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Using and Adjusting the Rinse Aid Dispenser
How to Adjust and Use the Rinse Aid Dispenser on Your KitchenAid Dishwasher
Was rinse aid used and is the dispenser full?
Your dishwasher utilizes rinse aid to assist drying performance. Without rinse aid, your dishes and dishwasher interior could have excessive moisture. The heat dry option can perform better with a rinse aid. Rinse aid can improve drying and reduces water spots and filming. Water "sheets" off dishes rather than forming water droplets that cling and leave spots.
Rinse aid can be helpful even when using dishwasher detergent packets.
We recommend using the rinse agent dispenser to dispense rinse aid. Be sure to fill the dispenser before you use your new dishwasher. A full dispenser holds about 5 oz (150-175 mL) or rinse aid and should last about a month. Make sure the rinse aid dispenser is full. It is recommended to use a colored rinse aid, such as blue, so that you can more easily see the rinse aid level in the gauge.
To use rinse aid:
Follow the steps below for the style of dispenser in your dishwasher.
Dispenser Style 1:
- Make sure the dishwasher door is fully open.
- Turn the dispenser knob to "Open" or "Refill" and lift it out.
- Pour rinse aid into the opening until the indicator points to "Full." Take care not to overfill.
- Clean up any spilled rinse aid with a damp cloth.
- Place the knob back into the opening and turn to the "Lock" position.
- When the rinse aid indicator drops to the "Add" level, add more rinse aid.
Rinse aid setting
- The amount of rinse aid released into the final rinse can be adjusted.
- The factory setting is at 2 or 3; if you are experiencing drying issues, adjust to the highest setting.
- If there are rings or calcium (hard water) spots on dishes, try a higher setting.
To adjust the setting
- Remove the dispenser knob.
- Turn the arrow adjuster inside the dispenser to the desired setting by either using your fingers or inserting a flat-blade screwdriver into the center of the arrow and turning.
- Replace the dispenser knob.
Dispenser Style 2:
- Make sure the dishwasher door is fully open.
- Open the rinse aid dispenser lid by gently pushing in the center of the lid with your thumb and pulling up on the edge.
- Pour rinse aid into the opening until the indicator points to "Full." Take care not to overfill.
- Clean up any spilled rinse aid with a damp cloth.
- Close the dispenser by pushing down gently on the lid.
- When the rinse aid indicator drops to the "Add" level, add more rinse aid.
Rinse aid setting
- The amount of rinse aid released into the final rinse can be adjusted.
- The factory setting is at 2 or 3; if you are experiencing drying issues, adjust to the highest setting.
- If there are rings or calcium (hard water) spots on dishes, try a higher setting.
To adjust the setting
- Open the rinse aid dispenser lid by gently pushing in the center of the lid with your thumb and pulling up on the edge.
- Turn the arrow adjuster under the dispenser lid to the desired setting.
- Close the dispenser by pushing down gently on the lid.
Does the Rinse Aid need to refill?
The dispenser holds 5 oz (150 mL) of rinse aid. Under most conditions, this will last 1 to 3 months. Check the indicator while the dishwasher door is fully open (level). If the rinse aid is empty the indicator will appear clear. The color of the dispenser will depend on the color of the rinse aid you are using.
If you would like to download or view product literature for your appliance, please visit our Manuals and Literature page.