KitchenAid KDTM354DSS dishwashers 43 dBA with Clean Water Wash System

PARTS AND FEATURES

TOP RACK

Start-Up/Quick Reference

IMPORTANT: Do not block detergent dispenser.

For hinged style detergent dispensers, tall items placed in the lower rack may block the dispenser door. Cookie sheets and cutting boards loaded on the left-hand side of the dishwasher can easily block the dispenser. If detergent is inside of the dispenser or on the bottom of the tub after the cycle is complete, the dispenser was blocked.

Drying – Rinse aid is essential.

You must use a drying agent such as a rinse aid for good drying performance (sample included). Rinse aid along with the ProDry™ option will provide best drying and avoid excessive moisture in the dishwasher interior

ProDry

For best drying, use the ProDry™ option.

Express Wash - When you need fast results.

Efficient dishwashers run longer to save water and energy, just as driving a car slower saves on gas. When you need fast results, the Express Wash will clean your dishes using slightly more water and energy. Select the ProDry™ option to speed drying times (adds approximately 38 to 45 minutes to the Express Wash cycle).

ProWash™ cycle for optimal cleaning

The most advanced and versatile cycle. ProWash™ cycle senses the load size, soil amount, and toughness of soil, to adjust the cycle for optimal cleaning using only the amount of water and energy needed. The ProWash™ and Tough cycles are recommended for tough soil. No need to prerinse dishes; just scrape and load.

ProScrub® option to clean baked-on food

When the ProScrub® option is selected, it provides a concentrated wash on the back of the lower dish rack for hard-toclean dishes. Place these dishes with the soiled surface of the dish toward the ProScrub® spray jets in the lower rack of the dishwasher

Press START/RESUME every time you add a dish.

IMPORTANT: If anyone opens the door (such as, to add a dish, even during the Delay option), the Start/Resume button must be pressed each time. Push door firmly closed within 3 seconds of pressing START/RESUME. If the door is not closed within 4 seconds, the Start/Resume button LED will flash, an audible tone will be heard, and the cycle will not start

Proper Detergent Dosing

It is possible to use too much detergent in your dishwasher. This can lead to etching of your dishes. See “Add Detergent” and “Add Rinse Aid” in the “Dishwasher Use” section to determine the amount of detergent needed based on your water hardness.

Quick Steps

1. Prepare and load dishwasher

2. Add detergent for cleaning and rinse aid for drying.

3. Select a cycle and option.

4. Start dishwasher

NOTE: If the Start/Resume button is located on the top of door, push door firmly closed within 3 seconds of pressing START/RESUME.

Dishwasher Use

STEP 1

Prepare and Load the Dishwasher

IMPORTANT: Remove leftover food, bones, toothpicks, and other hard items from the dishes. Remove labels from containers before washing.

• Make sure nothing keeps spray arm(s) from spinning freely. It is important for the water spray to reach all soiled surfaces.
• Make sure that when the dishwasher door is closed, no items are blocking the detergent dispenser.
• Items should be loaded with soiled surfaces facing down and inward to the spray as shown. This will improve cleaning and drying results.
• Avoid overlapping items like bowls or plates that may trap food.
• Place plastics, small plates, and glasses in the upper rack. Wash only plastic items marked “dishwasher safe.”
• To avoid thumping/clattering noises during operation, load dishes so they do not touch one another. Make sure lightweight load items are secured in the racks.
• Improper loading can cause dishes to be chipped or damaged. When loading glasses or mugs, it is best to load these items in between rows of tines instead of loading them over tines.
• When loading silverware, always place sharp items pointing down. Mix items in each section of the basket with some pointing up and some down to avoid nesting. Spray cannot reach nested items.

STEP 2

Add Detergent

NOTE: If you do not plan to run a wash cycle soon, run a rinse cycle. Do not use detergent.

• Use automatic dishwasher detergent only. Add powder, liquid, or tablet detergent just before starting a cycle.
• Fresh automatic dishwasher detergent results in better cleaning. Store tightly closed detergent container in a cool, dry place.

Premeasured Detergents

Many detergents now come in several forms (gel packs, tablets, or powder packs).

We recommend that you use high quality tablets or packs for convenience and improved performance. High quality tablets and packs have been proven better than powder, liquid, or gel detergents at reducing filming on dishes. Using tablets and packs over time will start to reduce or eliminate white film. Also, by using a rinse aid, you can minimize repeat buildup of white film. These forms are suitable for all hardness and soil levels. Always place detergents in the main compartment and slide lid to close

Place selected detergent in the dispenser. Place finger, as shown, and slide lid closed. Press firmly until it clicks.

Push OPEN, as shown, and the lid will slide open.

Powders and Gels

• The amount of detergent to use depends on:
  • How much soil remains on the items
    • Heavily soiled loads require more detergent. The hardness of the water
    • If you use too little in hard water, dishes won't be clean. If you use too much in soft water, glassware can etch. Soft to Medium Water (0-6 grains per U.S. gallon) [typical water softener water and some city water] Medium to Hard Water (7-12 grains per U.S. gallon) [well water and some city water]
• Depending on your water hardness, fill the Main Wash section of the dispenser as shown. Fill the Pre-Wash section to the level shown if needed.

NOTE: Fill amounts shown are for standard powdered detergent. Follow instructions on the package when using gel dishwasher detergents. Premeasured forms are suitable for all hardness and soil levels. Always place premeasured detergents in the main compartment and close the lid.

Add Rinse Aid (dispenser varies by model)

• Your dishwasher is designed to use rinse aid for good drying performance. Without rinse aid, your dishes and dishwasher interior will have excessive moisture. The Heat Dry option will not perform as well without rinse aid
• Rinse aid keeps water from forming droplets that can dry as spots or streaks. It also improves drying by allowing water to drain off of the dishes after the final rinse.
• Rinse aid helps to reduce excess moisture on the dish racks and interior of your dishwasher
• Check the rinse aid indicator with the door down (varies by model). Add rinse aid when indicator drops to “Add” level.

• Add rinse aid to hinged lid style dispenser by twisting the dispenser cap ¼ turn clockwise to open and lift off. Pour rinse aid into the opening until the indicator level is at “Full.” Replace the dispenser cap and turn to “Lock.” Make sure cap is fully locked.

• To add rinse aid to sliding lid style dispenser, open the rinse 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 dispenser is full. Then, close the dispenser by pushing down gently on the lid.

NOTE: For most water conditions, the factory setting will give good results. If you have hard water or notice rings or spots, try a higher setting. Turn the arrow adjuster inside the dispenser by either using your fingers or inserting a flat-blade screwdriver into the center of the arrow and turning.

Higher numbers dispense more rinse aid. You should change this setting only a little at a time and then run a few cycles before changing it again because just enough rinse aid is more effective than too much.

STEP 3

Select a Cycle

See “Cycle and Option Descriptions” charts in the following section. Efficient dishwashers run longer to save water and energy, just as driving a car slower saves on gas. Typical cycle time is approximately 2 hours, but can take less or more time to complete, depending on selections.

Select Options

See “Cycle and Option Descriptions” charts in the following section. You can customize your cycles by pressing the options desired. If you change your mind, press the option again to turn off the option. Not all options are available for every cycle. If an invalid option is selected for a given cycle, the lights will flash.

STEP 4

Start or Resume a Cycle

• Run hot water at the sink nearest your dishwasher until the water is hot. Turn off water.
• Press START/RESUME once to show which selections you used. Select the wash cycle and options desired OR press START/RESUME to repeat the same cycle and options as in the previous wash cycle.

IMPORTANT: If anyone opens the door (such as, for adding a dish, even during the Delay Hours option), the Start/ Resume button must be pressed each time.

• If the Start/Resume button is located on top of door, push door firmly closed within 4 seconds of pressing START/RESUME. If the door is not closed within 4 seconds, the Start/Resume button LED will flash, an audible tone will be heard, and the cycle will not start.

Cycle and Option Descriptions

CYCLE SELECTIONS

Wash times depend on water temperature, heavy soil condition, dish load size and options selected. Adding options will add time to the cycle.

*Adding options will add time to the cycle. See options information section.

** This is the approximate cycle time obtained with 120°F (49°C) hot water available at the dishwasher. Increase in time results from low temperature of the incoming water

OPTION SELECTIONS

CONTROLS AND CYCLE STATUS

Dishwasher Feedback Section

CONTROLS AND CYCLE STATUS

Canceling a Cycle

1. Open the door slightly to stop the cycle. Wait for the spraying action to stop before completely opening the door.
2. Press and hold CANCEL/DRAIN button once. The Cancel/ Drain light will light up.
3. Close the door and the dishwasher starts a drain cycle (if water remains in bottom of dishwasher). Let the dishwasher drain completely. The Cancel/Drain light turns off after 2 minutes.

Changing a Cycle After Dishwasher Is Started

1. You can interrupt a cycle and restart your dishwasher from the beginning using the following procedure.
2. Open the door slightly to stop the cycle. Wait for the spraying action to stop, then open the door completely.
3. Check that detergent dispenser cover is still closed. If cover is open, you will need to refill the detergent dispenser before restarting your new cycle.
4. Press and hold CANCEL/DRAIN twice to reset the control.
5. Select new cycles and options.
6. Press START/RESUME.

Adding a Dish After Dishwasher Is Started

1. Check if the Add Dish indicator is lit on the Cycle Status display.
2. Open the door slightly to stop the cycle. Wait for the spraying action to stop, and then open the door completely.
3. Check whether the detergent dispenser cover is still closed. If it is open, the wash cycle has already started and adding a dish is not recommended.
4. If detergent has not yet been used (detergent dispenser cover is closed), you may add a dish.
5. Press START/RESUME.

Dishwasher Features

Your KitchenAid dishwasher may have some or all of these features.

ProScrub® Option Wash Area

The ProScrub® option wash area is located at the back of the lower level rack and the front corners of the upper level rack.

NOTE: You must select the ProScrub® option to use this feature. Make sure items do not interfere with the water feed tube, spray arms, or the lower rack ProScrub® spray jets.

• Keep the last tine row in the back of the lower rack in the 60° angled position when using the ProScrub® option.
• In the back of the lower rack, load pans, casserole dishes, etc., with the soiled surfaces facing the ProScrub Plus® spray jets, and resting on the last row of tines in the angled position.
• Only one row of items may face the ProScrub® spray jets. Stacking, overlapping, or nesting items will keep the ProScrub® spray jets from contacting all of the surfaces.

Silverware Basket

Splitable Silverware Basket

The splitable silverware basket can be separated and placed in various locations in the lower rack. Load flatware and utensils into both sections or just one, depending on your load.

To split the basket: Hold the basket firmly along the sides. Unlock the baskets.

Silverware basket lids: Use silverware basket lids to provide optimal spacing and best cleaning performance. Mix silverware types to keep them separated. Load knives down, forks up, and alternate spoons, for best cleaning results

NOTE: If your silverware does not fit into the designated slots, push tabs inward on either end and lift lid off of the silverware baskets.

CULINARY CADDY® Utensil Basket

Use the utensil basket to hold specialty cooking utensils (serving spoons, spatulas, and similar items), or overflow silverware items. The basket hangs on the bottom rack in the right-hand corner. Load the basket while it is on the bottom rack or remove the basket for loading on a counter or table.

NOTE: Spin the spray arms. Be sure items in the basket do not stop the rotation of the spray arms.

SURE-HOLD® Cup and Stemware Holder

Fold down the extra shelf on the left-hand or right-hand side of the upper level rack to hold additional cups, stemware, or long items such as utensils and spatulas.

FLEXI-FOLD DOWN™ Flexible Tines

The row of tines on the left-hand and right-hand sides of the top rack can be adjusted to make room for a variety of dishes.

To adjust the fold-down tines:

1. Grasp the tip of the tine that is in the tine holder.
2. Gently push the tine out of the holder.
3. Lay the tines down, toward the center of the rack.

NOTE: The bottom rack may also have 1 or 2 rows of flexible tines located in the back of the rack. Follow the same instructions to adjust.

Premium Adjustable 2-Position Top Rack

You can raise or lower the top rack to fit tall items in either the top or bottom rack. Adjusters are located on each side of the top rack. Each adjuster has 2 preset positions. To raise the rack, press both rack adjusters and lift the rack until it is in the Up position and level.

To lower the rack, press both rack adjusters and slide the rack to its Down position and level

Sliding Bowl Tines

Sliding lower-rack tines that move left or right to fit your dishes. You can use this feature to fit larger items like cereal bowls and others.

Removable Top Rack

The removable top rack allows you to wash larger items, such as pots, roasters, and cookie sheets, in the bottom rack.

IMPORTANT: Remove dishes prior to removing the top rack from the dishwasher.

To remove the rack: To gain access to the removable tabs on the tracks/rails, pull the upper rack forward about halfway out of the tub. On one side, press the tab on the track in and pull up the front end of the rack out of the track. Then repeat this step on the other side to completely remove the front end of the rack. Then remove the back end of the rack, by pulling the back end out with a slightly forward, and then upward motion.

To replace the rack: Pull the tracks forward about halfway out of the tub. Along the sides of the racks are round attachment tabs. Align the rack's back end attachment tabs with the cutout in the track. Push down into place. Pull the tracks completely out, and align the rack's front end attachment tabs with the cutout in the track. Push down into place. You will hear a snap when the front end of the rack is secured into place on each side.

Dishwasher Care

Cleaning

Cleaning the exterior

In most cases, regular use of a soft, damp cloth or sponge and a mild detergent is all that is necessary to keep the outside of your dishwasher looking nice and clean. If your dishwasher has a stainless steel exterior, a stainless steel cleaner is recommended, such as affresh®† Stainless Steel Cleaner Part Number W10355016.

Cleaning the interior

Hard water minerals can cause a white film to build up on the inside surfaces, especially just beneath the door area. Do not clean the dishwasher interior until it has cooled. You may want to wear rubber gloves. Do not use any type of cleanser other than dishwasher detergent because it may cause foaming or sudsing. To clean interior: Make a paste with powdered dishwasher detergent on a damp sponge and clean.

OR

Use liquid automatic dishwasher detergent and clean with a damp sponge.

OR

See the vinegar rinse procedure in “Cloudy or spotted dishware (and hard water solution)” in the “Troubleshooting” section.

NOTE: Run a normal cycle with dishwasher detergent after cleaning the interior.

Dishwasher Maintenance Procedure

Cleaning the Dishwasher

Clean the exterior of dishwasher with a soft, damp cloth and mild detergent. If your dishwasher has a stainless steel exterior, a stainless steel cleaner is recommended, such as affresh® Stainless Steel Cleaner Part Number W10355016

Removal of Hard Water/Filming: It is recommended to use a monthly maintenance product such as affresh® Dishwasher Cleaner Part Number W10282479.

• Load your dishwasher (preferably with dishes affected by filming/hard water).
• Place tablet in main wash compartment of detergent dispenser.
• Select cycle/option best for heavily soiled dishes and start dishwasher.

NOTE: It is recommended to use a premeasured detergent tablet or pack for regular daily use.

Drain Air Gap

Some state or local plumbing codes require the addition of a drain air gap between a built-in dishwasher and the home drain system. Check the drain air gap when your dishwasher is not draining well. The drain air gap is usually located on top of the sink or countertop near the dishwasher.

NOTE: The drain air gap is an external plumbing device that is not part of your dishwasher. The warranty provided with your dishwasher does not cover service costs directly associated with the cleaning or repair of the external drain air gap

To clean the drain air gap

Clean the drain air gap periodically to ensure proper drainage of your dishwasher. With most types, you lift off the chrome cover. Unscrew the plastic cap. Then check for any soil buildup. Clean if necessary

Vacation or Extended Time Without Use

To reduce the risk of property damage

• If you will not be using the dishwasher during the summer months, turn off the water and power supply to the dishwasher.
• Make sure the water supply lines are protected against freezing conditions. Ice formations in the supply lines can increase water pressure and damage your dishwasher or home. Damage from freezing is not covered by the warranty.
• When storing your dishwasher in the winter, avoid water damage by having your dishwasher winterized by authorized service personnel.

Troubleshooting

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