Whirlpool Dishwashers
Undercounter Models DU3003XL and DU3016XL
Portable Model DP3801XL
Use & Care Guide It is your personal responsibility and obligation to ensure your dishwasher: *See installation instructions for complete information. WARNING - When using your dishwasher, follow basic precautions, including the following: SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS – Models DU3003XL, DU3016XL and DP3801XL (not shown) Diagram Description: A side view illustration of a Whirlpool dishwasher showing key components: When you need service or call with a question, have this information ready: 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. 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. Diagram Description: Illustration showing dishes loaded so soiled surfaces face the spray from rotating arms. 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. Diagram Description: Illustration of the removable pump guard. For best cleaning and drying results, water should be at least 140°F (60°C). Diagram Description: Illustration showing how to check water temperature with a thermometer. 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. The top rack is designed for cups, glasses, and smaller items. Cup and Glass Load: Shows glasses and cups placed in the top rack, open-end down, between prongs. Items are placed between prongs to prevent breakage. Lightweight items are held firmly. China, crystal, and delicate items must not touch each other. Guidelines for Top Rack: Mixed Load: Shows a mix of plates, bowls, and cups in the top rack. Utensil Load: Shows silverware and small bowls placed in the top rack. Guidelines for Plastic Items: Mixed Load: Shows plates, bowls, and pots in the bottom rack. Dish Load: Shows plates and bowls in the bottom rack. Utensil Load: Shows larger items like cookie sheets at the sides/back. NOTE: Load the silverware basket while it's in or out of the bottom rack. The loaded basket should be in the right front corner of the bottom rack. Diagram Description: Shows silverware being loaded into the basket. Forks and spoons should not nest together. Mix items in each section with some pointing up and some down. Small items like baby bottle caps or jar lids can be put in any section. Sharp items like knives, forks, and skewers should be put in point down. Long items should not stop the upper spray arm from turning. 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 has one section with a cover and one without. Diagram Description: Shows the detergent dispenser with labels for "Use covered section for... NORMAL LIGHT Cycle" and "Use both sections for... NORMAL HEAVY Cycle". 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. Normal Heavy Cycle: Normal Light Cycle: Rinse & Hold Cycle: Diagram Description: Illustration of the Cycle Control Knob with positions for OFF, NORMAL HEAVY, NORMAL LIGHT, RINSE & HOLD, and USE AIR DRY. Also shows the "PULL TO START" action and the "ENERGY SAVING DRY SELECTOR" with HEAT DRY and AIR DRY options. You can change a setting anytime during any cycle. Normal Heavy Cycle: A double wash for normal to heavily soiled loads. (The Energy Guide Label data is based on this cycle.) 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. Diagram Description: Visual representation of the cycle sequences for Normal Heavy, Normal Light, and Rinse & Hold, showing stages like WASH, RINSE, and 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. Some items (such as plastics) may need towel drying. You can help save energy if you: Diagram Description: Multiple illustrations depicting energy-saving practices: washing full loads, using the Normal Light cycle, air drying dishes, correct loading, skipping pre-rinsing, and using the dishwasher during off-peak hours. 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. Regular use of a soft damp cloth or sponge and mild detergent is usually sufficient for the exterior. Prolonged use of hard water may cause a white film inside. If needed, clean the inside with dishwasher detergent and water. A special adapter must be installed on the faucet before the dishwasher can be connected. Complete instructions and the adapter are packed with your dishwasher. When moving your dishwasher, make sure the door is latched. Use the built-in pull bar or hold it at the top front corners. Diagram Description: Illustrations show the built-in pull bar, pulling hoses from storage, and the locking collar and hose connector being attached to a faucet adapter. You can draw water from the faucet while the dishwasher is connected. DO NOT draw water while the dishwasher is filling or while water is being pumped out. (This helps prevent a low fill when dishwasher is filling, or mixing drain water with fresh water.) A power supply of 120 volts, 60Hz AC only, 15 amps, is required. For your personal safety, this appliance must be grounded. This appliance is equipped with a power supply cord having a 3-prong grounding plug. To minimize possible shock hazard, it must be plugged into a mating 3-prong grounding type wall receptacle, grounded in accordance with the National Electrical Code and local codes and ordinances. If a mating wall receptacle is not available, it is the personal responsibility and obligation of the customer to have a properly grounded 3-prong wall receptacle installed by a qualified electrician. DO NOT use an extension cord. Diagram Description: Illustration showing a 3-prong grounding type wall receptacle and a 3-prong grounding plug on a power supply cord. Emphasizes DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, REMOVE THE POWER SUPPLY CORD GROUND PRONG. Your Whirlpool Portable Dishwasher can be converted to a built-in (undercounter) model by using conversion kit No. 569056. The kit is available at your Whirlpool dealer or authorized TECH-CARE® Service Company. Instructions are included with the kit. The simulated wood top can be used as a utility work surface for most kitchen jobs. It is stronger and more easily cleaned than genuine wood. The top can be used as a cutting board. Knife marks will be visible but will not seriously damage the top. Hot items from the oven can be placed on the top. Clean with warm, soapy water. For dried-on foods, use a scouring pad. Performance problems often result from little things you can find and fix yourself without tools of any kind. Call Whirlpool COOL-LINE service assistance telephone number. Dial free from: 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. 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: 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. 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. Guy Turner, Vice President *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.Contents
Before You Use Your Dishwasher
Important Safety Instructions
Parts and Features
Copy Your Model and Serial Numbers Here...
Model Number: Serial Number: Purchase Date: Service Company and Telephone Number: For Best Results
The Filtering System
To remove the pump guard for cleaning:
To replace the pump guard:
Water Must Be Hot
Proper Loading
Top Rack Loading
Bottom Rack Loading
Silverware Basket Loading
Adding Detergent
The Detergent Dispenser
How Much Detergent to Use
Before Starting Your Dishwasher
Starting Your Dishwasher
Changing a Setting
Selecting a Cycle
Heat Dry or Air Dry?
To Add a Dish After Starting
Energy Saving Tips
Special Tips on Dishwasher Use
Dishwasher Care & Cleaning:
Common Dishwashing Problems
PROBLEM CAUSED BY SOLUTION Spotting and filming Hard water Fill detergent dispensers to capacity. Use dishwasher detergent with the highest available phosphorus content. A water softener may be necessary. Water is not hot enough Water temperature should be at least 140°F (60°C). Set water heater thermostat to a higher setting. Run water at sink until hot before starting. Not enough detergent, or improper detergent Use more dishwasher detergent. Use detergent with the highest available phosphorus content, especially with hard water. "Old" detergent Use only fresh, dry dishwasher detergent. Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place. Discard old, lumpy detergent. Do not fill dispensers until ready to start. Improper loading Make sure dishes and glassware are loaded so spray reaches all surfaces and items drain properly. Do not overload. Do not nest items. Make sure large items do not block spray from reaching detergent dispensers. No rinse aid Try a bar rinse aid such as Solid Jet DRY. Follow package directions. AIR DRY Setting used Drying without heat may result in some spotting of glasses and silver. To remove spots and film, try a vinegar rinse: 1. Wash and rinse load as usual, using AIR DRY. 2. Remove all metal items. 3. Put 2 cups (500 mL) white vinegar in a container on the bottom rack. 4. Run dishwasher through a complete washing cycle. Small particles deposited on items Spray arm or arms not rotating freely Check spray arms to make sure they turn freely after loading. Be sure a utensil has not prevented their turning. "Old" detergent Use only fresh, dry dishwasher detergent. Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place. Discard old, lumpy detergent. Do not fill dispensers until ready to start. Not enough detergent, or improper detergent Use more dishwasher detergent. Use detergent with the highest available phosphorus content, especially with hard water. Dishes not dry Water is not hot enough Water temperature should be at least 140°F (60°C). Set water heater thermostat to a higher setting. Run water at sink until hot before starting. Water pressure may be low, dishwasher is not filling properly If water pressure is low, do not use water for other purposes while dishwasher is running (to assure correct fills). Water is not hot enough Water temperature should be at least 140°F (60°C). Set water heater thermostat to a higher setting. Run water at sink until hot before starting. Improper loading Make sure dishes and glassware are loaded so spray reaches all surfaces and items drain properly. Do not overload. Do not nest items. No rinse aid Try a bar rinse aid such as Solid Jet DRY. Follow package directions. AIR DRY Setting used Allow more time when using AIR DRY Option, or use HEAT DRY. Plastic items may need towel drying. Black marks on china or white utensils Aluminum utensils rubbing against items during washing Use care in loading aluminum utensils, especially lightweight foil containers. Place so they do not touch dishes. Remove black marks with a plastic scouring pad and a mild abrasive cleanser. Chipping or breaking glassware Improper loading Do not overload. Load glasses in the top rack only. Load between prongs, not over them. Glasses loaded over prongs will not be supported and may chip or break. Dishes not washing clean Water is not hot enough Water temperature should be at least 140°F (60°C). Set water heater thermostat to a higher setting. Run water at sink until hot before starting. Improper loading Make sure dishes and glassware are loaded so spray reaches all surfaces and items drain properly. Do not overload. Do not nest items. Make sure large items do not block spray from reaching detergent dispensers. Spray arm or arms not rotating freely Check spray arms to make sure they turn freely after loading. Be sure a utensil has not prevented their turning. Not enough detergent or improper detergent Use more dishwasher detergent. Use detergent with the highest available phosphorus content, especially with hard water. "Old" detergent Use only fresh, dry dishwasher detergent. Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place. Discard old, lumpy detergent. Do not fill dispensers until ready to start. Etching - permanent filming which cannot be removed Too much detergent in soft water Check for rainbow hue on glasses. A rainbow hue is the first sign of etching (corrosion of glass). Reduce the amount of dishwasher detergent. Use a detergent with a lower phosphorus content. Inadequate rinsing If water pressure is low, do not use water for other purposes while dishwasher is running (to assure correct water fills). Make sure dishes and glassware are loaded properly to assure adequate rinsing and draining. Do not overload. Dishes & Interior of dishwasher yellow or brown Iron or manganese in water Temporary remedy: 1. Set empty dishwasher for a "one wash" cycle. 2. Start dishwasher and unlatch door to stop it when it has filled for the wash part of the cycle. 3. Add 1 to 1½ cup (120 to 240 mL) of citric acid crystals (usually available in drugstores). 4. Close and latch door to complete cycle. Permanent solution: Install an iron or manganese filter to the home water supply. Small dark spots on flatware (stainless steel, silver plate, or sterling or rust spots on stainless steel) Allowing salty or acidic foods such as mayonnaise, vinegar, fruit juices, salad dressings, milk products to remain on flatware. Rinse flatware that is to stand for several hours before washing (use Rinse & Hold). Clean stained items with silver polish and re-wash. Do not put stainless steel and silver flatware in the same silverware basket compartment. Direct contact between these metals can cause permanent damage to the silver. Undissolved detergent coming in contact with flatware Remove spots with silver polish. Avoid spilling dry detergent on wet flatware. Bronze tarnish on silverplate Silverplate is worn off. Exposed base metal takes on a bronzed hue. Remove tarnish with silver polish. Have silver replated. Water left in bottom of dishwasher Dishwasher cycle not completed Allow dishwasher to complete cycle. Clogged drain air gap Some plumbing codes require use of a drain air gap between an undercounter dishwasher and the drain system of the house. The air gap is usually located above the sink or on the top of the counter near the dishwasher to prevent the possibility of water backing up from the drain into the dishwasher due to a plugged drain. The drain air gap is NOT a part of the dishwasher and is NOT covered by the dishwasher warranty. The drain air gap should be kept clean to ensure proper draining of the dishwasher. Connecting Your Portable Dishwasher
Before Starting
While Dishwasher is Running
When Cycle is Finished
Electrical Connection
Converting to Built-in
Caring for Simulated Wood Top
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