How to Reset Dishwasher

Why Would You Need to Reset a Dishwasher?

Resetting a dishwasher clears error codes, unfreezes an unresponsive control panel, cancels a cycle that has gone wrong, and restores the machine to its default state. It is the first troubleshooting step for most dishwasher problems — and it resolves a surprising number of issues without any further repair needed.

Method 1: Soft Reset (Cancel the Current Cycle)

A soft reset cancels the current cycle and returns the dishwasher to standby mode. Use this when you want to stop a cycle mid-way or restart with different settings.

1. Press and hold the Cancel or Start/Cancel button for 3 to 5 seconds
2. The dishwasher will drain any water in the tub and return to standby
3. Wait for the drain cycle to complete — usually 1 to 2 minutes
4. Select a new cycle and press Start

On some models, pressing the Cancel button once stops the cycle and a second press drains the water. Check your manual if a single press does not work.

Method 2: Hard Reset (Power Cycle)

A hard reset clears the control board’s memory completely and resolves most error codes and frozen panel issues. Use this when the soft reset does not work or the panel is unresponsive.

1. Turn off the dishwasher using the power button or door latch
2. Go to your home’s electrical panel and switch off the circuit breaker for the dishwasher — or unplug the dishwasher from the wall outlet if it is accessible
3. Wait a full 60 seconds — this allows the control board’s capacitors to discharge completely
4. Restore power by switching the breaker back on or plugging the dishwasher back in
5. Open and close the door to confirm the machine powers on normally
6. Select a cycle and press Start to test

Method 3: Button Sequence Reset (Model-Specific)

Many dishwasher brands have a specific button sequence that performs a factory reset or diagnostic reset. These vary by brand:

• Bosch: Press and hold the Start button for 3 to 5 seconds until the cycle indicator resets
• Whirlpool / Maytag: Press Heated Dry, Normal, Heated Dry, Normal in sequence within 5 seconds
• GE: Press and hold the Start/Reset button for 3 seconds
• Samsung: Press and hold the Start button for 3 seconds
• LG: Press and hold the Power button for 3 to 5 seconds

Always check your specific model’s manual for the correct reset sequence — button combinations vary between models within the same brand.

After the Reset: What to Check

• If an error code was displayed before the reset, run a full cycle and check whether the code returns
• If the code returns after the reset, the underlying fault still needs to be addressed
• If the panel was unresponsive and is now working, the reset resolved a control board glitch

When a Reset Is Not Enough

A reset resolves software and control board glitches but cannot fix hardware faults. If the same error code returns after a hard reset, the underlying component — inlet valve, drain pump, heating element, door switch — needs to be inspected and likely replaced.

Final Tips

• Always try a soft reset first — it resolves most mid-cycle issues
• A hard reset (60-second power off) clears most error codes and frozen panels
• Wait the full 60 seconds during a hard reset — a shorter wait may not fully clear the control board
• If the error returns after reset, look up the specific code for your model and address the underlying fault