Let’s be honest, it’s a frustrating moment we’ve all faced. You’ve loaded the dishwasher perfectly, added the detergent, and pressed ‘Start’… only for nothing to happen. Or worse, it stops mid-cycle, humming ominously. Before you reach for the phone to call a repairman, there’s a simple yet powerful trick you need to know: How To Reset A Dishwasher. This single action can often resolve a host of common electronic glitches, from a frozen control panel to a stubborn error code, getting your appliance back on track in minutes.
A modern dishwasher is essentially a sophisticated computer dedicated to one task: getting your dishes sparkling clean. And just like any computer, its software can sometimes get stuck in a loop or encounter a minor error. A reset acts as a reboot, clearing its short-term memory and allowing it to start a new cycle with a clean slate. It’s the first and most important step in any dishwasher troubleshooting process.
Why Would My Dishwasher Need a Reset?
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s quickly cover the “why.” Understanding the root cause can help you prevent future issues. A reset is often the go-to solution for a few common scenarios. Think of it as the universal fix-it-first step for your appliance.
You might need to reset your dishwasher if:
- There was a power surge or outage: A brief interruption in power can scramble your dishwasher’s electronic brain, causing it to get stuck or forget where it was in a cycle.
- The control panel is unresponsive: If the buttons aren’t responding or the display is frozen, a reset can force the system to reboot.
- An error code is displayed: Many error codes are temporary faults that can be cleared with a simple power cycle.
- The cycle won’t start or is stuck: The dishwasher might be stuck in a previous cycle’s command loop. A reset wipes the slate clean.
How to Reset a Dishwasher: The Universal Methods
The good news is that most dishwashers, regardless of the brand, can be reset using one of two simple methods. I always recommend starting with the “soft reset” first before moving on to the “hard reset.”
1. The Soft Reset (Using the Control Panel)
This is the quickest and easiest method. It involves using the buttons on the dishwasher itself to signal a reset command.
- Locate the ‘Start’ or ‘Reset’ Button: Most modern dishwashers have a button that doubles as ‘Start’ and ‘Reset’. It might also be labeled ‘Cancel’ or ‘Cancel/Drain’.
- Press and Hold: Press and hold this button for 3 to 5 seconds. You should hear the dishwasher respond, often by beeping and initiating a drain cycle.
- Wait for the Drain Cycle: Allow the dishwasher to completely drain any water inside. This process usually takes about 60 to 90 seconds. Once it’s silent and the ‘Clean’ or ‘Complete’ light is on, the reset is finished.
- Start a New Cycle: You can now select a new wash cycle and press ‘Start’ as you normally would.
2. The Hard Reset (The Power Cycle Method)
If the soft reset doesn’t work or the control panel is completely frozen, it’s time for a hard reset. This method involves cutting the power to the unit entirely, ensuring a complete system reboot. I’ve found this to be the most effective solution for stubborn electronic glitches.
- Cut the Power: The safest way is to unplug the dishwasher directly from the wall outlet. If the plug is hard to reach, you can switch off the corresponding circuit breaker in your home’s electrical panel.
- Wait Patiently: This step is crucial. Leave the dishwasher without power for at least 5 to 10 minutes. This gives the internal capacitors time to fully discharge, which completely clears the control board’s memory. Don’t rush this part.
- Restore Power: Plug the dishwasher back in or flip the circuit breaker back on.
- Test the Unit: The dishwasher’s lights should flash on. You can now select a new cycle and see if the problem is resolved.
A Word from an Expert
“I’ve been a certified appliance technician for over 15 years,” says James Peterson, a lead technician with Appliance Repair Pros. “I’d say a simple power cycle, or what we call a hard reset, fixes about 40% of the electronic-related service calls we get for dishwashers. Before you spend money on a service visit, always try unplugging it for 10 minutes. It’s the most effective troubleshooting step a homeowner can take.”
What To Do If a Reset Doesn’t Fix the Problem
So you’ve tried both a soft and a hard reset, and your dishwasher is still acting up. Don’t worry, the reset was still a valuable diagnostic step. Now we know the issue is likely not just a simple electronic glitch. Here are the next things to check.
Check for Common Error Codes
If a specific error code keeps appearing even after a reset, write it down. A quick search in your user manual or online for that specific code (e.g., “Bosch dishwasher error code E24”) will often point you toward the exact problem, such as a clogged drain or a faulty sensor.
Inspect the Door Latch
A dishwasher will not start if its brain doesn’t receive a signal that the door is securely closed and latched. Open and close the door firmly. Listen for a solid “click.” Check the latch mechanism for any debris or damage that might be preventing it from engaging properly.
Clean the Filter and Check the Drain Hose
One of the most common reasons for a dishwasher to stop mid-cycle is a drainage problem. A clogged filter can prevent water from draining, triggering a fault.
- Locate the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher tub.
- Twist and remove it (it usually consists of a cylindrical fine filter and a flat coarse filter).
- Wash it thoroughly under warm running water with a soft brush.
- While it’s out, check the sump area for any large food debris.
- Reinstall the filter securely.
Also, ensure the drain hose under your sink is not kinked or clogged. For a comprehensive walkthrough, see our guide on [how to properly maintain your dishwasher for peak performance].
Brand-Specific Reset Procedures
While the universal methods work for most models, some brands have slightly different button combinations. Here are a few common ones:
- Bosch: Often requires pressing and holding the ‘Start’ button for about 3-5 seconds. Some models have a specific ‘Reset’ text written below the button.
- Whirlpool & KitchenAid: Many models use a “1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3” sequence. You press any three buttons in a row (e.g., ‘High Temp’, ‘Heated Dry’, ‘High Temp’…), three times each. The lights should flash, indicating you’ve entered a diagnostic mode. Press ‘Cancel’ to exit and reset.
- Samsung & LG: The press-and-hold ‘Start’ or ‘Cancel’ button method is most common. A hard reset by unplugging is also highly effective.
- GE: A common method is to press the ‘Start/Reset’ button once to cancel the cycle. For some models, opening and closing the door within 30 seconds can also reset the control panel.
Always consult your user manual for the exact procedure for your specific model.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take for a dishwasher to reset?
A soft reset using the control panel buttons is almost instant, usually taking about 1-2 minutes for the drain cycle to complete. A hard reset requires cutting the power for at least 5-10 minutes to be effective.
Will resetting my dishwasher erase my custom settings?
Generally, no. A standard reset will clear a temporary error or a stuck cycle, but it typically does not erase saved settings like ‘Heated Dry’ preferences or custom cycles you may have programmed. It’s more like a reboot than a factory reset.
Why is my dishwasher’s ‘Start’ light blinking after a reset?
A blinking ‘Start’ light often indicates the cycle was interrupted or the door is not properly latched. Try opening and closing the door firmly. If it continues blinking, it may be signaling a specific error code, which you can look up in your manual.
Can I just open the door mid-cycle to reset the dishwasher?
Opening the door will pause the cycle, but it won’t reset the machine’s control board. If you’re dealing with a frozen panel or an error code, you’ll still need to perform a proper soft or hard reset to clear the fault.
When should I call a professional instead of trying to reset it?
If you’ve performed a hard reset, cleaned the filter, checked the door latch, and the dishwasher still won’t start or shows the same error code, it’s time to call a professional. This indicates a potential issue with a physical component like a pump, sensor, or the main control board itself.
The Final Word
Mastering how to reset a dishwasher is a fundamental skill for any homeowner. It’s a simple, effective, and free first step that can save you from unnecessary stress and costly service calls. While it may not solve every problem, it’s the most powerful tool in your DIY troubleshooting arsenal. By performing a reset and following up with basic checks like cleaning the filter, you can handle the majority of common dishwasher hiccups yourself, ensuring your trusty kitchen assistant is always ready for the next load.