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DCS550
Portable
Dishwasher
Use and Care
Manual
Electrical Requirements 2
Safety Instructions 2
Model Identification 3
Connecting Dishwasher 4
Determining Dishwasher-safe Items 5
Loading Dishwasher 6
Detergent and Rinse Aid 7
Wash and Dry Cycles 8
Care and Cleaning 9
Conversion Kit 9
Before Calling for Service 10
®
Keep these instructions for future reference.
If dishwasher changes ownership, be sure this
manual accompanies dishwasher.
Consumer Information Line
1-800-843-0304
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Electrical Requirements
Safety Instructions
RECOGNIZE THIS
SYMBOL AS A SAFETY
PRECAUTION
WARNING
Electrical Grounding
Instructions-This appliance is
equipped with a three-prong
(grounding) plug for protection
against possible shock
hazards. If a two-prong wall
receptacle is encountered,
customer is required to contact
a qualified electrician and have
the two-prong wall receptacle
replaced with a properly
grounded three-prong wall
receptacle in accordance with
the National Electrical Code.
Dishwasher is designed to
operate on a separate 120 volt,
15 amp., 60 cycle line.
WARNING
To avoid death, severe personal
injury or property damage,
observe the following:
If hot water system has not been
used for two weeks, hydrogen
gas may be produced under
certain conditions. HYDROGEN
GAS IS EXPLOSIVE. Before
using dishwasher, turn on all hot
water faucets and let water flow
for several minutes. This will
release any accumulated
hydrogen gas. As gas is
flammable, do not smoke or use
an open flame during this time.
WARNING
To avoid death or severe
personal injury, remove
dishwasher door when
discarding old dishwasher.
DO NOT UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES CUT OR
REMOVE THE ROUND
GROUNDING PRONG FROM
THE PLUG. THE UNIT MUST
BE GROUNDED AT ALL
TIMES. DO NOT REMOVE
WARNING TAG FROM THE
SERVICE CORD.
WARNING
DO NOT USE A TWO-PRONG
ADAPTER.
DO NOT USE AN EXTENSION
CORD.
Caution
To avoid personal injury or
property damage, observe the
following:
1. Use dishwasher only for its
intended purpose.
2. Do not touch heating element
during or immediately after use.
3. Do not operate dishwasher
unless all enclosure panels are
properly in place.
4. Do not tamper with controls.
5. Do not abuse, sit on, or stand on
door or dish rack of dishwasher.
6. Do not allow children to play in
or on dishwasher.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
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Model Identification
Please read this Use and Care Manual thoroughly. This manual provides proper maintainance
information for maximum benefit of the features selected.
Complete enclosed registration card and promptly return card to the Product Registration
department. If registration card is missing, call Consumer Information Line at 1-800-843-0304.
When contacting manufacturer regarding Caloric dishwasher, provide product information.
Locate product information on the nameplate, found in upper left corner of dishwasher tub.
Record the following information:
Model Number:
Manufacturing Number:
Serial or S/N Number:
Date of purchase:
Dealer’s name and address:
Keep a copy of sales receipt for future reference or in case warranty service is required.
If something is operating incorrectly, read “Before Calling for Service” section. Any further
questions or to locate an authorized Caloric servicer, call 1-800-843-0304. Manufacturer
recommends contacting an authorized servicer if service is required.
Caloric offers a full line of appliances...refrigerators, ranges, cooktops, wall ovens and microwave
ovens. When buying one of these products, choose Caloric.
Enjoy this new dishwasher.
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Connecting Dishwasher
Important
Adapter supplied with dishwasher must be
assembled to sink faucet before using
dishwasher. Adapter is designed to fit standard
faucets having external or internal threads.
1. Remove old aerator or trim ring on
faucet.
2. Faucet with external threads
Insert thinner of two washers into
adapter. Attach adapter to faucet.
Faucet with internal threads
Insert both washers into faucet adapter.
Attach adapter to faucet.
4. Attach unicouple connector to faucet
adapter by depressing collar on top of
connector. When unicouple is
completely in, release collar. Collar will
snap into positon and lock unicouple in
place.
Important
Unicouple's small hose carries water from
faucet to dishwasher. Large hose carries drain
water to sink. Be sure unicouple is pointing
toward drain opening and drain is open. If
dishwasher drains into disposer, operate
disposer until disposer is completely empty
before starting dishwasher.
Important
If faucet adapter threads do not match faucet,
addtional fittings can be purchased at a local
hardware store or plumbing supply store.
Important
A sink spray attachment hose can burst if
installed with dishwasher. Disconnect sink
spray attachment and plug hole.
3. Remove unicouple and hoses from
storage compartment, located at rear of
dishwasher.
5. Turn hot water on.
6. Reverse procedure to disconnect
dishwasher.
Important
When motor stops at end of final rinse,
unicouple can be disconnected and returned to
storage.
Faucet-Flo Nozzle
Faucet-Flo nozzle is part of unicouple
connector. Operate nozzle by depressing
pressure release button on front of unicouple
connector. Use Faucet-Flo nozzle to better
regulate water temperature by flushing cold
water out of hot water line and to test
temperature of water before starting
dishwasher.
Draining Excess Water
If sink is 34" or higher from floor, excess water
in hoses cannot be drained directly into sink.
Drain excess water into a container by holding
container outside at a lower point than sink.
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Determining Dishwasher-safe Items
Exceptions Special InstructionsUsually SafeMaterial
Aluminum
China/Stoneware Yes Antique, metal
Crystal Yes
Glass
Iron
Non-dishware items
such as filters, etc.
Yes
Yes
No
No Damage to dishwasher and
YesNon-stick coatings
Some colored
anodized aluminum
can fade.
trimmed, handpainted or over-theglaze patterns fade.
Gold leaf will discolor.
Antique, metaltrimmed or handpainted patterns will
fade. Gold leaf will
discolor.
Milk glass may yellow.
Iron will rust.
Some darkening or spotting possible.
Remove by scouring with soap-filled
steel wool pads.
If in doubt, check with china/
stoneware manufacturer or test wash
one piece daily for a least a month.
Compare with rest of set.
Load securely to prevent movement.
Check crystal manufacturer's
instructions.
discoloration or staining of
dishwasher may result.
After washing, wipe non-stick coating
with vegetable oil to keep coating
from losing non-stick quality.
Pewter
Plastics
Stainless steel Yes
Sterling silver
and silver plate
Tin
Wood
No Pewter tarnishes
Yes If plastic does not say dishwasher
Yes Contact with stainless
No
No
steel can damage
silver.
Washing with copper
can leave a brown
film on silver.
Tin can rust.
Wood can warp,
crack or lose its finish.
safe, test one piece before washing
entire set.
Rinse if not washing immediately.
Salty or acid foods can stain if left on.
Rinse if not washing immediately.
Salty or acid foods can stain if left on.
Powder detergent can cause black
spots. Avoid placing under detergent
dispenser.
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Loading Dishwasher
Preparing Dishes
Pre-rinsing of normal food soils is not
necessary.
1. Remove large quantities of any food.
Also remove solids such as bones,
crusts, meat trimmings, seeds, skins,
toothpicks, hard-shelled or leafy
vegetables.
2. Remove foods such as mustard,
mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice and
other foods that can cause discoloration
of stainless steel.
3. Place dishes in dishwasher before soil
dries. Dishes with dried-on soil are more
difficult to wash.
Top Rack
Top rack is for delicate, plastic or small items.
Glasses fit best along the sides. Arrange
stemware so that stemware cannot move easily.
Do not let glasses or stemware touch each
other. Do not wash plastic items unless marked
“dishwasher safe.” For plastic items not marked,
check manufacturer’s recommendations.
Make sure small plastic items are secure so
they cannot fall onto heating element.
Cutlery Basket
Load cutlery basket evenly with items mixed
and handles up.
Caution
To avoid personal injury or
property damage, load sharp
knives with handles up.
Small plastic items such as measuring spoons
and lids are not recommended for automatic
dishwashing. If placed in diswasher, these
items should go in bottom of basket with
silverware on top.
Important
Take out anything that might fall or extend
through the bottom of basket.
Bottom Rack
Bottom rack is best for heavily soiled items. Fit
plates and saucers between tines. Pots, pans
and casseroles must be loaded in bottom rack,
facing down. Prop broiler pans and racks along
edge.
Important
For best results, properly load dishwasher.
Important
Do not block wash tower or load tall items next
to wash tower. Items must not prevent wash
tower from rotating freely. Do not let items
extend through bottom rack. This could block
wash arm and cause poor washing results.
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Detergent and Rinse Aid
Water Temperature
Hot water is needed to activate powder
detergents. Dishwasher has a water heating
feature that boosts water temperature in wash
cycle. Entering water must be at least 120°F
and should not exceed 150°F. Check water
temperature with a candy or meat thermometer.
Turn on hot water faucet nearest dishwasher.
Put thermometer in a glass and let water run
continuously into glass until temperature stops
rising. If water temperature is below 120°F,
adjust water heater. If water is less than 120°F
and water heater cannot be adjusted, select a
longer cycle and fill both detergent dispensers
at least half full with detergent.
If outside temperatures are unusually low, or if
water travels a long distance from water heater
to dishwasher, increase water heater
temperature. If hot water has not been used for
several hours, water in pipes will be cold. Turn
on hot water faucet and allow water to run until
hot then start dishwasher. If a lot of hot water
was used recently, allow water heater time to
recover before operating dishwasher.
Detergent Dispenser
Use detergent dispenser for all wash programs
except Rinse and Hold. Before adding
detergent in main dispenser, confirm cycle
indicator dial is in "Off" position. Otherwise
main dispenser will not close properly.
Dispenser can be opened manually if
necessary. Reserve dispenser is for two cycle
washes and if extra detergent is necessary.
Soft Water
(0-3 Grains Hardness)
Light Wash
Normal Wash
Pots and Pans
Medium Water
(3-7 Grains Hardness)
Light Wash
Normal Wash
Pots and Pans
One Tbs min.*
One Tbs min.*
One Tbs min.*
Half full
Half full
Half full
Main
Main
Reserve
None
One Tbs min.*
One Tbs min.*
Reserve
None
Half full
Half full
Choosing Detergent
Important
Use only detergents or wetting agents
recommended for use in a dishwasher. Do not
use hand or laundry detergent. Foam produced
prevents dishwasher from working properly.
1. Keep detergent out of reach of children.
2. Check phosphate content. Phosphates
help prevent hard water from forming
spots or film on dishes. Detergents with
a higher phosphate level will probably
work better. If phosphate content is low
(8.7% or less), use more detergent.
3. Keep detergent fresh and dry. Do not
store powder detergent under sink
because there is too much moisture. Do
not put powder detergent into dispenser
until ready to wash. If powder detergent
gets old or lumpy, throw detergent away.
Hard Water
(7-12 Grains Hardness)
Light Wash
Normal Wash
Pots and Pans
* Tablespoon minimum
Main
Full
Full
Full
Reserve
None
Full
Full
Rinse Aid Dispenser
Rinse aid reduces spots on dishes and
improves drying.
Open dispenser by unscrewing cap. Add liquid
rinse aid until liquid reaches bottom lip inside
dispenser opening. Replace cap. Dispenser
automatically releases rinse aid into final rinse
water.
If rinse aid is spilled, wipe up with a damp cloth.
Do not leave spilled rinse aid in dishwasher.
Dispenser hold 4 1/2 ounces. This should last
about three months. Fill as needed but do not
overfill.
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Wash and Dry Cycles
Cycles
Rinse and Hold
• Use to prevent
food from drying
on items
Light Wash
• Use for lightly
soiled dishes
Normal Wash
• Use for average
soiled dishes
Sequence
Rinse, Rinse
Rinse, Rinse, Wash,
Rinse, Rinse, Rinse
Wash/Rinse, Rinse,
Rinse, Wash, Rinse,
Rinse, Rinse
Selecting Cycle
1. Push Cool Dry button.
2. Push Rinse and Hold
button.
3. Latch door.
1. Push Light Wash
button.
2. Latch door.
3. Turn dial to start
position. Motor will
start. There is a time
delay between startup and water fill.
1. Push Normal Wash
button.
2. Latch door.
3. Turn dial to start
position. Motor will
start. There is a time
delay between startup and water fill.
Water
Used
(Gallons)
3.7
10.8
Cycle
Time
(Minutes)
9*
43*
43*12.7
Pots and Pans
• Use for heavily
soiled dishes
Dry-Plate Warmer
• Use for warming
items
Hot Dry
• Use for fast
drying
Cool Dry
• Use for no heat
drying
* These times may be extended up to 16 1/2 minutes to heat water to proper temperature.
Wash/Rinse, Rinse,
Rinse, Wash, Rinse,
Rinse, Rinse
1. Push Pots and Pans
button.
2. Latch door.
3. Turn dial to start
position. Motor will
start. There is a time
delay between startup and water fill.
1. Push Hot Dry button.
2. Turn dial to Dry-Plate
Warmer setting.
3. Latch Door
12.7 58*
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Care and Cleaning
WARNING
To avoid electrical shock which
can cause death, unplug power
cord or open household circuit
breaker to dishwasher before
cleaning. After cleaning,
reconnect power.
General
Wash dishwasher with warm, soapy water as
needed. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Do not use following items. These items can
scratch, crack and discolor surfaces.
• abrasive cleaners such as Comet,
Ajax, etc.
• solvents
• metal scouring pads
Removing Spots and Film
1. Remove all metal items from
dishwasher.
2. Latch door.
3. Turn dial to start.
4. Allow dishwasher to run to 15 to 20
minutes.
5. Open door and pour two cups (500 ml)
of white vinegar into bottom of
dishwasher.
6. Close door and latch.
If vinegar does not work, repeat above
procedure using 1/4 cup (60 ml) of citric acid
crystals instead of vinegar.
Wood Top
Before using, wipe well with a dry cloth to
remove surface dust. Saturate a clean cloth
with mineral oil and polish all exposed wood
surfaces until they gleam. Allow wood to stand
overnight to absorb oil and repeat treatment.
Allow to stand for four to six hours and wipe off
excess oil with a soft, dry cloth.
Do not use wood top for thawing frozen foods,
even when protected by aluminum foil. Never
let water stand on wood top. To remove water
stains, rub with mineral oild saturated cloth. If
top becomes stained, dirty or cut, sand with
sandpaper. Then wipe with mineral oild
saturated cloth.
Removing Wood Top
1. Remove wood top by removing two
mounting screws and pulling top foward.
2. Remove protective covering by cutting
bag from underside.
3. Reinstall top by reversing step 1. Take
care to engage brackets.
Important
Do not operate dishwasher without wood top in
place.
Conversion Kit
A kit to convert dishwasher to a built-in can be
purchased from an authorized Caloricdealer.
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Before Calling for Service
Dishwasher will not operate
Items are not clean
Items are not dry
Spotting or filming appears on items
Check fuse or circuit breaker.
Confirm water temperature is above 120°F.
Check water pressure.
Confirm dishwasher is loaded properly.
Confirm water temperature is above 120°F.
Confirm dishwasher is loaded properly.
Unload bottom rack first. Water from dishes
in top rack may be spilling.
Check level of rinse aid in dispenser.
Confirm water hardness.
Confirm water temperature is above 120°F.
Cloudiness appears on items
Black or grey marks appear on items
Yellow or brown film appears on items
Confirm dishwasher is loaded properly.
Confirm detergent is not old or wet.
Check phosphate level of detergent.
Check level of rinse aid in dispenser.
Check amount of detergent.
See above section.
If above does not work, cloudiness is etching
and cannot be removed.
Confirm dishwasher is loaded properly.
Aluminum items can leave marks on other
items.
Check amount of iron in water.
Film can be caused by tea or coffee.
Remove film with a solution of 1/2 cup
bleach and 3 cups warm water.
Film can also be a result of washing with
copper items. Remove film with a silver
polish.
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Items are chipped
Detergent is left in dispenser
Dishwasher makes unfamiliar sounds
Small amount of water is standing in tub
Water will not pump out of tub
Confirm dishwasher is loaded properly.
Confirm dishwasher is loaded properly.
Open dispenser and remove any hardened
detergent.
Confirm detergent is not old or wet.
Confirm items are secure in dishwasher.
Water may be causing items to rattle.
If dishwasher has not been used regularly,
set dishwasher to fill and pump out once
every week. This will keep seals moist.
This is normal and keeps water seal
lubricated.
Confirm sink is draining well.
Run disposer.
Suds are in tub
Confirm detergent is for automatic
dishwashers. Remove suds by opening
door and letting suds evaporate. Add a
gallon of cold water. Close and latch door.
Pump out water by turning control dial until a
drain period is reached.
Dishwasher leaks
Confirm detergent is for automatic
dishwashers.
Confirm rinse aid dispenser is filled properly
and any spills are wiped up.
Any questions or to locate an authorized Caloric servicer, call 1-800-843-0304. When
contacting manufacturer, provide product information including model and serial numbers and
date of purchase. Locate model and serial numbers on the nameplate, found in upper left corner
of tub. Manufacturer recommends contacting an authorized Caloric servicer if service is required.
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Asure Extended Service Plan
Caloric is pleased to offer long-term service
protection on this new dishwasher. Asure
Extended Service Plan is specially designed
to supplement Caloric's strong warranty.
Asure provides budget-protecting coverage
on dishwasher for up to five full years and
includes parts, labor and travel charges.
A participating Caloric dealer has details or
contact:
Consumer Affairs Department
Amana, IA 52204
1-800-843-0304
Consumer Information Line
1-800-843-0304
Part No.
Printed in Canada
1993 Caloric Amana Refrigeration, Inc.
Amana, Iowa 52204
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