Whirlpool Dishwasher User Instructions
Thank you for purchasing this high-quality product. For additional information, visit www.whirlpool.com or www.whirlpool.ca. You will need your model and serial number, located near the door on the right-hand or left-hand side of the dishwasher interior.
Dishwasher Safety
Your safety and the safety of others are very important. Read and obey all safety messages.
⚠️ This is the safety alert symbol. It alerts you to potential hazards that can kill or hurt you and others. All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and either the word "DANGER" or "WARNING."
DANGER: You can be killed or seriously injured if you don't immediately follow instructions.
WARNING: You can be killed or seriously injured if you don't follow instructions.
Safety messages will tell you what the potential hazard is, how to reduce the chance of injury, and what can happen if instructions are not followed.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: When using the dishwasher, follow basic precautions:
- Read all instructions before using the dishwasher.
- Use the dishwasher only for its intended function.
- Use only recommended detergents or rinse agents and keep them out of reach of children.
- When loading items:
- Locate sharp items to avoid damaging the door seal.
- Load sharp knives with handles up to reduce the risk of cut-type injuries.
- Do not wash plastic items unless marked "dishwasher safe" or equivalent. Check manufacturer's recommendations for unmarked items.
- Do not touch the heating element during or immediately after use.
- Do not operate the dishwasher unless all enclosure panels are properly in place.
- Do not tamper with controls.
- Do not abuse, sit on, or stand on the door, lid, or dish racks.
- To reduce the risk of injury, do not allow children to play in or on the dishwasher.
- Hydrogen Gas Warning: Under certain conditions, hydrogen gas may be produced in a hot water system not used for two weeks or more. HYDROGEN GAS IS EXPLOSIVE. Before using the dishwasher after such a period, turn on all hot water faucets and let water flow for several minutes to release accumulated hydrogen gas. Do not smoke or use an open flame during this time.
- Remove the door or lid to the washing compartment when removing an old dishwasher from service or discarding it.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
For a grounded, cord-connected dishwasher:
The dishwasher must be grounded to reduce the risk of electric shock. It is equipped with a cord having an equipment-grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into an appropriate, installed, and grounded outlet according to local codes.
WARNING: Improper connection of the equipment-grounding conductor can result in a risk of electric shock. Consult a qualified electrician if unsure about grounding. Do not modify the plug; have a proper outlet installed if needed.
For a permanently connected dishwasher:
The dishwasher must be connected to a grounded metal, permanent wiring system, or an equipment-grounding conductor run with circuit conductors and connected to the equipment-grounding terminal or lead.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: Tip Over Hazard. Do not use dishwasher until completely installed. Do not push down on open door. Doing so can result in serious injury or cuts.
Quick Steps
- Prepare and load dishwasher.
- Add detergent for cleaning and rinse aid for drying.
- Select a cycle and option.
- Start dishwasher.
Dishwasher Use
STEP 1: Prepare and Load the Dishwasher
IMPORTANT: Remove leftover food, bones, toothpicks, and other hard items from dishes. Remove labels from containers before washing.
Loading Tips:
- Ensure nothing obstructs the spray arm's rotation for effective water spray to all soiled surfaces.
- When closing the door, ensure no items block the detergent dispenser.
- Load items with soiled surfaces facing down and inward towards the spray arm for improved cleaning and drying.
- Avoid overlapping items like bowls or plates that can trap food.
- Place plastics, small plates, and glasses in the upper rack. Wash only plastic items marked "dishwasher safe."
- To avoid thumping/clattering, load dishes so they don't touch. Secure lightweight items in racks.
- When loading silverware, place sharp items pointing down and avoid "nesting."
STEP 2: Add Detergent
NOTE: If not running a wash cycle soon, run a rinse cycle without detergent.
- Use only automatic dishwashing detergent (powder, liquid, or tablet) just before starting a cycle.
- Fresh detergent provides better cleaning. Store detergent containers tightly closed in a cool, dry place.
Detergent Amount: Depends on soil level and water hardness.
- Heavily soiled loads require more detergent.
- Hard water may require more detergent; soft water may require less to prevent etching.
- Refer to dispenser markings for water hardness levels (Soft to Medium: 0-6 grains/gallon; Medium to Hard: 7-12 grains/gallon). Fill the Main Wash section as shown, and the Pre-Wash section if needed.
NOTE: Fill amounts shown are for standard powdered detergent. Follow package instructions for other types.
Add Rinse Aid
Rinse aid is essential for good drying performance, preventing excessive moisture and improving water drainage. Check the rinse aid indicator cap; clear means it needs filling.
STEP 3: Select a Cycle and Option
Cycles (vary by model):
- Pots and Pans: For heavily soiled, hard-to-clean items.
- Heavy Wash: For heavy food soil.
- Heavy Plus: For heavy food soils and lightly baked-on or dried-on food.
- Normal: For normal food soil (used for energy label ratings).
- Rinse Only: For rinsing dishes until a full load is ready; no detergent needed.
- Plate Warmer: To warm serving dishes or dinner plates.
Options (vary by model):
- Hi-Temp: Boosts water temperature for enhanced cleaning.
- Delay Start: Allows starting the dishwasher automatically at a later time.
- Heated Dry: For best drying results.
- No Heat Dry: Saves energy.
STEP 4: Start or Resume a Cycle
- Run hot water at the nearest sink until hot, then turn off water.
- Push door firmly closed until it latches automatically. Turn the cycle control knob to the desired cycle to start.
- To add an item before the main wash: Lift the door latch to stop the cycle, open the door slowly, add the item, and close the door firmly until it latches. The dishwasher will resume the cycle.
Dishwasher Care
Cleaning the Dishwasher
- Exterior: Clean with a soft, damp cloth and mild detergent. Use a stainless steel cleaner for stainless steel exteriors.
- Interior: Clean with a paste of powdered dishwasher detergent and water, or liquid detergent on a damp sponge. Do not clean the interior until it has cooled.
- Filter Screen: Periodically clean the filter screen at the bottom of the tub by removing collected particles.
- Vinegar Rinse: A white vinegar rinse can remove white spots and film. Put 2 cups (500 mL) white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the bottom rack. Run a complete wash cycle with an air-dry or energy-saving dry option (no detergent).
If your dishwasher isn't draining well, check and clean the drain air gap.
Storing the Dishwasher
If storing for summer, turn off water and power supply. For winter storage in seasonal dwellings or areas exposed to freezing temperatures, have the dishwasher winterized by authorized service personnel to avoid water damage.
Troubleshooting
Try these solutions or visit www.whirlpool.com or www.whirlpool.ca for FAQs before calling for service.
Dishwasher is not operating properly
- Does not run or stops during a cycle: Check door latch, selected cycle, power supply (fuse/breaker), and water shutoff valve. Motor may reset automatically after overload.
- Clean light is flashing: Malfunction. Call for service.
- Will not fill: Ensure overfill protection float moves freely.
- Seems to run too long: Cycle times vary (up to 3.5 hours) based on soil, water temp, cycles, and options. Ensure hot water supply. The optical sensor adjusts cycles based on sensed conditions.
- IMPORTANT: The first wash cycle after installation includes extra rinses for sensor adjustment and must not be interrupted.
Water remains in the dishwasher
Is the cycle complete?
Detergent remains in the covered section of the dispenser
Is the cycle complete? Is the detergent lump-free? Replace if necessary.
White residue on the front of the access panel
Was too much detergent used? Is the detergent causing excess foam? Try a different brand.
Odor in the dishwasher
Wash dishes more frequently or run a rinse cycle. For new plastic smell, run a vinegar rinse.
Condensation on the kitchen counter (built-in models)
Check dishwasher alignment with the countertop. Refer to Installation Instructions.
Dishes do not dry completely
- Did you use rinse aid? Heat dry may not perform well without it.
- Are dishes loaded to allow drainage? Do not overload. Use liquid rinse aid.
- Plastics may need towel drying.
- Is the rinse aid dispenser empty?
- Consider a heated drying option for better results.
Excess moisture on racks and dishwasher interior
Check rinse aid indicator.
Spots and stains on dishes
- Spotting and filming: May be due to hard water or high mineral content. Use rinse aid and high-temp option. Consider a water softener if hardness is 13 grains or above. Water temperature should be 120°F (49°C). Use correct amount of fresh detergent. Ensure adequate home water pressure (20-120 psi). For glassware, use a vinegar rinse.
- Silica film or etching: A reaction with water/chemicals, soft water, alkaline solutions, or overloading. May require hand washing. Use minimum detergent, liquid rinse aid, and underload. Silica film/etching is permanent. Do not use heated drying.
- White spots on nonstick cookware: Detergent may have removed seasoning. Reseason cookware.
- Brown stains: May be due to high iron content. Rewash with citric acid crystals in the dispenser. Follow with a Normal cycle. Consider an iron removal unit if needed frequently.
- Black or gray marks: Aluminum items rubbing dishes. Hand wash aluminum items. Clean marks with a mild abrasive cleaner.
- Orange stains: May be from tomato-based foods. Use a stain removal product if necessary.
Noises
- Grinding, grating, crunching, buzzing: A hard object may be in the wash module. Sound should stop when object is ground. Call for service if noise persists.
Dishes are not completely clean
- Food soil left: Check loading, cycle selection, water temperature (should be 120°F/49°C), detergent amount/freshness, and dispenser for caked detergent. Check for clogged pump or spray arm. Ensure adequate water pressure. Avoid high suds from non-dishwasher detergents.
Dishes are damaged during a cycle
- Chipping: Load dishes stably to prevent striking each other. Move racks slowly. Antiques, delicate crystal, or fine china may require hand washing.
Whirlpool Corporation Major Appliance Warranty
ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Whirlpool will pay for factory-specified parts and repair labor for defects in materials or workmanship for one year from the purchase date, provided the appliance is operated and maintained according to instructions. Service must be provided by a Whirlpool-designated service company. Warranty applies only to the country of purchase.
ITEMS WHIRLPOOL WILL NOT PAY FOR:
- Service calls for installation, user instruction, fuse/wiring/plumbing correction.
- Repair/replacement of appliance light bulbs, air filters, or water filters.
- Repairs for non-single-family household use.
- Damage from accident, alteration, misuse, abuse, fire, flood, acts of God, improper installation, or use of unapproved products.
- Food loss due to refrigerator or freezer failures.
- Parts/labor costs for units operated outside the US or Canada.
- Pickup and delivery (appliance is designed for in-home repair).
- Repairs from unauthorized modifications.
- Travel/transportation expenses for service in remote locations.
- Removal/reinstallation if the appliance is inaccessible or not installed per instructions.
- Parts/labor costs when used in a country other than the country of purchase.
DISCLAIMER OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES; LIMITATION OF REMEDIES
Customer's sole remedy is product repair. Implied warranties (merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose) are limited to one year or the shortest period allowed by law. Whirlpool is not liable for incidental or consequential damages. Some states/provinces may not allow these limitations.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, which may vary by state or province.
Warranty does not apply outside the 50 United States and Canada. Contact an authorized Whirlpool dealer for details.
For additional product information or FAQs, visit www.whirlpool.com (USA) or www.whirlpool.ca (Canada).
For assistance or service, call 1-800-253-1301 (USA) or 1-800-807-6777 (Canada). Have your model and serial number ready.
Correspondence address:
USA: Whirlpool Brand Home Appliances, Customer eXperience Center, 553 Benson Road, Benton Harbor, MI 49022-2692
Canada: Whirlpool Brand Home Appliances, Customer Interaction Centre, 1901 Minnesota Court, Mississauga, Ontario L5N 3A7
Please include a daytime phone number. Keep these instructions and model number for future reference.