How to Remove the Toe Plate on a Dishwasher

Dishwashers have multiple metal or plastic panels on the front. One panel is called a toe plate or a kick plate. This panel prevents items from rolling under the dishwasher and as the name suggests keeps your feet and toes from getting caught under the dishwasher during use. Some dishwashers may have a two-part plate with a kick plate and a separate toe plate as well. You may need to remove the panel to get something stuck underneath, service the dishwasher or replace the panel.

A dishwasher toe plate can protect bare feet users from stubbing their toes under the dishwasher.

Step 1

Inspect the toe kick plate on the bottom of the dishwasher for screws. If there are no screws visible, skip to Step 4.

Step 2

Remove the toe kick plate screws with a Phillips-head screwdriver or Torx #20 screwdriver.

Step 3

Slide the toe kick plate away from the dishwasher. You may need to lift the top slightly to unhook it from the dishwasher body.

Step 4

Locate the access panel just above the toe plate. Use a socket wrench to remove the two bolts on the top of the access panel. Note that on some dishwasher models there may be screws to remove instead.

Step 5

Lift off the access panel. Remove the toe plate screws now visible and lift up the toe plate slightly and pull it away from the dishwasher. On some models there may be no screws; simply lift up the toe plate and pull it away from the dishwasher.