Kitchenaid KDI-17A: Full of mold! :(

[marly]

Hi there, I recently moved into a new (old) home and have been working on the dishwasher since.

A previous owner seems to have removed the model sticker, but thanks to this great forum, I've narrowed down my search quite a bit. The closest I've found is Kitchenaid KDI-17A because mine has a left dial and an Energy Saver button (but I think the other ones I saw on here had more than the two buttons mine has).

Anyhoo, I moved in recently and found my dishwasher full of stanky water. Ran a new cycle, but it still would not fully drain. Called a plumber, and he cleared a clogged tube, but it seems that months of sitting water left my gasket covered in mildew / mold.

I scrubbed it with soap yesterday and bought bleach today and am now scrubbing with that. I can't find a gasket for sale for my model... Can anyone recommend some deep-cleaning tips for this part, or advise me on where to find a replacement seal?

 

[marly]

Here is a photo after scrubbing and with bleach before two cycles.

PS - Sorry the exterior is so filthy in that first picture. I've been focusing on cleaning the insides so that I can finally wash some dishes!

 

[rp2813]

I think what you have there is a KDC-21 (C = Custom), or perhaps a "builders' model" 21 series.  Interestingly though, it has adjustable dividers on the top rack and a china guard, which as far as I know were not featured on the Custom models.

 

You might try some Lemishine (in the dishwasher detergent section at supermarkets or Target) to clean the interior, and could perhaps mix it into a slurry consistency to use on the gaskets with an old toothbrush.  Another product I've had amazing results from is "Totally Awesome" spray cleaner, which can be found at most dollar stores and may work on the gaskets.

 

Stay tuned, as I'm sure others will have further suggestions as well as confirmation of your exact model.

 

[danemodsandy]

Marly:

I'll share a trick I've used on mildewed fridge door gaskets; maybe it will help on your KitchenAid.

I put on rubber gloves, and get out an old sponge that's about to be thrown out anyway. I also throw open some windows for ventilation.

I saturate the sponge in bleach, and wipe the gasket with it. I then leave the gasket for an hour or so. Most mildew disappears after that time; if any remains, I repeat the wipe-down with bleach. After the mildew is gone, I wash and rinse the gasket, then wipe it down with silicone for protection. You can get spray silicone at most auto-parts places. Spray it onto a rag and wipe down the gasket.

Works well for me; perhaps it will help with your dishwasher.

 

[marly]

Thanks! I found a KDC-21 that stevet posted, and that does appear to be what mine is. Same blue detergent bowl and everything.

One other question: I noticed earlier when I was cleaning that one of the metal sides (that holds the panel on) is missing. Any advice for repairing this? The folks who lived here weren't too gentle on their appliances.

 

[marly]

Thanks for the advice, Sandy! I think I'll give that a whirl tonight.

 

[danemodsandy]

Marly:

I forgot to mention - I meant straight, undiluted bleach, no water.

That's the reason for the open windows.

Even then, you are going to have some very clear sinuses.

 

[rp2813]

Someone here may have one of those trim pieces to spare. 

 

[volsboy1]

Trisodium phosphate and bleach works great on mold and mildew. You can buy the kind in the hardware store but I buy

the food grade sodium triphosphate  which I even use brushing my teeth and it works wonders cleaning anything.

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[stevet]

Gasket mold is a toughie!

Trying to get that mold off is not easy and Bleach is probably your best bet. But I would try a Clorox product I found at Home Depot and Lowe's that says it is an outdoor bleach-detergent mix for general cleaning of siding and mold and mildew on outside surfaces. It works good here on the lovely green and black pollen residue we get at this time of year and attaches itself to everything.
You may have to buy a gallon of it but it will come in handy.
What is nice about it is that it has the added detergent and you don;t have to worry about asphyxiating yourself by mixing household bleach and any other cleanser. Follow Sandy's routine and see what happens. Also, you may have iron/rust and grease stains as well as the mildew so just be patient and keep at it.

I cannot believe how Whirlpool obsoleted those gaskets when there are thousands of machines out there that share the same gasket. That style fit the 18 thru 23 series of KitchenAids as well as the ISE clones. Check all the parts houses as well as eBay and see how you do if you insist on replacing it.

 

[marly]

I left some undiluted bleach on for an hour before running the dishwasher this time. It looks so much better! I'll do it again another time or two tomorrow, then run a detergent cycle, then it should be about ready to start cleaning dishes. Thanks for everyone's comments so far!

 

[marly]

Off topic, but I saw this on my Facebook feed this morning and thought some of y'all would get a kick out of it.

 

[marly]

Re: Someone here may have one of those trim pieces to spare.

I'd be very grateful if they did!

 

[danemodsandy]

Marly:

Glad to see you're making progress. Sometimes stubborn mildew takes several repetitions before you kill it all. Just keep on treating it, and you'll win eventually.

The silicone spray I mentioned will help keep it from coming back, plus it will help keep the gasket supple.

 

[combo52]

WP Washer two days out of warranty

WP will normally give owners an extra week or more of warranty coverage if they ask, did they call WP or do they just want to complain.

 

[stevet]

I agree with you, John

While most consumers are justifiably angry when their new machines stop working right after the warranty ends, if they treat the customer service reps with respect and are just nice about asking for an extension, it has been my experience that they will usually extend the courtesy of a warranty call to keep a customer satisfied and happy. It happened to me with my Kitchenaid talltub 2 weeks after my warranty expired. They were also kind enough to warranty my machine which sat in its box for 4 years before I installed it.

 

[chachp]

Click the link below

I think this is a new gasket for your machine if you can't get the mold out. Steve, or someone could you validate this part number for me but I think it's the right one.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4161631-FSP...503?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43c57dcf7f

 

[chachp]

Here is a used one....

This one may work too and is a little cheaper.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/WHIRLPOOL-H...229?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d3fed0425

 

[marly]

Thanks for all y'all's help! I've passed the WP warranty advice along to my friend.

Luckily, my gasket is coming along now, but I'll definitely keep these links in mind if we need one of these.

 

[stevet]

Right on the money!

Both of those gaskets will fit your machine as well as any 18 thru 23 series Kitchenaid or Insinkerator clone machine.
The 116115 was superceded by the 4161631 so they will both work.

Personally, I have always had better luck moving the unit out of its space if possible when replacing this style of gasket in order to make sure the clips get pushed in all the way and lined up properly.