Maytag MDB4949SDM3, MDB4949SDH3 Owner’s Manual

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User Guide

Dishwasher

You can be killed or seriously injured if you don’t immediately follow instructions.

You can be killed or seriously injured if you don’t follow instructions.

All safety messages will tell you what the potential hazard is, tell you how to reduce the chance of injury, and tell you what can happen if the
instructions are not followed.

Your safety and the safety of others are very important.

We have provided many important safety messages in this manual and on your appliance. Always read and obey all safety messages.

This is the safety alert symbol.
This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can kill or hurt you and others.
All safety messages will follow the safety a

lert symbol and either the word “DANGER” or “WARNING.”

These words mean:

DANGER

WARNING

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: When using the dishwasher, follow basic precautions, including the following:

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

■ Read all instructions before using the dishwasher.

■ Use the dishwasher only for its intended function.

■ Use only detergents or rinse agents recommended for use in a

dishwasher, and keep them out of the reach of children.

■ When loading items to be washed:

1) Locate sharp items so that they are not likely to damage the
door seal; and

2) Load sharp knives with the handles up to reduce the risk of
cut-type injuries.

■ Do not wash plastic items unless they are marked

“dishwasher safe” or the equivalent. For plastic items not so
marked, check the manufacturer's recommendations.

■ 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 of

the dishwasher.

■ To reduce the risk of injury, do not allow children to play in or

on the dishwasher.

■ Under certain conditions, hydrogen gas may be produced 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, before using the
dishwasher turn on all hot water faucets and let the water flow
from each for several minutes. This will release any
accumulated hydrogen gas. As the gas is flammable, 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.

State of California Proposition 65 Warnings:
WARNING: This product contains one or more chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer.
WARNING: This product contains one or more chemicals known to the State of California to cause bir th defects or other reproductive harm.

In an effort to conserve natural resources, this dishwasher includes a condensed User Guide. A complete User Guide can be
downloaded at

For future reference, please make a note of your product model and serial numbers. These can be located on a label in the tub
along the left outer edge.

Model Number ________________________________ Serial Number ______________________________________
Register your dishwasher at

Para una version de estas instrucciones en español, visite

https://www.maytag.com/manuals

www.maytag.com

. ln Canada, register your dishwasher at

.

www.maytag.com

www.mayta g.ca

.

.

W10832285B

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.

WARNING

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

■

For a grounded, cord-connected dishwasher:

The dishwasher must be grounded. In the event of a
malfunction or breakdown, grounding will reduce the risk of
electric shock by providing a path of least resistance for
electric current. The dishwasher is equipped with a cord
having an equipment-grounding conductor and a grounding
plug. The plug must be plugged into an appropriate outlet
that is installed and grounded in accordance with all local
codes and ordinances.

WARNING:

Improper connection of the equipment-

grounding conductor can result in a risk of electric shock.

Check with a qualified electrician or service representative if

you are in doubt whether the dishwasher is properly

grounded. Do not modify the plug provided with the

dishwasher; if it will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet

installed by a qualified electrician.

■

For a permanently connected dishwasher:

The dishwasher must be connected to a grounded metal,

permanent wiring system, or an equipment-grounding

conductor must be run with the circuit conductors and

connected to the equipment-grounding terminal or lead on

the dishwasher.

KEY USAGE TIPS

Adjustable Upper Rack

B

A

C

SLIDE

SLIDE

(on some models)

Drying - Rinse aid is essential

You can raise or lower the top rack to fit tall
items in either the upper or lower rack.

T o Raise:

then lift rack until it is in the up position
and level.

To Lower:

then push rack down into its lower position.
Check that all spray arms turn freely after adjusting the upper rack.

Press both rack adjusters, and

Press both rack adjusters, and

Follow the Progress of Your Dishwasher

Progress will be displayed by a fully lit display and by an indicator light
on the front panel.

The fully lit display will glow for wash (A), dry (B),
lock (C), sanitized, or clean. It will also show the
estimated remaining time for the cycle in hours
and minutes.

When delay is selected, the fully lit display will
show the number of hours to delay and an “H”
for hour .

On some models, an indicator light on the front
of the door panel will glow green when a cycle
is running and will turn off when the cycle
is complete.

Recommended Detergent

The United States and Canada have passed
a restriction limiting the amount of phosphorus.
Major manufacturers have reformulated their
dishwasher detergents for this change in
detergents as another step in eco-conscious
awareness. With these recent changes, Maytag
recommends high quality tablets and packs for
convenience and improved performance.

You must use a drying agent such as
a rinse aid for good drying
performance. Rinse aid, along with
the Heated Dry option provides the
best drying and avoids excessive
moisture in the dishwasher interior.

Energy Efficiency

Auto senses load size, soil amount, and toughness of soil. This
cycle is optimized to achieve improved cleaning while using
minimal water and energy. Efficient dishwashers run longer to
save water and energy, just as driving a car slower saves on
gas. Your first cycle will run longer to calibrate the optical sensor.

When you need fast results, Quick Wash will clean your dishes
but use slightly more water and energy.

Press START/RESUME every time you add a dish

IMPORTANT:

dish, even during the Delay option), the Start/Resume
button must be pressed each time.

■

Front control models: Push door firmly closed and
press START/RESUME.

■

Top control models: Press START/RESUME and push
door firmly closed within 4 seconds.

If door is not closed within 4 seconds, the Start/Resume button LED will
flash, an audible tone will be heard, and cycle will not start.

If anyone opens the door (such as, to add a

1. Prepare and Load Dishwasher

OPERATING YOUR DISHWASHER

SLIDE

SLIDE

SLIDE

Upper rack Lower rack

Rack and silverware basket styles vary by model.

IMPORTANT:

items from dishes. Remove labels from containers before washing.

■

Make sure when dishwasher door is closed, no items are blocking
detergent dispenser.

■

Angle dirtiest dish surfaces downward, allowing space for water to flow
up through rack and between dishes.

■

Avoid overlapping items like bowls or plates that may trap food.

■

Place plastics, small plates, and glasses in upper rack.

■

Wash only items marked “dishwasher safe.”

■

To avoid thumping/clattering noises during operation, load dishes so
they do not touch one another. Make sure lightweight items are
secured in racks.

■

Additional loading patterns are available online at

manuals

■

When loading silverware, always place sharp items pointing down and
avoid “nesting” as shown. If y our silv erware does not fit into designated
slots, flip covers up and mix silverware types to k eep them separated.
Ensure that any items taller than the basket handle do not block the
spray arm.

■

Use slots in the covers and suggested loading patterns to keep your
silverware separated for optimum wash.

Remove leftover food, bones, toothpicks, and other hard

www.maytag.com/

.

■

Fresh automatic dishwasher
detergent results in better
cleaning. Store tightly closed
detergent container in a coo l,
dry place.

Detergents

Many detergents now come in several
forms (gel packs, tablets, or powder
packs). Maytag recommends high quality
tablets and packs for convenience and
improved performance.

Quality tablets and packs have been
proven better than powder, liquid, or gel detergents at reducing filming on
dishes. Using tablets and packs over time will start to reduce or eliminate
white film. These forms are suitable for all water hardness and soil levels.
Always place detergents in the main compartment and slide lid to close.
Also, by using a rinse aid, you can minimize repeat buildup of white film.
(Not all packs and tablets contain rinse aid).

NOTE:

Follow instructions on the package when using other dishwasher
detergent types. See the online User Instructions for more information on
powder, liquid, and gel usage.

To close lid To open lid

Place selected detergent in
the dispenser. Place finger,

Push OPEN, as shown, and the lid

will slide open.
as shown, and slide lid closed.
Press firmly until it clicks.

4. Add Rinse Aid

Silverware basket styles vary by model.

2. Check That All Arms Spin Freely

Items in rack can b l ock
the spray arms.

3. Add Detergent

NOTE:

If you do not plan to run a wash cycle soon, run a rinse cycle. Do

not use detergent.

■

Use automatic dishwasher detergent only. Add detergent just before
starting a cycle.

■

Your dishwasher is designed to use rinse aid for good drying
performance. Without rinse aid, your dishes and dishwasher interior will
have excessive moisture. The heating and drying options will not
perform as well without rinse aid.

■

Rinse aid keeps water from fo rming drop lets that can dry as spots or
streaks. It also improves drying by allowing water to drain off of dishes
after final rinse.

■

To add rinse aid, open the dispenser lid by gently pushing in the center
of the lid with your thumb while lifting up on the edge.

OPEN

SLIDE

Pre Wash

■

Pour rinse aid into the opening until the indicator level shows that
it is full.

■

Rinse aid is dispensed automatically. Be sure to check level and refill
as needed.

■

S

LID

E

Full

Add

CYCLE GUIDE

®

Close dispenser by pushing down gently on the lid.

NOTE:

For most water conditions, the factory setting

will provide good results.
If you are experiencing poor drying performance, you

may want to try a higher setting. Turn the arrow
adjuster to a higher number to increase the amount
of rinse aid.

5. Select a Cycle

Efficient dishwashers run longer to save water and energy, just as driving
a car slower saves on gas. Estimated cycle time will be displayed. Cycle
times may increase or decrease depending on selections. Estimated cycle
times after calibration are listed below.

6. Select Options (vary by model)

You can customize your cycles by pressing the options desired. If you
change your mind, press the option again to turn off the option. Not all
options are available f or every cycle. If an invalid option is selected for a
given cycle, lights will flash.

7. Start or Resume a Cycle

NOTE:

Run hot water at sink nearest your dishwasher until water is hot.

Turn off water.

■

Front control models: Push door firmly closed and press
START/RESUME.

■

Top control models: Press START/RESUME and push door
firmly closed within 4 seconds.

If door is not closed within 4 seconds, the Start/Resume button LED will
flash, an audible tone will be heard, and cycle will not start.

IMPORTANT:

Start/Resume button must be pressed again to resume delay countdown.

Anytime the door is opened (such as to add a dish), the

CYCLES ESTIMATED

Targets toughest food soils. Use for hard-to-clean, heavily soiled pots, pans, casseroles, and tableware . 3:28 9.0 (34.0)

Load and soil sensing cycle. This cycle is optimized to achieve improved cleaning with minimal water and
energy for all soil levels.

This cycle with only the Heated Dry option selected, and without other options selected, is recommended to
completely wash and dry a full load of normally soiled dishes. The energy usage label is based on this cycle
and option combination.

For fast results, this cycle will clean your light to medium soiled dishes but use more water and energy. For
improved drying, select Heated Dry option.

Use for rinsing dishes, glasses, and silverware that will not be washed right away. Do not use detergent.
During cycle, the rinse action will repeatedly pause for several seconds.

Cycle times may increase depending on water temperature, heavy soil condition, dish load size, and options selected.
*Adding options will add time to cycle. See Options information.

WASH TIME

DISPLAYED*

2:03 4.5 (16.9)

1:51 3.8 (14.5)

:59 5.5 (20.9)

:11 1.3 (4.9)

WATER
USAGE

GALLONS

(LITERS)

OPTIONS CAN BE

Runs dishwasher at a later time or during off-peak electrical
hours. Select a wash cycle and options. Press DELAY to cycle
through the delay time options. Press START/RESUME. Close
door firmly.

NOTE:

Anytime door is opened (such as to add a dish), Start/
Resume button must be pressed again to resume delay
countdown.

SELECTED

WITH

Available with

any cycle

WHAT IT DOES ADDED

Delays the start
of a cycle up to
24 hours.

TIME TO

CYCLE

NA NA

ADDED
WATER

GALLONS

(LITERS)

OPTIONS CAN BE

B

A

C

Raises main wash temperature to improve cleaning for loads
containing tough, baked-on food.

SELECTED

WITH

PowerBlast

Auto

Normal

WHAT IT DOES ADDED

®

Raises main wash
temperature from
105°F to 129°F
(41°C to 54°C).

TIME TO

CYCLE

WATER

GALLONS

(LITERS)

:04 to 1:16 0 to1.2

(0 to 4.5)

ADDED

Auto

®

Increases main
wash temperature
from 105°F to
145°F (41°C to
63°C) and final
rinse from 140°F
to 156°F (60°C
to 69°C).

:04 to 1:15 0 to 3.0

(0 to 11.2)

Sanitizes dishes and glassware in accordance with NSF
International NSF/ANSI Standard 184 for Residential
Dishwashers. Certified residential dishwashers are not
intended for licensed food establishments. Only sanitizing
cycles have been designed to meet the requirements of the
NSF/ANSI 184 performance standard for soil removal and
sanitization efficacy. There is no intention, either directly
or indirectly, that all cycles on a NSF/ANSI 184 certified

PowerBlast

Normal

dishwasher meet the NSF/ANSI 184 performance
standard for soil removal and sanitization efficacy.

At end of the cycle, the sanitized indicator light (or “Sanitized”
on some models) will glow. If your load did not properly
sanitize, the indicator light will flash at the end of the cycle. This
can happen if cycle is interrupted or if the water does not reach
the required temperature. The light goes off when you open
and close the door or press CANCEL.

Auto

®

Uses heating
element to speed
drying times.

:29 to :46 0

Dries dishes with heat. Use option with rinse aid to provide best
drying results. Plastic items are less likely to deform when
loaded in top rack. Turn option off for an air dry.

PowerBlast

Normal

Quick

CONTROL PURPOSE COMMENTS

Press to start
or resume a
wash cycle.

If the door is opened during a cycle or power is interrupted, Start/Resume indicator light flashes. Cycle will
not resume until door is closed and Start/Resume is pressed.

NOTE:

For top control models, push door firmly closed within 4 seconds of pressing Start/Resume. If door
is not closed within 4 seconds, the Start/Resume button LED will flash, an audible tone will be heard, and
cycle will not start.

Press to cancel
a wash cycle.

Close door firmly. The dishwasher starts a 3-minute drain (if needed). Let dishwasher
drain completely.

Control Lock
avoids
unintended use
of dishwasher
between cycles
or cycle and
option changes
during a cycle.

To follow
the progress
of your
dishwasher
cycle.

Front panel indicator light On some

models

To turn on Lock, press and hold SANITIZE for 3 seconds. Control Lock LED will stay on, indicating that it is
activated and all buttons are disabled. If you press any b utton while y our dishwasher is lock ed, LED flashes
3 times. Dishwasher door can still be opened/closed while controls are locked.

To turn off Lock, press and hold SANITIZE for 3 seconds. LED turns off.

Progress will be displayed b y a fully li t displa y (and b y an indicator light on the front panel of some models).
The fully lit display will glo w for wash (A), dry (B), lock (C), saniti zed, or clean. It will also show the

estimated remaining time for the cycle.

The indicator light on the front of the door panel will glow green when a cycle is running and turns off when
the cycle is complete.