Whirlpool Undercounter Dishwasher

Before You Use Your Dishwasher

It is your personal responsibility and obligation to ensure your dishwasher:

• Is installed by a qualified installer.
• Is installed where it is protected from the elements.
• Is installed on a floor strong enough to support its weight.
• Is properly connected to electricity, water, and drain.
• Is properly electrically grounded.
• Is not used by children or anyone unable to operate it properly.
• Is properly maintained.

Refer to the installation instructions for complete information.

Important Safety Instructions

WARNING - When using your dishwasher, follow basic precautions, including the following:

1. Read all instructions before using the dishwasher.
2. DO NOT let children play with or operate your dishwasher.
3. DO NOT try to remove or clean the Pump Guard portion of the filter until the heating element in the bottom of the dishwasher has cooled for at least 20 minutes.
4. DO NOT wash plastic items unless marked "Dishwasher Safe" or the equivalent. If not marked, check manufacturer's recommendations.
5. Store dishwasher detergent in a cool, dry place WHERE CHILDREN CAN'T REACH IT.
6. Use ONLY detergents and rinse aids recommended for use in a dishwasher.
7. REMEMBER, use your dishwasher only for the job it was designed to do.
8. Locate sharp items and knives so that they are not likely to damage the door seal or cut the user.
9. Properly connect to electricity and water.
10. DISHWASHER MUST BE ELECTRICALLY GROUNDED. Read the Installation Instructions for details.
11. DO NOT use your dishwasher unless all enclosure panels are properly in place.
12. Be sure your dishwasher is installed on a level floor that will hold the weight, and in an area suitable for its size and use.
13. DO NOT sit or stand on or abuse the dishwasher door or dish racks.
14. DO NOT tamper with controls.
15. When discarding an old dishwasher, always remove the door to prevent accidental entrapment.
16. CAUTION: If hot water has not been used recently (usually two weeks or longer), explosive hydrogen gases may build up in the water heater and the hot water pipes. To prevent injury or damage, before using your dishwasher, turn on all hot water faucets and allow water to run for several minutes. This will allow gases to escape. Do not smoke or use any open flame near the faucet while it is open.
17. Always disconnect electrical power to the dishwasher before attempting to service.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Parts and Features

Model DU2900XM

Diagram showing the interior of the dishwasher with labels pointing to: Upper Spray Arm, Top Rack, Rack Bumper, Bottom Rack, Detergent Dispensers, Heating Element, Filter System (Screen and Removable Pump Guard), Water Column, Lower Spray Arm, Silverware Basket, Door Panel (2 Color Options), Model and Serial Number Plate (not shown), and the Overflow Protector, which is designed to prevent too much water from entering the dishwasher and is not removable.

Copy your Model and Serial Numbers here...

When you need service or call with a question, have this information ready:

• Complete Model and Serial Numbers (from the plate located as shown).
• Purchase date from sales slip.

Copy this information in these spaces. Keep this book, your warranty, and sales slip together in a handy place. There is no warranty registration to return. Proof-of-purchase is all that is required for in-warranty service.

Model Number: _________________________

Serial Number: _________________________

Purchase Date: _________________________

Service Company and Telephone Number: _________________________

For Best Results

Your dishwasher cleans by spraying a mixture of hot, clean water and detergent against soiled surfaces of dishes. When a cycle is started, the dishwasher fills with water to about the level of the heating element. This water is pumped through the rotating spray arms, drained through the filter system which removes food and soil, and pumped back through the rotating spray arms. Soiled water is pumped out and replaced with clean water during a cycle – the number of times depends on the cycle being used.

Load dishes so soiled surfaces face powerful spray from rotating arms.

The Filtering System

The self-cleaning filtering system and removable pump guard help eliminate pre-rinsing by removing food particles from the water.

It is not necessary to rinse dishes before putting them into the dishwasher. Just remove large pieces and quantities of food and bones. The filtering system helps keep food particles out of the wash water. Small particles are flushed away as water is pumped out. Larger particles are trapped in the pump guard.

To remove the pump guard for cleaning:

1. Wait at least 20 minutes after a cycle for the heating element to cool down.
2. Unload and remove the bottom rack.
3. Press the outside wall of the pump guard at the center to release the latch.
4. Lift out and rinse clean.

To replace the pump guard:

1. Insert pump guard legs (on inside wall) into matching openings in filter screen.
2. Press down on outside wall until latch snaps into place.
3. Replace bottom rack with rack bumpers in front.

Water Must Be Hot

For best cleaning and drying results, water should be at least 140°F (60°C).

Check Water Temperature:

1. Turn on hot water faucet nearest the dishwasher. Let water run until it is as hot as possible.
2. Hold a candy or meat thermometer in the stream of hot water to measure the temperature.
3. If the temperature is too low, have a qualified person raise the water heater thermostat setting.

Proper Loading

Always load dishes so soiled surfaces are reached by spray from rotating spray arms. Water must be able to drain off completely for best drying results. Be careful to separate items so spray can reach all surfaces.

Adding Detergent

The kind and amount of dishwasher detergent you use is an important part of getting your dishes clean. Read this section carefully.

Use automatic dishwasher detergent only. Other detergents are too mild and much too sudsy to work in the dishwasher. Different brands of dishwasher detergent have different amounts of phosphorus. Phosphorus softens water and helps prevent water spots on dishes.

If water is hard and phosphorus content is low (8.7% or less), you may need to use more detergent or use a brand with a higher phosphorus content (12% or higher).

Do not add detergent until you are ready to wash. Fresh, dry detergent is necessary for best washing results. Store detergent tightly in a cool, dry place.

The Detergent Dispenser

The detergent dispenser has one section with a cover and one without.

• Put detergent in both sections for cycles with two washes.
• Put detergent in the covered section only for cycles with one wash.
• Push the cover down until it is latched.

The cover opens automatically when the main wash starts. Detergent in the open section falls into the dishwasher when the door is closed.

How Much Detergent to Use

The amount of detergent to use depends on the hardness of your water. If too little is used, dishes won't be clean. However, if too much is used in soft water, glassware will begin to etch.

Find out your water's hardness by asking your local water department, water softener company, or county extension agent.

• HARD: Fill 1 or both sections to the top line if water is 8 or more grains of hardness.
• MEDIUM: Fill 1 or both sections to the middle line if water is 5 to 7 grains of hardness.
• SOFT: Fill one or both sections to the bottom line if water is 0 to 4 grains of hardness.

Before Starting Your Dishwasher

1. Spin the Upper Spray Arm to make sure nothing will stop it from turning freely.
2. Close and latch the door.
3. Run hot water at the sink nearest the dishwasher until it is hot. Turn it off.

Starting Your Dishwasher

NORMAL HEAVY Cycle:

1. Make sure the Cycle Control Knob points to the dot marked NORMAL HEAVY.
2. Select an option.
3. Without turning it, pull the Cycle Control Knob out to start the Cycle.

NORMAL LIGHT Cycle:

1. Turn the Cycle Control Knob until it stops at the dot marked NORMAL LIGHT.
2. Select an option.
3. Without turning it, pull the Cycle Control Knob out to start the Cycle.

RINSE & HOLD Cycle:

1. Select AIR DRY Option only.
2. Unlatch the door and open slightly.
3. Pull the Cycle Control Knob out.
4. Turn the Control Knob clockwise to the dot marked RINSE & HOLD.
5. Close and latch the door to start the cycle.

Changing a Setting

You can change a setting anytime during any cycle.

1. Unlatch the door to stop the cycle.
2. With the Cycle Control Knob pulled out, turn clockwise to the cycle you want.
3. Be sure the detergent dispensers are filled properly for the new cycle.
4. Latch the door to start the cycle.

Selecting a Cycle

NORMAL HEAVY Cycle: A double wash for normal to heavily soiled loads. Cycle time is about 60 minutes.

NORMAL LIGHT Cycle: For normal, everyday soiled loads. Cycle time is about 55 minutes.

RINSE & HOLD Cycle: For rinsing a few items to be washed one or more days later. Cycle time is about 10 minutes. Use AIR DRY only.

HEAT DRY or AIR DRY?

If the HEAT DRY Option is selected, air in the dishwasher is heated during the "dry" part of the cycle. If the AIR DRY Option is selected, air in the dishwasher is not heated. Using this option helps save energy, but dishes take longer to dry (overnight) and some water spotting may result.

To Add a Dish After Starting:

1. To be sure the added item is washed and rinsed, make sure the Cycle Control Knob has not passed NORMAL LIGHT.
2. Unlatch the door to stop the cycle, but don't open it until the spray arms stop spinning.
3. Open the door and add the dish.

Some items (such as plastics) may need towel drying.

Open the door long enough for steam to escape. Close the door to allow the Cycle Control Knob to complete its cycle.

4. Close the door. Do not latch it. Wait 30 seconds for air in the dishwasher to warm up. This helps reduce the amount of moisture that can come from the vent when restarting the cycle.
5. Latch the door. The dishwasher will start from where it stopped.

Energy Saving Tips

You can help save energy if you:

1. Wash full loads. Running a half-filled dishwasher uses the same amount of electricity and hot water as a fully loaded machine.
2. Use the NORMAL LIGHT Cycle for normally soiled loads. It uses less hot water and energy than NORMAL HEAVY.
3. Air dry dishes when you don't need a rapid drying cycle. Allow longer drying times (overnight).
4. Load correctly for best washing results. Incorrect loading may cause poor washing and the need to rewash all or part of the load.
5. Don't pre-rinse normally soiled dishes. Select the correct cycle for the load and use the recommended amount of detergent for good washing results without hand rinsing.
6. Use your dishwasher during off-peak hours. Local utilities recommend this to avoid heavy usage of energy at certain times of day.

Special Tips on Dishwasher Use

Remember, use your dishwasher only for the job it was designed to do. Some items are not dishwasher safe or may require special care. Read these special tips.

• Aluminum: Aluminum loses its bright, shiny appearance and darkens in color due to the minerals in the water and the alkalinity of the dishwasher detergent. If washed in the dishwasher, avoid placing directly in front of the detergent dispenser where it could be sprinkled with undissolved detergent, causing spotting, pitting, and discoloration.
• Colored aluminum: Colored aluminum may fade. Follow utensil manufacturers' cleaning instructions.
• China: Load carefully. Do not allow pieces to touch each other. Use the shortest washing cycle (see page 9). Hand-painted, metal-trimmed, and antique china may fade due to hot water and detergent. Test one piece by washing it daily in the dishwasher for several weeks, then compare it with the rest of the set to see if colors have changed. Delicate, antique items should be hand washed.
• Crystal and glasses: Load carefully in the top rack only. Load between prongs – not over them – to help prevent bumping and chipping. Load a few larger items in the bottom rack to reduce the amount and force of water spray reaching glassware from the bottom spray arm. Use the shortest washing cycle (see page 9). Delicate, antique items should be hand washed.
• Flatware: Salty and acidic foods may tarnish silver and stainless flatware if allowed to remain on the utensils. Rinse flatware as soon as possible, especially if it is not to be washed right away. Clean tarnished items with silver polish. Antique finishes may be removed by the dishwasher detergent. Wash by hand. A film may form on sterling silver and silver plate items washed in a dishwasher. This film is caused by a reaction of silver with chlorine in the detergent. It can be removed with silver polish. Gold flatware is not dishwasher safe.
• Cast iron utensils: The seasoned finish will be removed in the dishwasher. Rusting will result. Wash by hand. To re-season, coat with unsalted fat and heat in a slow oven for an hour or two.
• Plastics: Place in the upper rack only. Many plastics will have "Dishwasher Safe" written on them. If in doubt, try one piece.
• Non-stick finish utensils: Most can be washed in the dishwasher. Follow manufacturers' suggestions.
• Wood: Many wooden items will warp or lose their finish. Do not wash cutting boards, wooden salad bowls, or knives with wooden handles in the dishwasher.
• Pewter or pewter-like materials: May streak, discolor, and pit. To keep pewter at its very best, hand wash with mild detergent.
• Dishwasher Care & Cleaning: Regular use of a soft damp cloth or sponge and a mild detergent is all that is necessary, in most cases, to keep the outside of your dishwasher looking nice and clean. Prolonged use of hard water may cause a white film to build up on the inside surfaces. If needed, clean inside with dishwasher detergent and water.

Common Dishwashing Problems

Common Dishwashing Problems (Continued)

If You Need Service or Assistance

We suggest you follow these four steps:

1. Before calling for assistance...

   Performance problems often result from little things you can find and fix yourself without tools of any kind.

   If dishwasher won't run, or stops during cycle:

   • Is door tightly closed and securely latched?
   • Has cycle been correctly set (and Control Knob pulled out)?
   • Is water turned on?
   • Has house fuse blown or circuit breaker tripped?
   • Is the power cord plugged in (if so equipped)?
   • Has electrical power been interrupted?
   • If motor has stopped because of overload, it will automatically reset itself within a few minutes. If motor does not start, call for service.

   If water remains in the dishwasher:

   • Has the cycle completed?
   • A small amount of remaining water is normal.
   • Is drain air gap clogged?

   If detergent remains in the covered detergent cup:

   • Is the bottom rack in backwards? (The rack bumpers should be at the front.)
   • Is the dishwasher detergent fresh and dry without lumps?
   • Is the cycle completed?
2. If you need assistance...

   Call Whirlpool COOL-LINE service assistance telephone number. Dial free from:

   • Continental U.S.: (800) 253-1301
   • Michigan: (800) 632-2243
   • Alaska & Hawaii: (800) 253-1121

   Talk with one of our trained Consultants. The Consultant can instruct you in how to obtain satisfactory operation from your appliance or, if service is necessary, recommend a qualified service company in your area.

3. If you need service*...

   Whirlpool has a nationwide network of franchised TECH-CARE Service Companies. TECH-CARE service technicians are trained to fulfill the product warranty and provide after-warranty service, anywhere in the United States. To locate TECH-CARE service in your area, call our COOL-LINE service assistance telephone number (see Step 2) or look in your telephone directory Yellow Pages under:

   • APPLIANCES-HOUSEHOLD-MAJOR-SERVICE & REPAIR
   • ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES-MAJOR-REPAIRING & PARTS
   • WHIRLPOOL APPLIANCES FRANCHISED TECH-CARE SERVICE COMPANIES
   • WASHING MACHINES, DRYERS & IRONERS-SERVICING
4. If you have a problem*...

   Call our COOL-LINE service assistance telephone number (see Step 2) and talk with one of our Consultants, or if you prefer, write to:

   Mr. Robert F. Gunts, Vice President
   Whirlpool Corporation
   Administrative Center
   2000 US-33 North
   Benton Harbor, MI 49022

   If you must call or write, please provide: model number, serial number, date of purchase, and a complete description of the problem. This information is needed in order to better respond to your request for assistance.

FSP is a registered trademark of Whirlpool Corporation for quality parts. Look for this symbol of quality whenever you need a replacement part for your Whirlpool appliance. FSP replacement parts will fit right and work right, because they are made to the same exacting specifications used to build every new Whirlpool appliance.