Problems With a Double-Drawer Dishwasher

Dishwasher Stops or Won't Run

• If the dishwasher will not run or stops in the middle of the cycle, check to make sure both drawers are closed firmly. Press or select “Start” or “Resume” to restart the cycle if the dishwasher is opened mid-cycle. When there is no power in the dishwasher at all, reset or replace the fuse or circuit breaker as necessary. Make sure the water supply valve is turned on if there is power to the dishwasher but the dishwasher does not fill with water or makes a loud buzzing sound when the cycle is started. If there is power to the dishwasher but the drawers won’t open, check to see if the child lock feature is on. Press and hold the lock icon for at least three seconds until the lock releases and the drawer will open.

Dirty Dishes

• Check the household water temperature if the dishes are not clean enough at the end of the cycle, as the water temperature should be 120 degrees Fahrenheit or more. Use at least 1 tbsp. dishwasher detergent per load and select an appropriate cycle for more soiled dishes. Select the correct drawer as you set the dishwasher when washing only one of the drawers at a time and check the spray arm to ensure the arm can rotate in a full circle without being obstructed by dishes. Rinsing dishes before loading can also help.

Spots, Filming or Odors

• Sometimes, hard water can leave a residue on dishes or cloudiness on glasses. Use rinse aid detergent with every load and check with your local water company about the hardness level of your water, using more detergent if your water is particularly hard. If brown stains appear on the dishwasher interior or on dishes, wash the dishes again with 3 tsp. citric acid crystals instead of detergent and consider installing an iron removal unit to the household water. Place two cups of vinegar in the drawer and run a normal cycle if the dishwasher has developed an odor. This can be prevented by running a rinse cycle if the dishes won’t be washed within a day or two.

Drainage Problems

• When the dishwasher has water left in the bottom of either drawer after the cycle is complete, check the drain filter and coarse filter cup, which are located on the bottom of the drawer. Unscrew or lift out the filter from the dishwasher drawer and rinse with water to clean. If water still does not drain well from either drawer, check the drain hose and clean out any possible obstructions, then straighten out the hose. Run your garbage disposal if there is one installed and clean out the air gap on the kitchen sink by taking off the lid and cleaning out the hoses inside. The garbage disposal and air gap are both linked to the dishwasher drainage system and can contribute to problems.