KitchenAid Dishwasher Soap Not Dispensing

Completed Cycle

• If you open your KitchenAid dishwasher door and the soap is still in the dispenser, it may just be a case of opening the door too early. Check the indicator lights on your dishwasher. Some KitchenAid models have a light that comes on when the load is clean. Others may show no lights when the unit is off, but an indicator light if it’s in still in a cycle. Check your user manual for the signs that your dishwasher is done and make sure that you haven’t opened it in the middle of a load.

Obstructions

• The dishwashing soap will not dispense if the dispenser door couldn’t open during the cycle. If you’ve set up the dish racks with something in front of the dispenser door, this situation can happen quite easily. Always position your dishes so that they fit inside the racks and don’t hang out to block the rotator arms or the dispenser doors.

Correct Detergent

• Your detergent dispenser may malfunction if you’re using the wrong detergent in it. Each KitchenAid dishwasher model comes with recommendations for the types of detergents to use in the Use and Care Manual. If you don’t have your manual, contact KitchenAid customer service for the detergent recommendations for your model (see Resources).

Clumpy Detergent

• Even if you’re using the correct detergent for your model, the detergent can affect its ability to dispense. If you’re using the powdered kind, use fresh detergent with each cycle and make sure it’s not clumped in the dispenser. Whether you’re using a liquid or powder, remember to fill the dispenser no higher than the fill line indicated on the unit. Overfilling the dispenser may also cause problems during the cycle.