The dishwasher must be grounded. In the event of a malfunction or breakdown, grounding will reduce the risk of electric shock by providing a path of least resistance to electric current. The dishwasher is equipped with a cord having an equipment-grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into an appropriate outlet that is installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.
WARNING: Improper connection of the equipment-grounding conductor can result in a risk of electric shock. Check with a qualified electrician or service representative if you are in doubt whether the dishwasher is properly grounded. Do not modify the plug provided with the dishwasher; if it will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician.
For a permanently connected dishwasher
The dishwasher must be connected to a grounded metal, permanent wiring system, or an equipment-grounding conductor must be run with the circuit conductors and connected to the equipment-grounding terminal or lead on the dishwasher.
KEY USAGE TIPS
Filtration system and maintenance
Your dishwasher has the latest technology in dishwasher filtration. This filtration system minimizes sound and optimizes water and energy conservation while providing superior cleaning. The filter system consists of two parts, an upper filter assembly, and a lower filter.
IMPORTANT: To avoid damage to the dishwasher, do not operate your dishwasher without filters properly installed. Be sure the lower filter is securely in place and the upper filter assembly is locked into place. If the upper assembly turns freely, it is not locked into place.
The filters may need to be cleaned when
- Visible objects or soils are on the upper filter assembly.
- Dishes feel gritty to the touch.
See the “Filtration System” section in the full online User Instructions for the complete removal and maintenance schedule.
IMPORTANT: Do not use a wire brush, scouring pad, etc., as they may damage the filters. Rinse the filter under running water until the soils are removed. If you have hard-to-remove soils or calcium deposits because of hard water, a soft brush may be required.
Drying – Rinse aid is essential
You must use a drying agent such as a rinse aid for good drying performance. Rinse aid along with the Heat Dry, Extended Heat Dry option will provide the best drying and avoid excessive moisture in the dishwasher interior.
Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is gained by extending cycle time and reducing the amount of wattage and water used during your dishwasher’s cycle. For exceptional cleaning, cycles are longer due to the soak and pauses. Efficient dishwashers run longer to save water and energy, just as driving a car slower saves on gas. Your first cycle will run longer to calibrate the optical water sensor.
Premium Top Rack Adjuster
You can raise or lower the top rack to fit tall items in either the top or bottom rack. Adjusters are located on each side of the top rack.
To raise the rack:
Press both rack adjuster thumb levers and lift the rack until it is in the up position and level. To lower the rack: Press both rack adjuster thumb levers and slide the rack to its down position and level.
NOTE: The top rack must be level. Touch START/RESUME every time you add a dish
IMPORTANT: If anyone opens the door (such as, for adding a dish, even during the Delay option), Start/Resume must be touched each time to resume the cycle. Push the door firmly closed within 4 seconds of touching Start/Resume. If the door is not closed within 4 seconds, the Start keypad light will flash, an audible tone will be heard, and the cycle will not start.
OPERATING YOUR DISHWASHER
- Prepare and load the dishwasher
IMPORTANT: Remove leftover food, bones, toothpicks, and other hard items from dishes. Remove labels from containers before washing.- Make sure when the dishwasher door is closed no items are blocking the detergent dispenser.
- Items should be loaded with soiled surfaces facing down and inward to the spray as shown in the graphics above. This will improve cleaning and drying results. Angle the dirtiest dish surface downward, allowing space for water to flow up through the rack and between dishes.
- 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 during operation, load dishes so they do not touch one another. Make sure lightweight load items are secured in racks.
- Use the slots in the covers and suggested loading patterns to keep your silverware separated for an optimum wash.
- If your silverware does not fit into the designated slots, lift and slide the cover off to remove them and mix silverware types to keep them separated.
- When loading silverware, always place sharp items pointing down and avoid “nesting” as shown.
- Check that all arms spin freely
- Items in the rack can block the spray arms.
Add detergent
Premeasured Detergents
High-quality premeasured tablets and packs are recommended for improved performance. Quality tablets and packs have been proven better than powder, liquid, or gel detergents at reducing filming on dishes. Using tablets and packs over time will start to reduce or eliminate white film. They are suitable for all water hardness and soil levels. Also, by using a rinse aid, you can minimize the repeat buildup of the white film (not all packs and tablets contain rinse aid). Always place premeasured detergents in the main compartment and close the lid.
NOTE: Follow the instructions on the package when using other dishwasher detergent types. See the complete User Instructions 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 a tightly closed detergent container in a cool, dry place. Place the selected detergent in the dispenser. Place your finger, as shown, and slide the lid closed. Press firmly until it clicks. Push OPEN, as shown, and the lid will slide open.
Add rinse aid
- Your dishwasher is designed to use rinse aid for good drying performance. Without a rinse aid, your dishes and dishwasher interior will have excessive moisture. The heating and drying options will not perform as well without rinse aid.
- Rinse aid keeps water from forming droplets that can dry as spots or streaks. It also improves drying by allowing water to drain off of dishes after the final rinse. Rinse aid does not adhere to dishware, and when used, it is dispensed during each cycle.
- To add rinse aid, open the dispenser lid by gently pushing in the center of the lid with your thumb while lifting up on the edge.
- Pour rinse aid into the opening until the indicator level shows that it is full.
- Close the dispenser by pushing down gently on the lid.NOTE: For most water conditions, the factory setting will give good results.
- If you are experiencing poor drying performance, try a higher setting. Turn the arrow adjuster to the next higher number to increase the amount of rinse aid.
Select a cycle
Efficient dishwashers run longer to save water and energy, just as driving a car slower saves on gas. Typical cycle time is approximately 21/2 hours but can take less or more time to complete depending on selections. Push the door firmly closed and touch START to repeat the same cycle and options as in the previous wash cycle, or select another cycle appropriate for your load. See the Cycle Guide.
Select options
You can customize your cycles by selecting the options desired. See the Cycle Guide. If you change your mind, touch the option keypad again to turn off the option. Not all options are available for every cycle. If an invalid option is selected for a given cycle, the lights will flash. Adding options may increase the cycle time.
Start or resume a cycle
NOTE: If needed, run hot water at the sink nearest your dishwasher until the water is hot. Turn off the water. With the door firmly closed, touch START.
IMPORTANT: If the door is opened for more than a few seconds after the cycle is started (even during the Delay time), the Start keypad must be touched again after the door is closed. If the Start keypad is not touched, the Start keypad light with flash, and audible tone will be heard, and the cycle will not resume.
Follow the progress of your dishwasher
The display will indicate cycle progress such as Washing, Drying, Clean, and sanitizing. The cycle has completed when the Clean light is lit. Refer to the Control chart in the Cycle Guide section for the operation of the Sanitized indicator.
CYCLE GUIDE
IMPORTANT: The sensor in your dishwasher monitors the soil level. Cycle time and/or water usage can vary as the sensor adjusts the cycle for the best wash performance. If the incoming water is less than the recommended temperature or food soils are heavy, the cycle will automatically compensate by adding time, heat, and water as needed. The government energy certifications are not based on this cycle. See the Normal cycle description for the government energy certification cycle. Using the ProWash™ cycle may increase your energy usage. No other washing and drying temperature options were selected, and the dishwasher was not subjected to truncated testing. Rinse aid was not used, and there was no detergent used in the prewash.
DISHWASHER CARE
Cleaning the Exterior
Clean the exterior of the dishwasher with only a soft, damp cloth, and mild detergent. If your dishwasher has a stainless steel exterior, it may have a coating that is resistant to fingerprints. Avoid using abrasive cleaning products on the exterior of the dishwasher.
Cleaning and Maintaining the Interior
Many detergents may leave white spots or a white residue on dishware and on the interior of the dishwasher. Over time this residue can become unsightly and could affect dishwasher performance. Use of a dishwasher cleaning product, such as affresh® Dishwasher Cleaner, can help to remove the residue. Monthly use of affresh® Dishwasher Cleaner is recommended to help maintain the dishwasher. Follow package directions.
NOTE: KitchenAid recommends the use of high-quality, premeasured detergent tablets or packs and the use of a rinse aid for dishwasher cleaning and daily care. If you have a drain air gap, check and clean it if the dishwasher isn’t draining well.
To Reduce the Risk of Property Damage During Vacation or Extended Time Without Use:
- When you will not be using the dishwasher during the summer months, turn off the water and power supply to the dishwasher.
- Make sure the water supply lines are protected against freezing conditions. Ice formations in the supply lines can increase water pressure and cause damage to your dishwasher or home. Damage from freezing is not covered by the warranty.
- When storing your dishwasher in the winter, avoid water damage by having your dishwasher winterized by authorized service personnel.
TROUBLESHOOTING
First, try the solutions suggested here. If you need further assistance or more recommendations that may help you to avoid a service call, refer to the warranty page in this manual or visit producthelp.kitchenaid.com. In Canada, visit kitchenaid.ca. For internet connectivity questions, in the U.S.A. or Canada, call 1-877-559-2603. Contact us by mail with any questions or concerns at the address below:
In the U.S.A.:
KitchenAid Brand Home Appliances
Customer Experience Center
553 Benson Road
Benton Harbor, MI 49022-2692
In Canada:
KitchenAid Brand Home Appliances
Customer Experience Centre
200 – 6750 Century Ave.
Mississauga, Ontario L5N 0B7
Please include a daytime phone number in your correspondence
