KitchenAid rL
Remove Load
Low severityExpert Guide
SeverityLow
What Your Machine Is Actually Telling You
rL (or "rL" displayed on screen) stands for Remove Load. The machine was started on a Clean Washer / Drum Clean cycle but detected items inside the drum.
Why this matters: Clean Washer cycles use very hot water and aggressive chemical action (bleach or cleaning tablets) to sanitize the tub interior. Running this cycle with clothes inside would damage the garments and waste the cleaning cycle.
How the machine detects items: During the initial slow rotation, the motor control measures the weight/resistance. If it detects more than a minimal load (a few hundred grams), it stops and displays rL.
This is NOT an error code — it's a user prompt. There is nothing wrong with your machine.
Common causes:
1. Forgot to empty drum (80%) — started Clean cycle with laundry still inside.
2. Small item left behind (15%) — a sock, washcloth, or towel forgotten.
3. False detection (5%) — sensor calibration issue (very rare).
Why this matters: Clean Washer cycles use very hot water and aggressive chemical action (bleach or cleaning tablets) to sanitize the tub interior. Running this cycle with clothes inside would damage the garments and waste the cleaning cycle.
How the machine detects items: During the initial slow rotation, the motor control measures the weight/resistance. If it detects more than a minimal load (a few hundred grams), it stops and displays rL.
This is NOT an error code — it's a user prompt. There is nothing wrong with your machine.
Common causes:
1. Forgot to empty drum (80%) — started Clean cycle with laundry still inside.
2. Small item left behind (15%) — a sock, washcloth, or towel forgotten.
3. False detection (5%) — sensor calibration issue (very rare).
What You're Probably Seeing Right Now
- "rL" on the display immediately after starting Clean Washer cycle.
- There are clothes in the drum — you forgot to remove them.
- Door is still locked — the machine locked before detecting items.
- A small item like a sock is hiding inside.
DIY Fix — From Easiest to Hardest
1
Remove All Items (1 minute — Fixes 95%)
1. Press **Pause/Cancel.**
2. Wait for door to unlock (1-2 minutes).
3. Open door — remove ALL items.
4. Check drum folds and gasket for hidden socks.
5. Close door, restart Clean Washer cycle.
2. Wait for door to unlock (1-2 minutes).
3. Open door — remove ALL items.
4. Check drum folds and gasket for hidden socks.
5. Close door, restart Clean Washer cycle.
2
If Door Won't Unlock (3 minutes)
1. Press **Pause/Cancel** twice.
2. Wait 3 minutes.
3. If still locked: unplug for 5 minutes.
4. Door should release when powered off.
5. Remove items, plug back in, restart.
2. Wait 3 minutes.
3. If still locked: unplug for 5 minutes.
4. Door should release when powered off.
5. Remove items, plug back in, restart.
3
Run Clean Washer Cycle Properly
Once drum is empty:
1. Add washer cleaner tablet OR 1 cup bleach in the drum (not dispenser).
2. Select Clean Washer cycle.
3. Press Start.
4. Let full cycle complete.
**Run monthly** to prevent odor and mold buildup.
1. Add washer cleaner tablet OR 1 cup bleach in the drum (not dispenser).
2. Select Clean Washer cycle.
3. Press Start.
4. Let full cycle complete.
**Run monthly** to prevent odor and mold buildup.
4
If rL Appears on Empty Drum (Rare)
If the drum is genuinely empty:
1. Power reset: unplug 5 minutes.
2. Try the cycle again.
3. If rL persists: possible load sensor issue.
4. Run a different cycle (Normal, Rinse+Spin) to test.
5. If other cycles work fine: sensor may need recalibration.
1. Power reset: unplug 5 minutes.
2. Try the cycle again.
3. If rL persists: possible load sensor issue.
4. Run a different cycle (Normal, Rinse+Spin) to test.
5. If other cycles work fine: sensor may need recalibration.
When to Call a Pro
- •rL on empty drum persistently — load sensor issue: $80-$180.
- •Door won't unlock — lock mechanism: $80-$200.
What It'll Cost You
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