Whirlpool Dishwasher Use & Care Guide

Before You Use Your Dishwasher

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

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

See 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 in or on the dishwasher.
3. DO NOT reach into the area below the bottom rack until the heating element 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, 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. WARNING: If hot water has not been used recently (usually two weeks or longer), hydrogen gases may build up in the water heater and the hot water pipes. HYDROGEN GAS IS EXPLOSIVE. 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. WARNING: Disconnect electrical power to the dishwasher before attempting to service.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS –

Parts and Features

Models DU8100XT and DU8116XT

Diagram Description: An illustration shows the interior of the dishwasher with various parts labeled:

• UPPER SPRAY ARM
• TOP RACK
• RACK BUMPER
• BOTTOM RACK
• DETERGENT DISPENSERS
• HEATING ELEMENT
• WATER COLUMN
• LOWER SPRAY ARM
• SILVERWARE BASKET
• DOOR COLOR PANEL
• FILTER SYSTEM (Screen and Removable Pump Guard)
• MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBER PLATE (not shown)

The overflow protector is designed to prevent too much water from entering the dishwasher; it is not removable.

Copy your Model and Serial Numbers here...

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

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

Copy this information in these spaces. Keep this book, your warranty, and sales slip together in a handy place.

Model Number: _________________________

Serial Number: _________________________

Purchase Date: _________________________

Service Company and Telephone Number: _________________________

Thank you for purchasing a Whirlpool product. Please complete and mail the Owner Registration Card furnished with this product.

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.

Diagram Description: Illustrates how water sprays from rotating arms onto soiled dishes.

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.

Diagram Description: Shows the filtering system components, including the screen and pump guard.

Water Must Be Hot

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

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.

Diagram Description: Illustration showing how to check water temperature using a thermometer in a faucet stream.

Quiet Operating Tips

To avoid thumping and clattering noises during operation:

• Make sure lightweight load items are secured in the rack.
• Make sure pot lids and handles, pizza pans, cookie sheets, etc. do not touch interior walls or interfere with either of the spray arms' rotation.
• Load dishes so they don't touch one another.

NOTE: Keep sink drain plugs inserted during dishwasher operation to prevent noise transfer through drains.

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.

Top Rack Loading

The top rack is designed for cups, glasses, and smaller items.

• Place so open ends face down for cleaning and draining.
• Load glasses in the top rack only. The bottom rack is not designed for glasses; damage may occur.

Diagram Description: "Cup and Glass Load" shows cups and glasses placed upside down in the top rack.

• Place items in the rows between prongs. Placing them over the prongs can lead to breakage.
• Be sure lightweight items are held firmly in place.
• China, crystal, and other delicate items must not touch each other during dishwasher operation. Damage may occur.

Diagram Description: "Mixed Load" shows a mix of plates, bowls, and cups in the top rack.

• Load plastic items in the top rack only. Only plastic items marked "dishwasher safe" are recommended.
• Plastic items can be melted in the bottom rack.

Diagram Description: "Utensil Load" shows utensils placed in a basket or slots in the top rack.

• Small bowls, pans, and other utensils can be placed in the top rack.
• Items with cooked-on or dried-on foods should be loaded in the bottom rack with soiled surfaces facing the spray.

Bottom Rack Loading

• Make sure pot handles and other items do not stop rotation of either the upper or lower spray arm. Spray arms must move freely.
• Securely place heavily soiled cookware face down in rack.

Diagram Description: "Mixed Load" shows plates, bowls, cups, and larger items in the bottom rack.

• Place plates, soup bowls, etc., between prongs and facing the spray.

Diagram Description: "Dish Load" shows plates and bowls arranged between prongs in the bottom rack.

• Load cookie sheets, cake pans, and other large items at sides and back. Loading such items in front may keep water spray from reaching the detergent dispenser.

Diagram Description: "Utensil Load" shows larger utensils like spatulas or serving spoons in the bottom rack.

NOTE:

• Do not load glasses, cups, or plastic items in the bottom rack.
• When the lower rack is removed, replace it with bumpers in front.

Silverware Basket Loading

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 a silverware basket with compartments for silverware.

• Load forks and spoons so they don't nest together. Spray can't reach nested items.
• Mix items in each section of the basket with some pointing up and some down. Small items – baby bottle caps, jar lids, etc. – can be put in any section.

Diagram Description: Illustrates correct (mixed orientation) and incorrect (nested) loading of silverware.

• Make sure sharp items (knives, forks, skewers, etc.) are put in point down. Make sure long items do not stop the upper spray arm from turning.

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 automatic dishwasher detergent is necessary for best washing results. Store detergent tightly closed 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.
• 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.

Diagram Description: Shows the detergent dispenser with its cover and latch, and a diagram illustrating phosphorus content levels.

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 1 or both sections to the bottom line if water is 0 to 4 grains of hardness.

Before Starting Your Dishwasher

1. Read "Important Safety Instructions" on page 2 before starting your dishwasher.
2. Spin the Upper Spray Arm to make sure nothing will stop it from turning freely.
3. Push door firmly when closing and it will automatically latch.
4. Run hot water at the sink nearest the dishwasher until it is hot. Turn it off.

Starting Your Dishwasher

Diagram Description: Image of the control panel with a hand turning the cycle control knob.

Selecting a Cycle

• HEAT DRY Cycle: Turn Cycle Control Knob clockwise to the dot marked HEAT DRY CYCLE START. The dishwasher will automatically start that cycle.
• AIR DRY Cycle: Turn Cycle Control Knob clockwise to the dot marked AIR DRY START. The dishwasher will automatically start that cycle.
• RINSE & HOLD Cycle: Turn Cycle Control Knob clockwise to the dot marked RINSE & HOLD. The dishwasher will automatically start that cycle.

Diagram Description: Shows the cycle progression for Heat Dry: WASH -> RINSE -> WASH -> RINSE -> DRY.

AIR DRY Cycle Details

If the AIR DRY Cycle 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. For best results, use a solid rinse aid.

RINSE & HOLD Cycle Details

For rinsing a few items to be washed one or more days later. Cycle time is about 10 minutes.

Changing a Setting

You can change a setting anytime during any cycle.

1. Lift up on the door latch to unlatch the door and stop the cycle. Don't open the door until the spray arms stop spinning.
2. Turn the Cycle Control Knob clockwise to the cycle you want.
3. Be sure the detergent dispensers are filled properly for the new cycle.
4. Press door firmly to latch it. The dishwasher will automatically start the new cycle.

To Add a Dish After Starting

1. To be sure the added item is washed and rinsed, add the item before the end of the main wash.
2. Lift up on the door latch to unlatch the door to stop the cycle. Don't open the door until the spray arms stop spinning.
3. Open the door and add the dish.
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. Press door firmly to latch it. The dishwasher will automatically start 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. Air dry dishes when you don't need a rapid drying cycle. Allow longer drying times (overnight).
3. Don't pre-rinse normally soiled dishes. Use the recommended amount of detergent for good washing results without hand rinsing.
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. Use your dishwasher during off-peak hours. Local utilities recommend this to avoid heavy usage of energy at certain times of day.
6. Kitchen cleanup can be done quickly and efficiently through the use of your dishwasher. Most appliance parts that can fit in the dishwasher can be cleaned by it. Burned-on soil, however, should be cleaned by hand.

Diagram Description: Illustrations depict washing full loads, air-drying dishes overnight, correct loading, and using the dishwasher during off-peak hours.

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 for the following items:

• Aluminum: Aluminum loses its bright, shiny appearance and darkens in color due to minerals in the water and the alkalinity of the dishwasher detergent. Colored aluminum may fade.

  TIPS: 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. Follow utensil manufacturers' cleaning instructions.

• China: Hand-painted, metal-trimmed, and antique china fade due to high water temperatures and alkaline detergent solution in the dishwasher.

  NOTE: Delicate, antique items should not be washed in the dishwasher.

  TIPS: Load china carefully. Do not allow pieces to touch each other. 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.

• Crystal and Decorative Glasses: Crystal can break from sudden exposure to high water temperature. Metal trim and colorful decoration on glass will fade in time when washed in the dishwasher.

  NOTE: Delicate, antique items should not be washed in the dishwasher.

  TIPS: Load crystal carefully in the top rack only. Be sure to load a few larger items in the bottom rack to reduce the amount of force of water spray reaching glassware from the lower spray arm. Use the shortest cycle.

• Flatware: Salty and acidic foods may tarnish silver and stainless flatware if allowed to remain on the utensils. A film may form on sterling silver and silver plate items washed in a dishwasher. This film is caused by the reaction of silver with chlorine in the detergent. Gold flatware is not dishwasher safe.

  TIPS: Rinse flatware as soon as possible, especially if it is not to be washed right away. Dishwasher detergent may remove antique finishes. Wash by hand. Tarnish and film build-up can be removed with silver polish.

• Cast Iron Utensils: The seasoned finish will be removed in the dishwasher. Rusting will result.

  TIPS: Wash by hand. To re-season, coat with unsalted fat and heat in a slow oven for an hour or two.

• Plastics: Many plastics will have "Dishwasher Safe" written on them. Some plastics are heat sensitive and may melt or warp.

  TIPS: If in doubt, try one piece. Place in upper rack only. AIR DRY option provides additional protection.

• Non-stick Finish Utensils: Most can be washed in the dishwasher.

  TIPS: Follow manufacturers' suggestions.

• Wood: Many wooden items will crack and warp or lose their finish.

  TIPS: 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.

  TIPS: To keep pewter at its very best, hand wash with mild detergent.

Dishwasher Care & Cleaning:

• Exterior: 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 nice looking and clean.
• Interior: Hard water minerals may cause a white film to build-up on the inside surfaces, especially just beneath the door area. Wear rubber gloves when cleaning the dishwasher interior. Do not use any type of cleanser other than dishwasher detergent because it may cause foaming or sudsing.

Common Dishwashing Problems

If You Need Service or Assistance

We suggest you follow these five 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 your dishwasher will not run, or stops during a cycle:

• Is the door tightly closed and securely latched?
• Has the cycle been correctly set?
• Is the water turned on?
• Have you checked your home's main fuses or circuit breaker box?
• Is the dishwasher wired into a live circuit with the proper voltage (DU8100XT)?
• Is the power supply cord plugged into a live circuit with the proper voltage (DU8116XT)?
• If the motor has stopped because of an overload, it will automatically reset itself within a few minutes. If the 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 the 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?
• Is the cycle completed?

2. If You Need Assistance...

Call Whirlpool COOL-LINE service assistance telephone number. Dial free from anywhere in the U.S.: 1-800-253-1301

Talk with one of our trained Consultants. The Consultant can instruct you on 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
• WASHING MACHINES, DRYERS & IRONERS SERVICING

Diagram Description: Examples of Yellow Pages listings for appliance repair services, including Whirlpool TECH-CARE.

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 Stanley
Division Vice President
Whirlpool Corporation
2000 M-63
Benton Harbor, MI 49022

5. If You Need FSP™ Replacement Parts...

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.

*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.

Notes

This section is for user notes.

Whirlpool Dishwasher Warranty

LENGTH OF WARRANTY

• FULL ONE-YEAR WARRANTY From Date of Purchase
• LIMITED NINE-YEAR WARRANTY Second Through Tenth Year From Date of Purchase

WHIRLPOOL WILL PAY FOR

• FSP® replacement parts and repair labor to correct defects in materials or workmanship. Service must be provided by a franchised TECH-CARE® service company.
• FSP replacement of the porcelain tub and/or DURAPERM™ inner door should they fail to contain water due to defective materials or workmanship.

WHIRLPOOL WILL NOT PAY FOR

• A. Service calls to: 1. Correct the installation of the dishwasher, 2. Instruct you how to use the dishwasher, 3. Replace house fuses or correct house wiring or plumbing.
• B. Repairs when dishwasher is used in other than normal, single-family household use.
• C. Pick up and delivery. This product is designed to be repaired in the home.
• D. Damage to dishwasher caused by accident, misuse, fire, flood, acts of God, or use of products not approved by Whirlpool.
• E. Any labor costs during limited warranty.

WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so this limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

Outside the United States, a different warranty may apply. For details, please contact your franchised Whirlpool distributor or military exchange.