Maytag MDB8979SEZ User 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 alert 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 birth 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 https://www.maytag.com/manuals.
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 www.maytag.com. In Canada, register your dishwasher at www.maytag.ca.
Para una version de estas instrucciones en español, visite www.maytag.com.
W10708712A
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
B
A
C
SLIDE
SLIDE
Adjustable Upper Rack (on some models)
You can raise or lower the top rack to
fit tall items in either the upper or
lower rack.
To Raise: Press both rack adjusters
and lift rack until it is in the up position
and level.
To L ower: Press both rack adjusters
and push rack down into its lower position.
Drying - Rinse Aid is essential.
Rinse aid along with
Heated Dry and Sanitize
options will provide best
drying and avoid excessive
moisture in dishwasher
interior.
Follow the progress of your Dishwasher
Depending on your model, progress will be displayed by a full lit display
or by an indicator light on the front panel.
The full 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 full lit display
will show the number of hours to delay and
an “H” for hour.
The indicator light will glow blue for wash,
red for dry, or green for cycle complete.
Recommended detergent
Premeasured tablets and packs are
recommended for improved
performance. See the “Add detergent”
section or the Online guide for more
details when choosing powders,
liquids or gels.
Energy efficiency
The auto cycle senses load size, soil amount, and toughness
of soil. This cycle is optimized to achieve the best cleaning
with using minimal water and energy consumption. 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: If anyone opens the door (such as,
to add a dish, even during the Delay option), the
Start/Resume button must be pressed each time.
If Start/Resume button is located on top of door:
Push door firmly closed within 4 seconds of
pressing START/RESUME. If door is not closed
within 4 seconds, the start button LED will flash, an audible tone will be
heard (on top control models), and cycle will not start.
1.Prepare and Load Dishwasher
OPERATING YOUR DISHWASHER
SLIDE
SLIDE
SLIDE
Upper rack Lower rack
IMPORTANT: Remove leftover food, bones, toothpicks and other hard
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
www.maytag.com/manuals.
■ When loading silverware, always place sharp items pointing down
and avoid “nesting” as shown. If your silverware does not fit into
designated slots, remove covers and mix silverware types to keep
them separated.
■ Use slots in the covers and suggested loading patterns to keep
your silverware separated for optimum wash.
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.
■ Fresh automatic dishwasher
detergent results in better
cleaning. Store tightly closed
detergent container in a cool, dry
place.
Premeasured Detergents
Many detergents now come in
premeasured forms (gel packs,
tablets, or powder packs).
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. Also, by using a rinse aid
you can minimize repeat buildup of white film. These forms are suitable
for all hardness and soil levels.
NOTE: Follow instructions on the package when using other
dishwasher detergent types. See the Online guide for more information
on powder, liquid, and gel usage.
To close lid
Place selected detergent in the main compartment. Place finger as
shown and slide lid closed. Press firmly until it clicks
2.Check That All Arms Spin Freely
To open lid
Push OPEN and the lid will slide open.
4.Add Rinse Aid
Pre Wash
OPEN
SLIDE
SLIDE
CYCLE GUIDE
™
■ 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 forming droplets 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.
■ Pour rinse aid into the opening until the indicator level shows that it
is full.
■ Close dispenser by pushing down gently on the lid.
NOTE: For most water conditions, the factory setting
will give good results.
If you are experiencing poor drying performance,
you may want to try a higher setting. Turn the arrow
adjuster to a higher setting to increase the amount
of rinse aid dispensed.
5. Select a Cycle
Efficient dishwashers run longer to save water and energy, just as
driving a car slower saves on gas. Estimated cycle times will be
displayed. Cycle times may increase or decrease depending on cycle
and option selections.
6.Select Options
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 for every cycle. If an invalid option is selected for a
given cycle, lights will flash.
7.Start or Resume a Cycle
NOTE: When starting a new cycle, run hot water at sink nearest your
dishwasher until water is hot. Turn off water.
■ If Start/Resume button is located on top of door, push door firmly
closed within 4 seconds of pressing START/RESUME. If door is not
closed within 4 seconds, the Start button LED will flash, an audible
tone will be heard (on top control models), and cycle will not start.
IMPORTANT: If anyone opens the door (such as, adding a dish, even
during the Delay Hours option), Start/Resume button must be pressed
each time.
This information covers several different models. Your dishwasher may not have all cycles and options described.
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 best 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 slightly 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 the cycle. See the 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
C
Runs dishwasher at a later time or during off-peak electrical
hours. Select a wash cycle and options. Press Delay one
time for each additional hour of delay up to 24 hours. 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
TIME TO
CYCLE
Delays start of a
NA NA
cycle up to
24 hours.
ADDED
WATER
GALLONS
(LITERS)
Raises main wash temperature to improve cleaning for
loads containing tough, baked-on food.
Auto
PowerBlast™
Normal
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
Auto
PowerBlast™
Normal
cycles have been designed to meet the requirements of the
NSF/ANSI 184 performance standard for soil removal and
for sanitization efficacy. There is no intention, either directly
or indirectly, that all cycles on a NSF/ANSI 184 certified
dishwasher meet the NSF/ANSI 184 performance standard
for soil removal and for sanitization efficacy.
At end of the cycle, the sanitized indicator or word
“sanitized”, on some models, will glow. If your load did not
properly sanitize, the indicator will flash at the end of the
cycle. This can happen if the 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.
Dries dishes with heat and the fan (on some cycles). Use
this option with rinse aid. Plastic items are less likely to
deform when loaded in top rack. Turn option off for an air
dry.
Note: The fan may run for 1 hour after the cycle ends for
Auto
PowerBlast™
Normal
Quick
some cycle/option selections. The fan can be stopped by
opening the door or pressing any key on the console.
Dries dishes with heat and the fan (on some cycles). Use
this option, with rinse aid, to get the best drying results.
Plastic items are less likely to deform when loaded in top
rack.
Note: The fan may run for 1 hour after the cycle ends for
Auto
PowerBlast™
Normal
Quick
some cycle/option selections. The fan can be stopped by
opening the door or pressing any key on the console.
CONTROL PURPOSE COMMENTS
Raises main wash
temperature from
105°F (41°C) to
129°F (54°C).
Increased main
wash temperature
from 105°F (41°C)
to 145°F (63°C)
and final rinse
from 140°F (60°C)
to 156°F (69°C).
Uses heating
element and the
fan (with some
cycles) to speed
drying times.
Uses heating
element and the
fan (with some
cycles) to speed
drying times.
:04 to 1:16 0-1.2
(0-4.5)
:04 to 1:15 0 - 3.0
(0 - 11.2)
:12 to :46 0
1:01 to 1:17 0
Press to start or
resume a wash
cycle
If the door is opened during a cycle or power is interrupted, Start/Resume indicator flashes. Cycle will
not resume until door is closed and Start/Resume is pressed.
NOTE: If START/RESUME button is located on top of door, push door firmly closed within 4 seconds of
pressing START/RESUME. If door is not closed within 4 seconds, start button LED will flash, an audible
tone will be heard (on some top control models), and cycle will not start.
Press to cancel
Close door firmly. The dishwasher starts a 3-minute drain (if needed). Let dishwasher drain completely.
wash cycle
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