Maytag MDB4601AWX, MDB4601AWE Owner’s Manual
Your satisfaction is
very important to us, so
please read this guide carefully.
You will find instructions on the prop-
er operation and maintenance of your new
appliance, in addition to a list of what can and what
should not be washed in an automatic dishwasher.
UIDE
Save time and money. If something should go
wrong, we suggest consulting the "Before You Call"
section. It is designed to help you solve basic prob-
lems before consulting a servicer.
If you have questions, write us (include your model
number and phone number) or call:
Maytag Appliances Sales Company
Attn: CAIR _ Center
P.O. Box 2370
Cleveland, TN 37320-2370
1-800-688-9900 USA
1-800-688-2002 CANADA
1-800-688-2080 USA TTY (for deaf, hearing
impaired or speech impaired)
(Mon.-Fri., 8am-8pm Eastern Time)
http://www.maytag.com
Part No. 6 915965 B MCS No. 99002393
Table of COnl
Safety Instructions. ........ '
Loading Tips ................ ,.,,:
Operating Steps ................... 3
Cycles at a Glance ................. 4
Care and Cleaning ................. 4
What Can and Cannot be Washed ..... 5
Before You Call .................. 6-7
Guide de L'Utilisateur ............. 10
Guia del Usuario ................. 19
For Future Assistance
_k WARNING: Check with the installer to make sure the appliance has been properly grounded to
avoid possible electrical shock. Be sure you read the IMPORTANT PERSONAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
before you start to use this dishwasher.
Please record your model and serial numbers in the spaces
provided below. These numbers can be found in the upper
left corner of the tub opening. They are needed for any cor-
respondence or service calls concerning your dishwasher.
Model Number
Serial Number
In addition, keep your sales slip or cancelled check. Should
any warranty service be required, proof of original date of
purchase is needed.
Important Safety Instructions
Products with a @ label have been listed with Underwriter's 8.
Laboratories, Inc. - those with a CSA tag have been listed
with Canadian Standards Association. Nevertheless, as with
any other equipment using electricity and moving parts, 9.
there is a potential hazard.
Be careful not to touch the heating element on the bottom
of the tub during or at the completion of a cycle. It may
be hot.
Use only detergents and rinse additives designed for an
automatic dishwasher. Never use soap, laundry deter-
gent, or hand washing detergent in your dishwasher.
Keep these products out of reach of children.
10.
Do not sit, stand on or abuse the door or dish racks of the
dishwasher.
1. Read all instructions before using the dishwasher.
2. Use the dishwasher only for its intended function.
3. Disconnect electrical power to dishwasher before
attempting to service.
4. To avoid electrical shock hazard, the sides and back
must be enclosed and the front panels must be attached
before electrical power is applied to the dishwasher.
Refer to the installation instructions for proper ground-
ing procedures.
5. Connect to a properly rated, protected and sized power
supply circuit to avoid electrical overload.
6. Children should never be permitted to operate, or play
in, with, or around this dishwasher.
7.
To reduce the risk of injury when loading items to be
washed, sharp or pointed items should be located with
the handles up. Also, load sharp items so they are not
likely to damage the door seal.
SAV£ THE$£ JNSTRUCTEON$
11.
Under certain conditions, hydrogen gas may be pro-
duced in a hot water system that has not been used for
two weeks or more. Hydrogen gas is explosive. If the
hot water system has not been used for such a period,
turn on all hot water faucets and let the water flow from
each for several minutes. This will release any accumu-
lated hydrogen gas. As the gas is flanm_able, do not
smoke or use an open flame during this process.
12.
Do not wash plastic items unless marked "dishwasher
safe" or the equivalent. For plastic items not so marked,
check the manufacturer's recommendations.
13. Do not tamper with controls.
14. To prevent accidental child entrapment and suffocation
risk, always remove the door to the washing compart-
ment when removing an old dishwasher from service or
discarding it.
15. Use caution when unloading the dishwasher. Dishes will
be hot if unloaded shortly after a cycle has completed.
Loading Tips
• Scrape off bones or large food particles. Remove excessive
quantities of greasy/oily substances.
• Scrape or soak items with burnt on foods as they require
more energy than the rest of the load to clean.
• Scrape off tomato based food soils.
• If connected to a food waste disposer, make certain the dis-
poser is empty before starting the dishwasher. This allows
proper draining.
• Mustard, mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon and other acidic
foods can cause rust or discoloration on stainless steel.
Rinse these pieces as soon as possible.
Upper Rack (Features vary slightly by model.)
This rack is designed to
hold glasses, cups, small
plates, bowls, cookware,
etc. Small plates or
bowls saucers should be
loaded with soiled sur-
faces facing the center of
the rack. Do not load
glasses over the tines.
The Twin Shelf (select _.,
models) on the right side ......."_:_'.........._ ..........................._- ..............
of the upper rack folds up or 10 Place Settings
down. Fold it down to hold long-handled knives, spatulas and
spoons or short items like cups or juice glasses. Fold it up for
taller items like bowls, plates, etc.
j_
• Starch from foods like potatoes, pasta, rice and oatmeal
require more energy to clean than the rest of the load.
• Place all items in the racks so they are separated and fac-
ing the center of the racks.
• Wedge flat, lightweight items next to the silverware basket
or along the sides and back of the racks.
• Load items so they do not rest over the wash tower locat-
ed in the center of the lower rack.
• Avoid blocking the upper and lower spray arms by not
allowing items to extend beyond the racks.
• Place glasses in any row of the upper rack for proper clean-
ing and rinsing. Do not load glasses over the tines.
Lower Rack
(Features vary slightly by model.)
Large items may be placed in any convenient location in this
rack. Keep soiled surfaces facing the center of the rack. The
back of this rack accommo-
dates a row of dinner plates
or two rows of smaller
plates. Serving bowls, pots
and pans also fit across the
left side of the rack.
Folding tines (select mod-
els) located on the right
side, provide loading flexi-
bility for large-shaped
items.
10 Place Settings
Removing the Upper Rack
The upper rack can be removed when tall or oversized items
need to be loaded into the lower rack.
To remove:
• Roll the upper rack 1/3 to 1/2 of the way out.
• Remove the plastic rack stop from the end of each track.
To remove each plastic rack stop, push inward (towards
the rack) on the ridged area of the rack stop. The rack
stop will snap open and can be easily removed by
pulling straight out. Take care to support the track
while removing rack
stops.
• Roll the rack all the way
out of the track and
remove from the dish-
washer.
• Reverse the above proce-
dure to replace the upper
rack into the dishwasher.
Rack
Stop
Removable Utensil Basket
with Handle (Featuresvarys,ghtJybymodeJ./
For best cleaning results, prevent items from nesting togeth-
er by placing some items in the basket with handles up and
some with handles down. Load knives, handles up, through
the slots in the covered section (when closed).
Be sure that thin, finely pointed items do not extend through
the basket. This could block the lower wash arm.
Small, lightweight items like baby spoons and plastic mea-
suring spoons should be placed in the covered section (select
models) of the basket for washing.
/
2
Hot Water
For best results, the incoming water temperature should be
120°-140°E Check the water temperature by turning on the
hot water faucet nearest the dishwasher and letting it l_m
into a glass in the sink. Place a candy thermometer in the
glass and check the temperature once it has stopped rising. If
it is below 120°F have a qualified person raise the water
heater setting.
If the outside temperature is unusually low, or if your water
travels a long distance from the water heater to the dish-
washer, you may want to turn on the hot water faucet at the
sink and allow it to run until the water is hot. This assures
that the inital fill of water is hot.
Detergent
Use a detergent designed specifically for use ill an automatic
dishwasher. Other types (laundry, hand soap, etc,) will cause
oversudsing. Be sure to use fresh detergent and store it in a
cool, dry place (not under the sink).
The amount of detergent to use depends on the water hard-
ness measured in grains per gallon * (gpg) and the amount of
soil on the dishes. Generally detergent amounts should be
increased for harder water and heavier soil. Refer to the for
bwing chart for detergent usage recommendations.
To fill the dispenser, turn the cap counterclockwise to open.
Pour the rinse aid into the reservoir. Replace the cap and be
sure it is securely in place before closing the dishwasher
door. Check the dispenser monthly and refill as needed.
Rinse aid is available in solid form for models without a liq-
uid dispenser. When using a solid rinse aid, fasten it to the
back right corner of the lower rack. Purchase more rinse aid
when the material dissolves and the container is empty.
Step Starting the
After loading the dishwasher and adding detergent, close
the dishwasher by pressing the door until the htch clicks.
To start the dishwasher, firmly press the desired cycle and
options pads. After a pause, the fill will begin. To prevent
an unplanned cycle or AccuTemp" option change, these
selections are "locked in" after i minute.
• The indicator lights for the selected cycle and options will
glow.
• To cancel the Heated Dry option, press the pad again. To
cancel a cycle, press the Drain/Off pad.
Do not use detergent with Rinse Only. Leave the detergent
lid open when running Rinse Only.
If the water hardness is 13 gpg or harder, it is difficult to
achieve good results with any dishwasher. The solution is a
mechanical water softener to improve water quality, deter-
gent effectiveness, and to protect the dishwasher parts from
the damage that hard water deposits may cause.
Step Rinse Aid
A liquid rinse aid dispenser (seh'ct models) automatically
releases a measured amount of rinse aid into the final rinse
Soft (0-4 gpg)
Medium (5-9 gpg)
Hard (10-12 gpg)
Light Soil
Normal Soil
Heavy Soil
Light Soil
Normal Soil
Heavy Soil
Light Soil
Normal Soil
Heavy Soil
Adding a
Forgotten |tern
For best cleaning, the forgotten item should be added early
in the cycle.
1. Press the Delay/Resume pad or unlatch the door.
2. Wait for the water circulation to stop.
3. Open the door and add the item.
4. Close and latch the door.
5. If Delay/Resume was pushed, push it again to restart the
dishwasher.
6. After five seconds, the cycle resumes automatically at the
point of inten_ption.
*Your local water utility or state univer-
sity extension service can tell you the
degree of water hardness in your area.
5teaspoons
6teaspoons
8teaspoons
7teaspoons
8teaspoons
lOteaspoons
9teaspoons
lOteaspoons
12teaspoons
** Add recommended amount of deter-
gent to both compartments for Heavy
or Normal wash cycles, and to the main
cup only for the Light wash cycle.
at a
Your dishwasher offers various cycles and options to adjust
to specific load conditions. Please refer to the chart below.
CYCLE
Heavy Wash
for heavily soiled dish-
es and pots & pans
Normal Wash
for normally
soiled dishes
2 Pl_wash_,
Main Wash,
Purge,
2 Pxslscs
2 Prewash_,
Main Wash,
Purge,
WATER USE
10 gallons
8 gallons
Rinse
Light Wash
for lightly
soiDd dishes
Rinse Only
for rinsing dishes wait-
ing for a full load
Wash,
Purge,
2 PxiR_c_
Rinse
Off
6 gallons
2 gallons
Options:
The indicator light above the option will illuminate when the
option is selected. Press the pad again to cancel an option
and the light will go out.
Delay/Resume can delay or interrupt any wash cycle for 2, 4,
or 6 hours. To set up a delay, first select the appropriate cycle
and options for the load. Then, quickly press and hold the
Delay/Resume pad until the desired amount of delay time is
selected. The dishwasher will count down and the cycle will
automatically start as soon as the delay time expires.
If you wish to cancel the delay start, simply press the
Delay/Resume pad again. The indicator light will go out
and the cycle will start immediately. This pad can also be
pl_ssed to temporarily interrupt a cycle. The _Tcle will l_'s_,ne
from the point of interruption when the dehy time runs out or
1
when the Delay/Re_ume pad is pl_sse_t again.
AccuTemp Hchecks the main wash and final rinse water tem-
peratures and will extend the heating and water circulation
until proper water temperature is reached. Select
AccuTemp' ' to ensure proper water temperature for activat-
ing detergent and dissolving greasy food soils.
Heated Dry- turns on the heating element during dry for
enhanced drying results. Cancelling Heated Dry turns the
heating element off. Towel drying of some items may be nec-
essary.
Drain/OFF Pressing the pad once will drain the dishwasher
and then turn it off. Pressing the pad twice will turn it off
without draining.
Indicator Lights:
CLEAN glows at the end of the dry cycle.
DRY light glows during the entire dry period and goes out
when the cycle is completed.
WASH light glows during all wash portions.
HEATING DELAY glows to indicate that the cycle is being
extended to heat the water to proper temperature.
interior
The dishwasher interior is normally
Periodically check the bottom of the dishwasher tub to see if
any large particles have not gone through the strainer por-
tion of the module.
Wipe the edge of the inner door liner to remove any food soil
qslashes which occurred during loading.
The color from some tomato-based food soils has been
known to occasionally adhere to today's dishwasher tubs,
causing temporary discoloration. To help prevent this, when
washing a load of dishes soiled with tomato sauce:
* Scrape excess tomato-based food soils off of dishes, prior
to loading. Do not prewash the dishes, however.
* Run the Heavy Wash cycle.
Exterior
The front of the dishwasher can be cleaned with a soft damp
cloth and liquid spray cleaner. Do not use abrasive powders
or cleaning pads.
Storage/Noving
Fill both detergent cups with a fresh-scented dishwasher
detergent or baking soda and select the Normal Wash cycle,
Allow the dishwasher to complete the cycle. Then turn the
water supply off and drain the dishwasher. To drain, pt_ss the
Drain/Off pad once. Operate the drain twice to ensure most
of the water is removed. Last, disconnect the electrical supply
and prop open the door. (See Important Safety Instructions,
#14, page 1).
What Can and Cannot Be Washed
Most tableware, cookware and flatware can safely be washed in your dishwasher. If you have any doubts about an
item, check with the manufacturer
Cast Iron
China/
Stoneware
Crystal
Furnace
Glass
Pewter, Tin
Plastics
Stainless
Steel
Sterling
Silver or
Silverplate
Seasoning will be removed, and iron will rust.
Always check manufacturer's recommendation before washing. Antique,
hand-painted or over-the-glaze patterns may fade. Gold leaf may discolor.
Always check manufacturer's recommendation before washing. Some types
of leaded crystal may etch with repeated washings.
May leave a dingy deposit or stain on dishwasher interior.
Milkglass can yellow with repeated dishwasher washing.
Always check manufacturer's recommendation before washing. Plastics vary
in their capacity to withstand high water temperatures and detergents.
.... Disposable plastic items are not dishwasher safe for this reason.
Run a Rinse Only cycle if not washing immediately. Prolonged contact with
foods containing salt, vinegar, milk products or juice could damage finish.
Always check manufacturer's recommendation before washing. Run a Rinse
Only cycle if not washing immediately. Prolonged contact with food contain-
h_g salt, acid or sulfide (eggs, mayonnaise and seafood) could damage finish.
Commercial "darkening" may be removed by detergent.
Wooden Items
Wood may warp, crack or discolor.
Check these points to help save you time and money•
DishwasherWill Not Fill:
• Be sure door is latched securelv.
• Be sure the water is turned on.
• Check that the dial/pad is properly selected for a cycle.
• Allow time for select models to drain/pause before filling.
• Check your home's circuit breaker or fuse box.
• Check inlet hose for a kink.
• Check water valve inlet for sediment and clean if necessarv.
Dishwasher Will Not Drain/Water In Tub Bottom:
• If connected to a food waste disposer, be sure the knock-out is removed from the disposer inlet.
• Be sure the drain hose is elevated at least 32" so water cannot siphon back into the tub.
• Check for food obstruction in the drain or disposer.
• Check drain hose for a kink.
• Check your home's circuit breaker or fuse box.
• Check that the cycle is completed.
Detergent Cup Is Not Empty:
• Check that the cycle is completed.
• Be sure dispenser is not blocked by a dish or utensil.
• Use flesh detergent stored in a cool. dry place.
Dishwasher Seems Noisy:
• A water valve hiss during fill is normal.
• Water circulation sounds are normal.
• A ticking noise is a normal timer sound.
• A thumping sound may be a wash arm bumping an item that is extending beyond the racks.
• Chopping or grinding sounds may be heard during drain as the internal food disposer chops hard items like fruit
seeds, nuts, etc.
• Hunmaing during the drain is normal.
• A snap noise is the detergent cup lid hitting the door liner when the dishwasher door is opened at the end of the
cycle. This is normal.
• Proper installation affects the noise level.
Cycle Takes Too Long (Heating Delay Light Stays On, select models):
• AccuTemp 'Mor Temp Boost Iselect models_ has been selected and the cycle is extended if the water temperature is low.
• Check to see that the incoming water temperature is 120-140 ° F (49-60 ° C).
Dishwasher has an Odor:
• Run dishes being held in the dishwasher through a Rinse Only cycle.
• Many dishwashers have a "new" smell when first installed. This will dissipate with use.
• Dishwasher mav not be draining properly. (See "Won't Drain" section.,
• For a strong odor place baking soda in both sides of the detergent cup. Select Light Wash and allow the water to
circulate for about 10 minutes. Interrupt the cycle by unlatching the door and let it stand overnight. Restart the
dishwasher by latching the door and allow it to complete the cycle. A commercial dishwasher cleaning product such
as Jet-Dry Dishwasher Cleaner* can also be used.
Dishwasher Leaks:
• Check that the dishwasher is level. (Refer to the Installation Instructions.)
• Suds can cause the dishwasher to overflow. Measure the detergent carefully and use only detergents designed for
use in a dishwasher. Less detergent is needed in soft water. Try another brand if sudsing continues.
• Follow directions closely on how to add a forgotten item tpg. 3).
• Be sure the Rinse Aid lselect models) lid is securely attached and not leaking.
Brand names are trademarks of the respective manufacturer. Continued on next page.
6
Food Soil Remains on Dishes:
• Check water temperature (pg 3).
• Run hot water at the _ink before starting the dishwasher.
• Select AccuTemp ''_or Temp Boost (select models.
• Check water hardness and adjust detergent amount accordingly _pg. 3).
• Use fresh detergent stored in a cool dry place.
• Select proper cycle for the soil level.
• Load items so thev do not block the wash arms or center tower _pg. 2).
• Load the utensil basket with some handles up and some down to prevent nesting.
• Do not place glasses over tines.
• Prior to loading, scrape off burnt on foods and wipe the starchy film from utensils used with pasta, rice and oat-
meal. These soils require more energy than the rest of the load to clean.
Glasses Are Cloudy/Spotted:
•Alwavs use a rinse aid.
• Check water temperature, incoming water should be 120°-140 ° F (49-60 ° C).
• Confirm that the cloudiness is removable by soaking the item in white vinegar for approxin_ately 5 minutes. If
removed, the problem is due to hard water. Adjust detergent amount being used to match water hardness tPg. 3).
Be sure detergent is fresh, stored properly and is a high quality brand.
• If cloudiness is not removable, it is etching. This is an erosion of the surface of the glassware and can be caused by
water that is too hot, from using too much detergent or by prewashing. Detergent needs food soil to act upon. If
etching has occurred, the glassware is permanently damaged. To prevent further etching, adjust the detergent
amount to match the water hardness, stop prewashing, and be sure incoming water is not greater than 140 ° F
(60° C). Use water heating options only when incoming water temperature is below 120 ° F (49° C).
Items Washed In The Dishwasher Or The Dishwasher Tub Itself Is Stained/Discolored:
• AlLm_inum utensils or pans can leave marks when they rub against other items. Leave a slight space between items.
• Iron deposits in the water can leave a yellow, brown or orange film on dishes or the dishwasher tub. A filter may be
needed, check with a water treatment company RoVer Rust Remover _ tpart no. 057961 _ can be used to remove
rust. Do not use RoVer along with dishwasher detergent. Fill both cups with RoVer and complete a Normal Wash
cycle. Follow with a short wash cycle Using dishwasher detergent.
• Color from tomato sauces may adhere to the tub (pg. 4). If light staining has occurred, leave the door open to oxi-
dize the stain away. For removal of heavier stains, try a citric acid containing a dishwasher cleaning product such
as Glisten" (part no. 18001017)**. Change dishwasher detergent and be sure to use a dishwasher detergent that con-
tains chlorine to better fight staining.
Items Not Properly Dried/Moisture Is Present On The Dishwasher Interior After The Dry Cycle:
• Be sure Heated Dry is selected.
• Water droplets may form on the inner door as part of the drying process.
•Alwavs, use a rinse aid like Jet Dry or Cascade Rinse Aid _.
• Check water temperature (pg. 3).
• Ii
Select AccuTemp or Temp Boost (select models.
• Increase detergent amount to match water hardness _pg. 3).
• Load properly (pg. 2)
• Plastic and teflon items are difficult to dry because the porous surface tends to collect water droplets. Towel drying
may be necessary.
• Glasses and cups with concave bottoms hold water and require towel drying.
Dishware is Chipped:
• Load dishes according to instructions so they do not strike each other _pg. 2).
• Washing antique china!crystal in the dishwasher is not recommended.
• Do not load glasses over the tines.
• Do not overload.
* Brand names are trademarks of the respective manufacturer.
** Call 1-800-688-8408 to order.
7
To Change the Door Panel Insert
(select models)
1. Using a Phillips screw driver, remove either the right or
left-hand door trim strips by removing the three screws.
2. Grasp the panel insert(s) and gently flex out slightly. Slide
panel(s) out about two inches. Continue to flex insert
panel(s) enough to remove them. Use care, edges may be
sharp.
3. Select color and reinstall panel(s). Place insert panel(s)
(notched corners at the top) on the inside of the lower
door panel trim. Make sure the upper notched comers of
the insert(s) are under the control panel.
4. Reinstall the side trim.
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