KitchenAid Dishwasher Door Not Closing – What To Do?

A KitchenAid dishwasher is an on-trend appliance that is both practical and functional for any homeowner. It may be convenient, but it can have problems, particularly if its door doesn't close properly. We've researched this problem, and this article will tell you how easy it is to fix it.

There are many possible reasons why your KitchenAid dishwasher door may not close properly. It could be due to age or other variables. There are solutions for when the dishwasher door won't close. You can troubleshoot the factors below.

  1. Dishwasher level.
  2. Spring tension not set correctly.
  3. Door latch broken or damaged.
  4. Items in between door and tub. 

While a KitchenAid dishwasher is a pioneering home appliance, its legitimate features make it a buying choice for homeowners. It does its work efficiently. However, homeowners tend to overlook that some parts may have trouble for various reasons. Read on to learn how you can solve your dishwasher door problems and how to find a solution.

Stack of kitchenware in open dishwashing machine. KitchenAid Dishwasher Door Not Closing - What To Do

Why is my KitchenAid Dishwasher Door Not Closing?

There are many reasons why a dishwasher door can be a dilemma. It could be due to some other part of the appliance. Below are common problems encountered with KitchenAid dishwasher doors and how to fix them.

Open dishwasher with dirty dishes and surrounding cabinets

1. Dishwasher not leveled.

One of the main reasons a dishwasher door won't close properly is the installation process in the first place.

Proper installation requires precision and accuracy to ensure that the washing machine is placed and level. That means it doesn't lean sideways, forward, or backward.

Result:

When a dishwasher is misaligned, expect that problems may start to complicate your appliance. There are two main problems with an improperly installed washer.

First, the water will not drain completely, which may generate stagnant dirty water inside, and the excessive pressure will eventually damage the gasket.

Second, the dishwasher will not shut down properly, which often results in water leaks that damage the machine and the surrounding area.

What to do?

Each washer has pairs of legs that allow homeowners to adjust its height to their liking. KitchenAid dishwashers have four legs: two at the back and two at the front. You may need to check on the legs first if your washer is tilting to one side.

2. Spring tension not set correctly.

The spring on each dishwasher enables homeowners to control the door's opening and closing system. Suffice it to say, the spring tension keeps each lock and unlock in place without your having to shut the door or open it.

Additionally, each washer has been designed for safe and effective cleaning. Maintaining a door system means keeping the spring tension intact and adequately functioning.

Result:

When a dishwasher is not sprung properly, the result is an inability to close and open the appliance. Therefore, damage due to external forces may lead to replacing new springs and other components.

When the spring tension is not set correctly, it may be loose or lose its proper function, which could directly impact the washer's performance.

What to do?

Adjusting the dishwasher's spring tension can be difficult if not done by a professional. However, if you know the necessary adjustment steps and are familiar with the risks involved, you can get the job done.

Keep in mind that adjusting the spring is different for plastic and stainless steel tub models. Please refer to your washing machine manual for a review.

Plastic Tub Models

If you have problems with the door closing quickly, adjust the spring tension to the front of the washer. If the door falls easily while opening, increase the spring tension by moving the spring's end at the rear of the washer.

Always install the spring tension in the same place for left and right.

Stainless Steel Tub Models

The stainless steel tub model has spring hooks on the back legs of the washer, so to adjust its tension, unscrew the spring and remove the screw.

Adjust the screws to the number system: one, two, and three according to the problem with closing and opening the door.

If the door closes on its own, increase the tension to a higher value, or if the door automatically opens, reduce its spring to a lower number. Make sure the spring tension is the same on both sides.

Check out this door balance link set from Amazon.

Woman loading the dishwasher. Open dishwasher with clean glasses and dishes close-up after washing

3. Door latch broken or damaged.

Latches serve many purposes other than shutting down the dishwasher for use. It can also detect if your door isn't locked completely and may trigger a warning so that the machine won't start running.

Result

Over time, your dishwasher door latch may fail due to the number of times used. In addition, it could be because your door is closed too aggressively, which can damage the latch.

The results can be observed by a malfunction when closing the dishwasher door or the washing machine not starting the wash cycle.

What to do?

Replacing or repairing a door latch can be complicated, depending on its brand and model.

Regardless, the door latch is just behind the inner door panel, where the door comes into contact with the machine. You may want to check your owner's manual or tech sheet, as door latch repairs on some models are complicated.

slightly opened dishwasher loaded with white glossy clean utensil and tableware inside

4. Items in between the door and the tub.

Be extra careful about the time your dishwasher is running. While the dishwasher can fit multiple dishes in its rack, it shouldn't be overloaded to the point where other items stick out.

One reason is due to the fact that it won't start running unless you remove items that hinder its operation.

Result:

Items stuck between the tub and the door won't immediately start your washer from running. In most cases, it won't close properly, which can cause problems for both the operating system and the appliance itself.

What to do?

When the washer door doesn't close properly, check for items that might get stuck between the racks or tubs that could trigger the washer to start running.

Consider all possible causes, including large and small food particles that are stuck to door hinges or other compartments that are not visible to the naked eye.

technician or plumber repairing the dishwasher in a household

Why is My Dishwasher Door Not Opening?

The problems with dishwashers don't end with them not closing completely.

Sometimes there is a problem with the machine after it runs. These problems are seen when unlocking the door to retrieve your items after the system has done its washing.

Your dishwasher door may not open for several reasons.

1. Dishwasher is not connected to power.

2. Door latch is broken

3. Dishwasher not hooked to a water supply.

4. Control Lock Feature Activated

dishwasher close-up with washed dishes, easy to use and save water, eco-friendly,

How Much to Install A Dishwasher?

A dishwasher has become a standard appliance for homeowners. It's convenient and safe, with all the cleaning benefits that save time and effort.

Whether it is your first time buying a dishwasher, or you're replacing an old one, installing such an appliance comes with a price.

On average, installation costs are around $370 to $1,500, depending on the brand and model installed. Consider that its labor costs add up, costing you $190.

automatic stainless steel built-in fully integrated top control dishwasher range machine

When to Replace a Dishwasher?

Over time, your dishwasher might not be as efficient as it was right after purchase. Dishwashers have an average lifespan of about ten years and should be replaced with new ones.

You should consider replacing your dishwasher if you see these changes in the appliance:

  1. Dishes not thoroughly cleaned
  2. Rust and cracks
  3. Leaks in and out of the washer
  4. Noises
  5. Malfunctions on other compartments and system of washer
  6. Age of your washer above 10 years

Fine washed dishes in the dishwasher. Integrated Dishwasher with white plates front view. KitchenAid Dishwasher Door Not Closing - What To Do

In Closing

There are a few reasons why the door of a KitchenAid dishwasher might not close properly. The machine is inherently sensitive, so you should be careful in handling it.

In addition, problems like shutting down the dishwasher can lead to damage if not checked properly. Also, you should look at the appliance's manual or tech sheet to get a good idea of what seems to be a problem.

High repair and replacement costs can put a dent in your savings for some models. You should check the condition of your machine from time to time to keep it running for a long time.

Need more information about dishwashers? Check out these other relevant posts:

How To Clean Clogged Dishwasher Spray Arms

How Much Water Does A KitchenAid Dishwasher Use?

KitchenAid Dishwasher Red Light On Front Door – What To Do?

How Long Does A KitchenAid Dishwasher Run?

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