Seeing the “sanitized” light blinking on your Whirlpool dishwasher can be frustrating. You rely on your dishwasher to provide spotless, germ-free dishes, and a blinking light suggests there’s a problem. This common issue can stem from several factors, leaving you wondering what went wrong.
One key reason for this blinking light is that the dishwasher didn’t reach the required temperature to sanitize properly. Whirlpool dishwashers need to hit 155 degrees Fahrenheit during the sanitize cycle. If it doesn’t, the light starts blinking, signaling an incomplete cycle.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the reasons why your sanitized light might be blinking and how to resolve it. From simple troubleshooting steps to checking your appliance’s heating element, we’ll cover it all. Let’s get your dishwasher back to peak performance!
What Does the Blinking Sanitized Light Indicate?
The blinking sanitized light on your Whirlpool dishwasher typically indicates that the sanitize cycle didn’t complete successfully. This usually means the water temperature didn’t reach the required level of 155°F (68°C) necessary for proper sanitization.
When this happens, it’s a sign that something interfered with the cycle, such as a malfunctioning heating element, inadequate water supply, or an interrupted cycle. Ensuring your dishwasher reaches and maintains the proper temperature is crucial for killing bacteria and ensuring your dishes are truly clean.
Why Is My Whirlpool Dishwasher’s Sanitized Light Blinking?
Here are the common causes why your Whirlpool dishwasher’s sanitize light is blinking:
Water Temperature Issue
The water entering the dishwasher might not be hot enough. For effective sanitization, the water temperature should be at least 120°F (49°C) at the faucet closest to the dishwasher. If your water heater is set too low or if the hot water takes too long to reach the dishwasher, the cycle may not complete properly.
Heating Element Failure
The heating element inside your dishwasher is crucial for raising the water temperature during the cycle. If this element is malfunctioning or broken, the dishwasher can’t achieve the necessary 155°F (68°C) required for sanitization. This failure is a common reason for the sanitized light to blink.
Interrupted Cycle
Opening the dishwasher door during the cycle or experiencing a power interruption can cause the cycle to halt. These interruptions can prevent the dishwasher from reaching the required temperature, leading to an incomplete sanitize cycle and a blinking sanitized light.
Control Board Issues
The control board manages the dishwasher’s functions, including the heating cycle. If the control board is faulty, it might not properly regulate the heating element, causing the sanitized light to blink. This issue might require a reset or, in some cases, a replacement of the control board.
How Can I Troubleshoot a Blinking Sanitized Light on Whirlpool Dishwasher?
To troubleshoot a blinking sanitized light on your Whirlpool dishwasher, follow these steps:
Check Water Temperature
First, ensure your water heater is set to at least 120°F (49°C). Run hot water at the nearest faucet for about 30 seconds before starting the dishwasher to guarantee hot water enters the machine. This helps the dishwasher maintain the necessary temperature for the sanitize cycle.
Inspect the Heating Element
Next, inspect the heating element at the bottom of the dishwasher. Look for visible damage or signs of wear. If you have a multimeter, test the heating element for continuity. A broken or malfunctioning heating element will need to be replaced to ensure proper water heating during the cycle.
Reset the Dishwasher
Sometimes a simple reset can resolve the issue.
- Power cycle: Disconnect the dishwasher from the power source for one minute. If it’s hard-wired, turn off the breaker for one minute before turning it back on.
- Control panel reset: Additionally, reset the control panel by pressing a sequence of buttons (e.g., “Heated Dry,” “Normal,” “Heated Dry,” “Normal” within three seconds).
Run a Diagnostic Cycle
Running a diagnostic cycle can help identify underlying issues. Activate Diagnostic mode by pressing a specific sequence of buttons as detailed in your dishwasher’s manual. The diagnostic cycle will run tests to pinpoint any problems causing the sanitized light to blink.
Check for Cycle Interruptions
Ensure the dishwasher door remains closed during the entire cycle to prevent heat loss. Interruptions, like opening the door or power outages, can cause the sanitize cycle to fail, resulting in the blinking sanitized light. Avoid these interruptions for a complete cycle.
Following these steps should help you diagnose and fix the issue with your Whirlpool dishwasher’s sanitized light.
What Should I Do if the Blinking Light Persists After Trying All Troubleshooting Steps?
If the blinking light persists after trying all the troubleshooting steps, here’s what you should do next:
- Contact Whirlpool Customer Support: First, reach out to Whirlpool customer support for specific guidance. They can provide further troubleshooting steps tailored to your model and may arrange for a technician to inspect your dishwasher. You can contact them through their website or by phone at 1-866-698-2538.
- Professional Repair Service: If your dishwasher is still under warranty, Whirlpool customer support can help schedule a service call to resolve the issue. If it’s out of warranty, consider hiring a professional appliance repair technician. They can diagnose the problem accurately and perform necessary repairs to get your dishwasher back in working order.
What Happens if I Ignore a Blinking Sanitized Light on My Whirlpool Dishwasher?
If you ignore a blinking sanitized light on your Whirlpool dishwasher, several potential consequences may arise:
- Dishes Not Properly Sanitized: A blinking light means the water didn’t reach the required 155°F (68°C) for sanitization. This could leave harmful bacteria on your dishes, posing a health risk, especially for those with compromised immune systems.
- Reduced Cleaning Effectiveness: Without reaching the proper temperature, your dishwasher might not clean dishes thoroughly. This can result in leftover food residue or grease, reducing the overall cleanliness of your dishes.
- Worsening Underlying Issues: Ignoring the blinking light often means overlooking problems with the heating element, water temperature, or control board. These issues can worsen over time, potentially leading to more extensive and costly repairs.
- Energy Inefficiency: A malfunctioning heating element may cause the dishwasher to use more energy trying to heat the water unsuccessfully. This inefficiency increases your energy bills and reduces the appliance’s overall performance.
- Voiding Warranty: Continuing to use the dishwasher with a known issue may void your warranty. Manufacturers expect users to address problems promptly to prevent further damage, and neglecting this could lead to denied warranty claims.
- Health Concerns: Without proper sanitization, there’s a higher risk of illness from bacteria remaining on your dishes. This is particularly concerning for families with young children, elderly members, or those with health conditions.
- Persistent Error State: The dishwasher may remain in an error state, continually showing the blinking light and not functioning optimally. Addressing the issue promptly ensures the appliance runs smoothly and efficiently.
To maintain the health and efficiency of your appliance and ensure your dishes are sanitized correctly, it’s best to address the blinking sanitized light without delay.
How Can I Prevent the Sanitized Light From Blinking in the Future?
To prevent the sanitized light from blinking on your Whirlpool dishwasher in the future, follow these proactive steps:
- Ensure Proper Water Temperature: Adjust your water heater to at least 120°F (49°C). This ensures the dishwasher receives hot water capable of reaching the necessary temperature for sanitization. Pre-Rinse: Run hot water at the nearest faucet for 30 seconds before starting the dishwasher to ensure it begins with hot water.
- Maintain the Heating Element: Check the dishwasher’s heating element for damage or wear regularly. Replace if necessary to ensure it can heat water effectively. Test Functionality: Use a multimeter to test the heating element for continuity if you suspect issues. A functional heating element is essential for achieving proper sanitization temperatures.
- Avoid Interrupting the Cycle: Prevent heat loss by keeping the dishwasher door closed throughout the cycle. Ensure Stable Power: Avoid power interruptions during operation, as they can disrupt the sanitize cycle.
- Regular Maintenance and Cleaning: Maintain clear water flow by cleaning filters and spray arms regularly to prevent blockages. Use Dishwasher Cleaner: Periodically run a dishwasher cleaner cycle to remove buildup that can affect performance.
- Run Diagnostic Cycles: Occasionally run the diagnostic cycle to uncover hidden issues early on, addressing potential problems before they affect sanitization.
- Professional Servicing: Arrange regular service checks with a professional technician to verify all components, including the heating element and control board, operate correctly. Early detection can prevent future sanitize cycle failures.
FAQs
Can I Run a Cycle With the Sanitized Light Blinking on My Whirlpool Dishwasher?
Running a cycle with the sanitized light blinking is not recommended. This indicates the water didn’t reach the required 155°F (68°C) for proper sanitization, leaving dishes potentially unsafe. It also signals underlying issues with the heating element or control board that need addressing.
How Do I Reset the Sanitized Light on My Whirlpool Dishwasher?
To reset the sanitized light, unplug the dishwasher for about 1 minute. If hardwired, turn off the circuit breaker for 1 minute. Afterward, plug the dishwasher back in or turn the breaker on. This power cycle should reset the sanitized light indicator.
Can Using the Wrong Type of Detergent Cause Sanitization Issues?
Yes, using the wrong detergent can cause sanitization issues. Automatic dishwasher detergents are formulated for high temperatures and effective cleaning. Hand soap or laundry detergent can lead to poor cleaning, excessive suds, and residues, compromising the sanitization process and leaving dishes with bacteria.
Is It Safe to Manually Increase My Water Heater Temperature?
Manually increasing your water heater temperature can be done, but be cautious. Raising it above 120°F (49°C) increases scalding risks, especially for children and the elderly. However, temperatures below 120°F can promote Legionella bacteria growth, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease.
Conclusion
A blinking sanitized light on your Whirlpool dishwasher signals that the water temperature didn’t reach the necessary 155°F (68°C) for proper sanitization. This can leave your dishes with harmful bacteria and indicates potential issues with the heating element, water temperature, or control board.
Troubleshooting steps include checking the water temperature, inspecting the heating element, avoiding cycle interruptions, and running diagnostic cycles. Regular maintenance and cleaning of filters and spray arms, as well as scheduling professional service checks, are essential for preventing future issues.
Addressing a blinking sanitized light ensures your dishwasher operates efficiently and keeps your dishes sanitized and safe. Ignoring this issue can lead to health risks, increased energy consumption, and potential damage to the appliance.
