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Error code reference

KitchenAid Dishwasher Error Code Sanitized

When the SANI RINSE option was selected, this indicator glows when the Sani Rinse cycle is finished; if flashing, the dishwasher did not properly…

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What the Sanitized error code actually means

The Sanitized light on your KitchenAid dishwasher tells you whether your dishes were properly sanitized during the wash cycle. If the light glows steadily, sanitization was successful. If it is flashing, the cycle was either interrupted or the water did not get hot enough to fully sanitize the load.

Diagnostic procedure

The full Sanitized procedure

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MyPros+ · DiagnosticsStep 1 preview
1
First diagnostic step
Ensure incoming water temperature is adequate and cycle is not interrupted; open and close the lid to clear.
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Most common causes of Sanitized

Ranked by how often they cause this code
  1. 1Incoming water temperature too low
  2. 2Cycle interrupted by door opening
  3. 3Power interruption during cycle
  4. 4Faulty or degraded heating element
  5. 5Faulty water temperature sensor or thermostat

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Questions people ask about Sanitized

What does Sanitized mean on a KitchenAid dishwasher?
The Sanitized indicator communicates the result of the SANI RINSE cycle option. If it glows steadily after a cycle, the dishwasher successfully reached the required temperature to sanitize the dishes. If it is flashing, the sani rinse did not complete properly, either because the cycle was interrupted or the water temperature was too low.
Is it safe to use dishes when the Sanitized light is flashing?
A flashing Sanitized indicator means the dishes were washed but did not reach the high-temperature threshold required for sanitization. The dishes are still clean from the regular wash cycle. However, if sanitization is important for your household, such as for infant items or immune-compromised individuals, you should re-run the cycle under proper conditions before using those items.
How much does it cost to repair a KitchenAid dishwasher that will not sanitize properly?
If the issue is simply low incoming water temperature or a cycle interruption, there is no repair cost involved. If a component like the heating element or temperature sensor is faulty, parts and labor costs can range from roughly 100 dollars to 300 dollars or more depending on the specific part needed and local labor rates.
How do I fix a flashing Sanitized light on my KitchenAid dishwasher?
Start by opening and closing the door to clear the current indication, then run the hot water at your kitchen sink for about a minute to prime the supply line with hot water before starting a new cycle. Make sure the cycle runs to completion without interruption. If the light continues to flash after multiple attempts, the heating element or temperature sensor may need inspection.
Will resetting the dishwasher clear the flashing Sanitized indicator?
Opening and closing the door is the recommended first step to clear the flashing indicator. However, this does not mean sanitization was achieved. The indicator will only show a steady glow after a new cycle where the sani rinse phase is completed successfully and the required water temperature is reached.

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