Dry Clean Washing Lights Flashing on a Kenmore Dishwasher

Water Temperature

• The “Clean” light blinks on a Kenmore dishwasher to indicate a heater failure. While this may mean a more serious issue with the internal heater, low water temperature may also be to blame. Check the household water heater to see the current temperature setting and raise the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or more. In addition, running the hot water in the kitchen sink can help increase the water temperature entering the dishwasher at the start of the cycle.

Low Water Supply

• Another problem that may cause the “Clean” or the “Dry” light to blink is low water supply to the dishwasher. Make sure the water valve to the dishwasher is turned on and straighten out the water hose so that bends in the hose don’t prevent water from filling the machine. The hose may need to be cleaned out if debris has entered it and is creating an obstruction.

Reset Needed

• The “Air Dry” light might be caused by a sticky key, which may be resolved by wiping any residue from the control panel and then performing a control panel reset. Push “Heated Dry” and then “Normal Wash” and then “Heated Dry” and then “Normal Wash” in quick succession to reset the fault code and return the dishwasher to normal function.

Repair Needed

• Once the reset has been performed, the dishwasher should resume normal function. However, if the clean or dry light begins to blink again, service is needed as the heater circuit may be failing, the water inlet valve may be broken or the control circuit needs to be replaced. Contact Kenmore for assistance.