You know that feeling when your KitchenAid dishwasher’s clean light starts flashing, and you’re not sure what to do next? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many people face this issue, and it’s usually simple to fix. Whether it’s because of a technical glitch or a minor issue, resetting the dishwasher can solve it in no time. In this article, I’ll show you how to reset your KitchenAid dishwasher when that pesky clean light starts flashing. Let’s get started!
Understanding the Flashing Clean Light on Your KitchenAid Dishwasher
If you’re seeing the clean light flash on your KitchenAid dishwasher, it’s not the end of the world, but it can be a bit frustrating. The flashing clean light typically means that something has gone wrong during the wash cycle or that the dishwasher thinks there’s an issue that needs attention. However, the flashing clean light isn’t always a cause for alarm. In most cases, it’s just a sign that the dishwasher needs to be reset. Let’s look at what causes the flashing clean light and what you can do about it.
Common Reasons for a Flashing Clean Light
There are several reasons your KitchenAid dishwasher’s clean light might start flashing. It could be a simple software glitch or an issue with the wash cycle. Here are a few common causes:
- Cycle Hasn’t Completed Properly: Sometimes, a cycle doesn’t finish as it should, which causes the clean light to flash. This can happen if there’s a power interruption or the dishwasher was turned off before the cycle was completed.
- Water Drainage Problems: If the dishwasher isn’t draining water properly, it may trigger the clean light to flash. This could be due to a clogged drain filter or a blocked hose.
- Faulty Sensor or Electronic Glitch: Dishwashers have sensors that monitor different aspects of the wash cycle, like water temperature and cleanliness. If one of these sensors malfunctions, it could make the clean light flash.
- Delayed Start or Pause: Sometimes, the dishwasher may pause in the middle of the cycle or be delayed for some reason, causing the flashing clean light.
Why It’s Important to Address It Quickly
While the flashing clean light isn’t usually something to panic about, it is important to address it quickly. Ignoring the issue might lead to longer-term problems, like water buildup or inefficient washing. Plus, if the issue persists, it might stop your dishwasher from running altogether. Luckily, resetting your dishwasher is a quick and easy way to fix this problem. Let’s move on to the next step!
Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting Your KitchenAid Dishwasher
Now that you understand why the clean light might be flashing, let’s dive into how to reset your dishwasher. The good news is that resetting your KitchenAid dishwasher is pretty simple. In most cases, you can solve the issue by following a few easy steps. Let’s go over it!
Step 1: Turn Off Your Dishwasher
The first thing you need to do when you see the flashing clean light is turn off the dishwasher. This is an important step because the reset process starts by cutting off the power to the dishwasher. Turning off the appliance helps reset the system and can solve any minor glitches that are causing the clean light to flash.
To turn off your dishwasher:
- Press the power button to switch it off.
- Wait for a minute or two to ensure the dishwasher is completely powered down.
Turning off the dishwasher is necessary for a full reset because it allows the system to reboot. Once you’ve done this, we can move to the next step!
Step 2: Unplug the Dishwasher (Optional but Recommended)
While turning off the dishwasher is usually enough to reset it, sometimes unplugging the appliance for a little while can be even more effective. Unplugging ensures that the dishwasher’s internal electrical systems are fully reset. It also helps clear any electrical glitches that might be causing the clean light to flash.
To unplug your dishwasher:
- Locate the power cord behind or under the dishwasher (depending on your model).
- Gently pull the plug out of the outlet.
- Wait for at least 5 minutes. This gives the dishwasher enough time to reset and clear any temporary issues.
After waiting, plug the dishwasher back in and proceed to the next step.
Step 3: Turn the Dishwasher Back On
Once you’ve turned the dishwasher off and unplugged it (if necessary), it’s time to turn it back on. This is the moment when the reset process begins to take effect.
To turn your dishwasher back on:
- Press the power button again to switch it on.
- Listen for any noises or signs that the dishwasher is powering up properly. You may hear a sound or see the lights flicker.
After turning it on, check if the flashing clean light is still there. If it is, don’t worry! It could take a minute or two for the reset to fully work. If the light is still flashing after a while, you might need to perform additional troubleshooting steps.
Step 4: Run a Short Cycle to Test
After completing the reset steps, it’s a good idea to test your dishwasher by running a short cycle. This helps to ensure that the clean light flashing problem has been resolved and that your dishwasher is working as expected.
To run a short cycle:
- Choose a light cycle or quick wash setting.
- Start the dishwasher and observe how it runs.
- Pay attention to any unusual sounds or behaviors.
If the cycle runs smoothly and the clean light stops flashing, congratulations! Your dishwasher is reset and ready to use again. If the clean light starts flashing again, it may be time to look into other potential causes of the problem.
Troubleshooting Further if the Clean Light Keeps Flashing
If you’ve followed all the steps to reset your KitchenAid dishwasher and the clean light is still flashing, there may be a more serious issue at play. In this case, you’ll need to troubleshoot further to identify and fix the problem. Let’s explore some additional fixes.
Check for Drainage Issues
One of the most common reasons the clean light keeps flashing is a drainage issue. If your dishwasher isn’t draining water properly, it can cause the cycle to end prematurely, triggering the flashing clean light. Here’s how you can check for drainage problems:
- Inspect the Drain Filter: Start by removing and cleaning the drain filter. Over time, food particles and debris can build up in the filter, preventing proper drainage. Cleaning the filter should fix this issue.
- Check the Drain Hose: If the filter is clear, the next step is to check the drain hose. Make sure the hose isn’t kinked or blocked. You can gently straighten the hose to ensure that water can flow freely.
- Clear Any Blockages: If you notice a blockage in the hose, use a long object (like a wooden spoon) to clear it out. Be careful not to damage the hose while doing this.
If you find and fix any drainage issues, reset your dishwasher again and check if the clean light stops flashing.
Inspect the Door Latch
Another potential reason for the flashing clean light is a faulty door latch. If the dishwasher door isn’t fully closed or the latch isn’t working correctly, the dishwasher may stop in the middle of a cycle, causing the clean light to flash. To check the door latch:
- Make sure the door is properly closed and latched before running a cycle.
- If the latch feels loose or the door doesn’t close properly, you may need to replace the latch mechanism.
Once you’ve checked the door latch, test your dishwasher again to see if the clean light flashing issue is resolved.
I hope this guide helped you understand how to reset your KitchenAid dishwasher when the clean light flashes. Most of the time, it’s an easy fix, and a simple reset will solve the issue. However, if the problem persists, it’s worth checking for drainage issues or a faulty door latch. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional if needed!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to reset my KitchenAid dishwasher when the clean light is flashing?
Yes, it’s completely safe to reset your KitchenAid dishwasher when the clean light flashes. In fact, it’s the first step to take when troubleshooting the issue. A reset can fix minor glitches and get your dishwasher back to working order.
Can I fix the flashing clean light on my own without calling a technician?
In most cases, yes, you can fix the flashing clean light on your own. Resetting the dishwasher and checking for common issues like drainage problems are simple steps you can do yourself. If the issue persists, you may need to call a technician for help.
Do I need to unplug the dishwasher to reset it?
Unplugging the dishwasher is not always necessary, but it can help reset the system more effectively. If turning off the power doesn’t work, unplugging the dishwasher for a few minutes is a good next step to ensure a complete reset.
Is the flashing clean light a sign that something is broken?
Not necessarily. The flashing clean light usually means that the dishwasher has encountered a minor issue, such as a cycle that didn’t finish or a drainage problem. It doesn’t always mean something is broken, but it’s a good idea to check for any issues and reset the machine.
Can a clogged filter cause the clean light to flash?
Yes, a clogged filter can cause the clean light to flash. If the filter is blocked by debris or food particles, the dishwasher may not drain properly, triggering the flashing clean light. Make sure to clean the filter regularly to avoid this problem.
Is there a way to prevent the flashing clean light from happening again?
Regular maintenance and proper care of your dishwasher can help prevent the clean light from flashing in the future. Make sure to clean the filter regularly, check the drain hose for blockages, and always ensure the door is properly latched before starting a cycle.
Do I need to replace the dishwasher if the clean light keeps flashing?
Not necessarily. Most of the time, the flashing clean light is due to a minor issue that can be easily fixed. However, if the problem persists after troubleshooting, it may be worth contacting a professional to check for any underlying issues.
Is it normal for the clean light to flash during a cycle?
It’s not normal for the clean light to flash during a cycle. The clean light is meant to signal the end of a successful wash cycle. If it flashes during a cycle, it could mean that the dishwasher is having trouble completing the cycle properly. Resetting the dishwasher usually fixes this issue.
