This post has helped me troubleshoot my own dw build-up problem. My 2019 KitchenAid Model # KDTM404EBL3 has been a great dishwasher overall. I use Cascade Complete tabs and Cascade Rinse Aid.
In late 2021 I switched from using the ProWash cycle to Normal because I wanted to use less water (for efficiency/cost savings) and the user manual said Normal used less water than ProWash. Earlier this year I started seeing the build-up on the tracks, racks, and other tub elements. Dish ware came out clean and there was no odor but the gunk left behind in an otherwise spotless tub was perplexing. Initially thought it was due to not pre-rinsing our dishes - we are a scrap the plates only household - but rinsing dishes made no difference.
I tried my usual go-to cleaning aid, running empty loads of Lemi-Shine, even tried running a cup of vinegar, with only minimal improvement. Purchased Affresh tabs this summer to see if that would help, but only a toothbrush and elbow grease could fully remove the gunk. I am now back to using the ProWash settings, sometimes alternating with Express wash for some loads with good results after a just a few weeks. Will continue to monitor to see if using cycles with more water prevent this build-up.
I guess there can be such a thing as too much efficiency that likely hasn't been fully considered by engineers/designers of these HE appliances. Hats off to @dishgate for determining the possible root cause of not enough water-to-detergent.
In late 2021 I switched from using the ProWash cycle to Normal because I wanted to use less water (for efficiency/cost savings) and the user manual said Normal used less water than ProWash. Earlier this year I started seeing the build-up on the tracks, racks, and other tub elements. Dish ware came out clean and there was no odor but the gunk left behind in an otherwise spotless tub was perplexing. Initially thought it was due to not pre-rinsing our dishes - we are a scrap the plates only household - but rinsing dishes made no difference.
I tried my usual go-to cleaning aid, running empty loads of Lemi-Shine, even tried running a cup of vinegar, with only minimal improvement. Purchased Affresh tabs this summer to see if that would help, but only a toothbrush and elbow grease could fully remove the gunk. I am now back to using the ProWash settings, sometimes alternating with Express wash for some loads with good results after a just a few weeks. Will continue to monitor to see if using cycles with more water prevent this build-up.
I guess there can be such a thing as too much efficiency that likely hasn't been fully considered by engineers/designers of these HE appliances. Hats off to @dishgate for determining the possible root cause of not enough water-to-detergent.
