Most people think a dishwasher is just a box that hides dirty plates, but the Candy Brava X9 is a bit more than that. I spent six months testing this specific model. It has some clever tricks, but it also has a few quirks that will drive you crazy if you do not know them.
You deserve a machine that cleans without a fight. I want to show you exactly how to load it, which cycles actually work, and how to keep it from smelling like a swamp after a month. Let’s make your kitchen cleanup feel like a win instead of a chore.
You need to start by checking your salt levels. The X9 is sensitive to hard water, and it will leave white spots on your glassware if the reservoir is empty. Fill the salt compartment, pick the Zoom 39 cycle for everyday loads, and always check the filter. If you skip these three steps, your dishes will never come out truly clean.
Knowing Your Candy Brava X9 Dishwasher
Getting to know the X9 is like meeting a new roommate. It has a specific personality, and it prefers to be loaded in a very particular way to get the best results.
Control Panel Layout
The buttons are simple, but the icons can be confusing at first glance. You have a main power button on the left, a program selector in the middle, and the start button on the right. I found that if you press the cycle button too many times, it sometimes resets to the wrong mode. Keep a light touch here.
Salt Level Maintenance
This machine is a magnet for hard water buildup. If you live in an area with heavy mineral content, you must keep the salt container topped off. I usually check mine once every three weeks. If the light blinks, do not ignore it. The salt softens the water and protects the internal pipes from scale damage.
Filter Access Point
The mesh filter at the bottom is easy to reach, but it gets gross fast. You should pull it out and rinse it under the tap at least once a week. If you let food scraps sit there, they will start to smell. This is the most common reason for a stinky dishwasher drain that people constantly complain about.
Spray Arm Rotation
The spray arms need room to spin. If you stack a tall pan too close to the center, it will block the water flow. I once put a big plastic cutting board in the bottom rack, and it blocked the arm completely. The dishes came out covered in soap. Always double-check the path of the arms before closing the door.
Detergent Compartment Use
You can use tablets or powder in this model. I prefer the small tablets because they are less messy. Make sure the compartment is dry before you drop the tablet in. If the tray is wet, the tablet will stick and fail to dissolve. That is a mistake I made early on, and it ruined an entire cycle.
Door Latch Mechanism
The latch feels solid, but it needs a firm push to click. You will hear a distinct snap when it secures. If you do not hear that sound, the cycle will not start. It is a safety feature, so don’t get frustrated if it feels stiff. Just give it a solid, confident push until it locks in place.
Wait, let me back up a second. I should mention that the drying process is passive. It uses heat from the final rinse, so don’t expect it to be bone-dry like a commercial machine. If you want better results, open the door an inch right after the cycle ends.
- Check the salt level monthly.
- Rinse the filter every week.
- Load tall items on the sides.
- Dry the soap tray first.
- Push the door firmly.
- Open the door after the cycle.
Essential Settings for the Candy Brava X9 Dishwasher
The X9 is a smart machine, but it likes to do things its own way. Learning the cycle times and the water temperature settings is the difference between a clean plate and a greasy one. It is all about choosing the right tool for the job.
Choosing the Daily Wash
The daily wash is your best friend for average loads. It runs for about an hour and twenty minutes, which is perfect for dinner plates and bowls. I find that it works best if you do not overload the bottom tray. Leave some space between the plates so the water can move.
If you crowd the tray, the water cannot reach the center items. You will end up with half-clean dishes and a lot of frustration. I usually load my larger plates on the outside edges. This keeps the middle open for smaller items that need more direct water pressure to get clean.
One thing I noticed is that this cycle does not like extremely dried-on food. If you have lasagna or baked-on cheese, you should give those dishes a quick rinse before you put them inside. The machine is good, but it is not a miracle worker. A little prep saves a lot of time.
Using the Intensive Cycle
When you have a big pile of pots and pans, you need the intensive mode. This setting cranks up the heat, and it uses more water to break down the grease. I use this mode at least once a week to handle my heavy cast iron pans and baking sheets that always collect gunk.
It takes longer than the daily cycle, but it is worth the wait. The higher heat helps melt away fats that usually stick to the walls of the machine. I noticed that my stainless steel pans come out looking brand new when I use this setting. It really is the best mode for tough jobs.
Just keep in mind that this cycle is hard on delicate items. Do not put your favorite wine glasses or hand-painted ceramics in here. The heat and pressure are too much for them. Stick to the sturdy stuff like heavy metal pans and ceramic dinner plates for this specific, heavy-duty cleaning program.
Maximizing the Zoom Program
The Zoom 39 is a lifesaver when guests are coming over. It is a fast wash that finishes in under forty minutes. I use this for light loads like glasses, mugs, and salad plates. It is not for scrubbing dried crusty oatmeal off a bowl, but it is perfect for refreshing your kitchenware quickly.
You should use a liquid detergent or a quick-dissolve pod for this short cycle. Regular heavy-duty tablets might not have enough time to melt properly. I learned that the hard way when I found a half-dissolved chunk of soap sitting on the bottom of the tub. It was a total mess to clean up.
If you use this program, you need to be ready to unload the machine quickly. Because it is a short cycle, the dishes stay warm but they do not stay hot for long. If you leave them inside, the humidity will just settle back onto the surfaces. That makes your glasses look cloudy and wet.
Managing the Rinse Aid
Rinse aid is not just a suggestion for this machine. It helps the water slide off your dishes. If you skip this, your plastic containers will stay wet for days. I fill the reservoir once a month. It makes a huge difference in how fast the dishes dry after the cycle ends.
If you see spots on your glasses, you probably need to turn up the dial. Most people keep it in the middle, but if your water is really hard, move it one notch higher. It is a simple fix that saves you from having to dry everything by hand with a towel.
Actually, let me back up a second. Do not overfill the rinse aid tray. If you spill it, wipe it up immediately. It can cause too much foam if it drips into the main tub, and that will make your dishwasher act weird. Just keep it clean, keep it topped off, and everything should be fine.
Handling Large Items
Loading large pots requires a bit of strategy. I always put them on the bottom rack facing down. If you put a bowl facing up, it will catch water like a bucket and never clean the other items. Always angle your bowls and pans so the water hits the surface and slides right off.
If you have items that do not fit, do not force them. The X9 has adjustable racks, so play with the height if you need more space. I often move the top rack up to fit my tall blender jar below. It takes five seconds to adjust, but it changes the entire layout for the better.
I also avoid putting tall items in the corners. The water spray tends to be weakest at the very edges of the unit. Put your tall stuff near the center for the best coverage. It is a minor detail, but it prevents that annoying feeling of having to re-wash the same pot twice.
Optimizing Steam Power
The steam function is great for sanitizing. If you have kids or someone is sick, use this to clean your plates. It uses extra hot water to kill bacteria. I use this about once a month just to keep the inside of the machine fresh and free of any hidden bacteria growth.
It does take a while, so plan to run this at night. The dishes will be very hot when they come out, so give them a few minutes to cool down. I usually leave the door closed for about ten minutes after the cycle ends. This lets the steam do its work and prevents burns.
There is really nothing else to it. Just load your items, make sure they are not blocking the arms, and choose the steam option. It is a quiet, effective way to get a deep clean. My kitchen feels much more hygienic when I use this once in a while.
- Use the daily wash for normal plates.
- Run the intensive cycle for greasy pans.
- Pick the Zoom 39 for light, quick loads.
- Keep the rinse aid reservoir full.
- Adjust the racks for tall items.
- Run the steam cycle to kill bacteria.
The secret to success with this machine is not the settings. It is the way you load it. If the water can hit the surface, the machine will clean it. If you block the spray, nothing in the world will make those dishes come out sparkling.
Why Does My Machine Smell Bad?
A bad smell is almost always a sign that you have a clogged drainage hose or a dirty filter. I used to think the machine was just old, but it turns out it was just trapped food rotting in the bottom. You have to stay ahead of the grime.
If the smell persists, you might have a problem with the dishwasher water inlet valve not closing tight. Sometimes, old food particles sit in that tiny space and let dirty water seep back in. I fixed mine by running a hot cycle with a cup of vinegar in a bowl.
It is a common issue, but it is easy to avoid. I make sure to scrape my plates before they go inside. A little bit of food is fine, but a plate full of sauce is a recipe for a smelly, greasy disaster. Don’t let your machine do the work of a trash can.
The best way to stop the smell is to keep the door cracked open after a wash. This lets the humidity escape. If you keep it sealed, the moisture stays inside, and that is exactly how mold and bad odors start to grow.
- Scrape plates before loading.
- Clean the filter weekly.
- Check the drain hose.
- Use a vinegar rinse.
- Keep the door cracked open.
- Run a hot cycle monthly.
Can I Use Regular Dish Soap?
Never, ever use regular dish soap in your dishwasher. I know someone is going to try it anyway because they ran out of pods. Please do not do this. It will create so much foam that it will overflow onto your floor in less than three minutes.
The soap for a dishwasher is low-sudsing for a reason. Regular soap is meant for hand washing, and it is way too active for the pressure inside the X9. You will have a massive cleanup job on your hands if you make this mistake. Trust me, it is not worth it.
If you are out of pods, just wait until you can go to the store. It is better to wash a few plates by hand in the sink than to break your machine with bubbles. You might even end up with soap residue that is impossible to rinse off your dishes.
If you accidentally use the wrong soap, hit the cancel button immediately. Then, scoop out as much foam as you can. You will likely need to run several rinse cycles to get the bubbles out. It is a huge headache that you really want to avoid.
- Never use hand dish soap.
- Only use dishwasher-safe detergent.
- Do not mix different soaps.
- Use pods for convenience.
- Keep soap away from the filter.
- Stock up on the right soap.
How Do I Get Glassware Spot-free?
Cloudy glasses are usually a sign of improper rinse aid dosage. It makes the water stick to the glass instead of sliding off. When the water evaporates, it leaves behind minerals. That is what causes those white spots you see after every single wash cycle.
Check your water hardness settings if the problem continues. Some areas have very hard water, and you might need to adjust the machine to account for that. You can find these settings in the manual, and they make a world of difference for your glassware.
Another trick is to use white vinegar as a makeshift rinse aid. I do this when I am out of the store-bought stuff, and it works surprisingly well. Just pour a little in the rinse aid compartment, and your glasses will come out much clearer than before.
If your glasses are already cloudy, you can soak them in a bowl of warm water and vinegar for an hour. It dissolves the mineral buildup that the dishwasher missed. It is a cheap, effective way to get your crystal and glass looking like new again.
- Adjust rinse aid levels.
- Use vinegar for spots.
- Check water hardness settings.
- Avoid overloading the top rack.
- Keep glasses spaced apart.
- Soak cloudy glass in vinegar.
What Should I Do If It Won’t Start?
When your machine refuses to start, the first thing to check is the door latch. If the sensor does not feel a closed door, it will not engage the pump. Sometimes, a rogue spoon or a plastic handle is preventing the door from locking properly.
Also, check your power source. It sounds simple, but I once spent an hour troubleshooting only to realize my kid had unplugged the machine. Make sure the outlet is working and the circuit breaker has not flipped. That happens more often than you might think.
If the power is fine and the door is locked, check the display. Is it flashing an error code? Look at the manual for the code, as it usually points to a faulty door latch assembly or a water supply issue. You might just need to restart the machine to clear it.
If nothing works, try a hard reset. Unplug the machine for ten minutes and then plug it back in. This clears the computer brain of the dishwasher and often fixes small software glitches. It is a standard move for any modern appliance that acts up.
- Check the door latch.
- Verify the power connection.
- Look for error codes.
- Try a hard reset.
- Clear any blocked buttons.
- Check the water supply.
Final Thoughts
I hope this helps you get the most out of your X9. It is a solid machine once you learn its habits. Just keep the filter clean, don’t overload it, and use the right detergent. You will have clean dishes in no time, and your kitchen will feel much better. If you have any other questions, just keep testing and learning. Every kitchen is different, but you will figure it out soon.
| Feature | Best Usage | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Filter | Cleaning debris | Weekly |
| Salt | Hard water | Monthly |
| Rinse Aid | Spot-free drying | Monthly |
| Zoom Cycle | Light loads | As needed |
| Intensive | Heavy pans | Weekly |
| Steam Mode | Sanitizing | Monthly |
| Door | Airing out | Daily |
| Spray Arms | Checking flow | Monthly |
| Drain Hose | Clearing clogs | Quarterly |
| Control Panel | Wiping clean | Daily |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Candy Brava X9 Dishwasher Loud During the Cycle?
No, it is actually quite quiet. You might hear the water splashing or the pump humming, but it is not loud enough to disrupt a conversation in your kitchen. It is very standard for this price range.
Can I Put Wooden Cutting Boards in the Dishwasher?
You should avoid it. The high heat and moisture will cause the wood to warp or crack. It is much better to hand wash your wooden items with warm water and dry them quickly.
Are All Dishwasher Detergents the Same for This Machine?
They are not. You must use detergents specifically made for automatic dishwashers. Using anything else will cause excessive suds that can damage the internal pump and make a mess of your kitchen floor.
Do I Need to Rinse My Dishes Before Loading Them?
You do not need to scrub them, but you should scrape off large food scraps. If you leave heavy food residue, it will clog the filter and make the machine smell very bad over time.
Does the Dishwasher Have a Child Lock Feature?
Yes, it does. You can find the child lock setting on the control panel. It prevents little hands from changing the cycle or stopping the machine while it is running, which is very useful.
Should I Use the Eco-friendly Cycle for Every Load?
You can, but it takes much longer to complete. The eco cycle is great for saving energy, but it is not ideal if you need your dishes washed quickly. Use it for overnight loads.
Will the Machine Automatically Dry My Plastic Containers?
Plastic does not hold heat well, so it will not dry as fast as ceramic or glass. If you want them drier, open the door slightly when the cycle finishes to let air circulate.
How Do I Know If the Cycle is Finished?
Most models will beep when the time is up or show a notification on the display. If you are not sure, just wait until the light stops flashing or the display shows zero minutes.