49-4000207 Rev 1 9
ENGLISH
USING THE DISHWASHER
DETERGENT DISPENSER
The detergent dispenser is located in the center of the
dishwasher door. It has two compartments. The main wash
compartment is found inside the detergent dispenser. To
open, press the button on the side of the dispenser. The pre-
wash compartment is on the lid of the detergent dispenser.
Use the pre-wash compartment only when your water is
extremely hard or when you have a heavy soiled load. The
pre-wash compartment is not used when tablet or packet
detergents are used.
NOTE: Do not block detergent dispenser with large or tall
dishware.
You may use tablet, packet, powder, liquid or gel automatic
dishwasher detergent. Make sure you use only detergents specifically
labeled for use in automatic dishwashers. Never use liquid hand dish
detergent in an automatic dishwasher. Sudsing and poor wash
performance will result with the use of improper detergents.
Detergents should be stored in a dry location and in their original
container to prevent loss of effectiveness. Place detergent in
the cup just prior to starting the dishwasher and then close
the cover. The cover will open during the wash cycle.
FILLING THE DETERGENT
DISPENSER
We recommend using detergent in tablet or packet form.
Independent testing has shown this form of detergent is very
effective in the dishwasher. Finish
®
Quantum
®
Powerball
®
is
an example of this type of detergent. However, some single
dose detergents are not designed for shorter cycles. If you
experience wash-out issues with these tablets or packets,
follow the instructions below:
Rinsing cycles - DO NOT use detergents. (These cycles are
designed for rinsing dishes only, not soil removal.)
Washing cycles less than 60 minutes (not including additional
dry or wash options) - Put a tablet or packet into the pre-wash
compartment of the detergent cup, or in the bottom of the
dishwasher. (These cycles are designed to be shorter which
could result in bad detergent wash-out if the detergent is
placed in the main wash compartment of the detergent cup.
Wash performance will be diminished as a result.)
Washing cycles 60 minutes or longer (not including
additional dry or wash options) - Put a tablet or packet
into the main wash compartment of the detergent cup and
close the detergent cup cover. (These cycles are designed
for tougher soils and will likely have more fills/drains than
the shorter cycles. If the tablet or packet is placed in the
pre-wash compartment or tossed in the bottom of the
dishwasher, the detergent will be flushed down the drain in
a very short period of time and will thus be wasted. Wash
performance will be very poor as a result.)
If you choose to use detergent in powder, liquid or gel form,
the amount of detergent you use will be determined by the
hardness of your water, the temperature of your water, and
the food soil load inside the dishwasher. Contact your water
company to get information about the hardness of the water
in your area. Water hardness is measured in grains per gallon.
Use this information and the table above to determine the
amount of detergent to use. You may purchase a hard water
test strip from GE Appliances. Call 877-959-8688 and ask for
part number WD01X10295. In Canada, call 800-661-1616.
Use the table as a starting point and then adjust the amount
of detergent you use. Use just enough to get good wash
performance. Using just the right amount of detergent will
provide great wash performance without wasting detergent
or etching glassware.
Using too much detergent with very soft and/or very
hot water may cause a condition called etching on your
glassware. Etching is a permanent cloudiness in your
glassware. This condition is irreversible. However, using too
little detergent will cause poor wash performance.
DO NOT USE HAND DISH DETERGENT
NOTE: Using a detergent that is not specifically designed for
dishwashers will cause the dishwasher to fill with suds. During
operation, these suds will spill out of the dishwasher vents,
covering the kitchen floor and making the floor wet.
Because so many detergent containers look alike, store the
dishwasher detergent in a separate space from all other
cleaners. Show anyone who may use the dishwasher the
correct detergent and where it is stored.
While there will be no lasting damage to the dishwasher, your
dishes will not get clean using a dishwashing detergent that is
not formulated for automatic dishwashers.
Number of
Grains/Gal.
Detergent Cup(s) to Fill
Less than 4 Fill cup to 1/3 full
4 to 8 Fill cup to 2/3 full
8 to 12 Fill cup completely full
Greater than 12
Fill both main wash cup and
pre-wash cup
Detergent
Dispenser
Pre-Wash
Main
Wash
Rinse Agent
Push/Slide
to Close