Whirlpool WDF520PADM0, WDF520PADW7, WDF520PADW0, WDF520PADM6, WDF520PADB7 Owner’s Manual

User Guide

Dishwasher

LEARN MORE

In an effort to conserve natural resources, this dishwasher includes a condensed User Guide. A complete User Instructions manual for your model can be downloaded at www.whirlpool.com/manuals.

For future reference; please make a note of your product model and serial numbers. You can find them on the label located near the door on the right-hand or left-hand side of the dishwasher interior.

Model Number ___________________________ Serial Number _______________________________________

Register your dishwasher at www.whirlpool.com. In Canada, register your dishwasher at www.whirlpool.ca.

Para una version de estas instrucciones en español, visite www.whirlpool.com.

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

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

WARNING

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.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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

■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.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

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.

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WARNING

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.

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS

	■ For a grounded, cord-connected dishwasher:	Check with a qualified electrician or service representative if
	The dishwasher must be grounded. In the event of a	you are in doubt whether the dishwasher is properly
		grounded. Do not modify the plug provided with the
	malfunction or breakdown, grounding will reduce the risk of
		dishwasher; if it will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet
	electric shock by providing a path of least resistance for
		installed by a qualified electrician.
	electric current. The dishwasher is equipped with a cord
		■ For a permanently connected dishwasher:
	having an equipment-grounding conductor and a grounding
	plug. The plug must be plugged into an appropriate outlet	The dishwasher must be connected to a grounded metal,
	that is installed and grounded in accordance with all local
		permanent wiring system, or an equipment-grounding
	codes and ordinances.
		conductor must be run with the circuit conductors and
	WARNING: Improper connection of the equipment-	connected to the equipment-grounding terminal or lead on
	grounding conductor can result in a risk of electric shock.	the dishwasher.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

KEY USAGE TIPS

Filtration system

Your dishwasher has the latest technology in dishwasher filtration. This filtration system minimizes sound and optimizes water and energy conservation while providing superior cleaning.

The filter system consists of two parts, an upper filter assembly and lower filter.

Upper Filter

Assembly

Lower Filter

IMPORTANT: To avoid damage to dishwasher, do not operate your dishwasher without filters properly installed. Be sure lower filter is securely in place and upper filter assembly is locked into place. If upper assembly turns freely, it is not locked into place.

Filter maintenance

The filters may need to be cleaned when:

■Visible objects or soils are on upper filter assembly.

■Dishes feel gritty to the touch.

See “Filtration System” in full User Guide for complete removal and maintenance schedule.

IMPORTANT: Do not use wire brush, scouring pad, etc., as they may damage the filters.

Rinse filter under running water until soils are removed. If you have hard to remove soils or calcium deposits from hard water, a soft brush may be required.

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Drying - Rinse Aid is essential.

You must use a drying agent such as
a rinse aid for good drying	RINSE AID	Full
performance. Rinse aid along with
	IMPROVES DRYING
the Heat Dry option will provide best	Lock
drying and avoid excessive moisture
in dishwasher interior.		Add
		CHECK
		WITH DOOR
		FULLY OPEN

Energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is gained by extending cycle time and reducing the amount of wattage and water used during your dishwasher’s cycle. For exceptional cleaning, cycles are longer due to the soak and pauses. Several models contain an optical water sensor used to determine water and energy consumption for great cleaning performance.

Efficient dishwashers run longer to save water and energy, just as driving a car slower saves on gas.

Press start/resume every time you add a dish.

IMPORTANT: If anyone opens the door (such as, for adding a dish, even during the Delay Hours option), START/RESUME must be pressed each time.

If START/RESUME is located on top of door: Push door firmly closed within 3 seconds of pressing START/ RESUME. If door is not closed within 3 seconds, the start button LED will flash, an audible tone will be heard, and cycle will not start.

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Recommended detergent

The United States and Canada have passed a restriction limiting the amount of phosphorus (phosphates) in the household dishwasher detergents to no more than 0.5%, where previous detergents contained 8.7%. Major manufacturers have reformulated their dishwasher detergent for this change in detergents as another step in eco-conscious awareness. With these recent changes it is recommended to use tablets and packs for convenience and improved performances.

OPERATING YOUR DISHWASHER

1. Prepare and Load the Dishwasher

2. Check That All Arms Spin Freely

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.

■Items should be loaded with soiled surfaces facing down and inward to the spray as shown in the graphics above. This will improve cleaning and drying results. Angle dirtiest dish surface 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 load items are secured in racks.

■Additional loading patterns are available online at www.whirlpool.com.

■When loading silverware, always place sharp items pointing down and avoid “nesting” as shown. If your silverware does not fit into the designated slots, flip covers up and mix silverware types to keep them separated.

■Use slots in the

covers (if provided)

and suggested

loading patterns to

PUSH

keep your silverware

separated for optimum wash.

NOTE: The

AnyWare™ Silverware Basket can sit in the door for completely usable rack space letting you fit more items. It can also go in the front or side of your lower rack to fit your needs.

3. Add Detergent

■Use automatic dishwasher detergent only. Add powder, liquid or tablet detergent just before starting a cycle.

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

Recommended Detergents

Many detergents now come in premeasured forms (gel packs,

tablets, or powder packs). It is recommended to use tablets and packs for convenience and improved performance. They 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. Always place premeasured detergents in the main compartment and close the lid.

NOTE: Follow instructions on the package when using other dishwasher detergent types. See the online guide for more information on powder and gel usage.

4. Add Rinse Aid

■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 Heat Dry option will not perform as well without rinse aid.

■ Rinse aid keeps water from forming droplets that can dry		Full
as spots or streaks. It also improves drying by allowing
water to drain off of dishes after final rinse.

3	Add

■ To add rinse aid, turn the

dispenser cap ¼ turn to the left	RINSE AID
	IMPROVES DRYING
and lift off. Pour rinse aid into the	Lock	Full
opening until indicator level is at
“Full.” Replace dispenser cap and		Add
turn to “Lock.” Make sure cap is		CHECK
		FULLY OPEN
		WITH DOOR
fully locked.

NOTE: For most water conditions, the factory setting will give good results.

■Check water hardness level to ensure no rings or spots on your dishware before adding rinse

aid or adjusting the factory setting.

■ If you are experiencing poor drying performance, you may want to try a higher setting.

Turn the arrow adjuster inside the dispenser to change rinse aid setting.

5. Select a Cycle (cycles vary by model)

Efficient dishwashers run longer to save water and energy, just as driving a car slower saves on gas. Typical cycle time is approximately 2¹⁄ hours, but can take less or more time to complete depending on selections.

6. Select Options (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 for every cycle. If an invalid option is selected for a given cycle, the lights will flash.

7. Start or Resume a Cycle

NOTE: Run hot water at the sink nearest your dishwasher until the water is hot. Turn off water.

■If the Start/Resume button is located on top of door; push door firmly closed within 3 seconds of pressing START/RESUME. If door is not closed within 3 seconds, the Start/Resume button LED will flash, an audible tone will be heard, and cycle will not start.

IMPORTANT: If anyone opens the door (such as, for adding a dish, even during the Delay Hours option), the START/RESUME button must be pressed each time.

■If your Start/Resume button is located on front of door: Push door firmly closed. The door latches automatically. Select the wash cycle, options and press START/RESUME or press START/RESUME to repeat the same cycle and options as in previous wash cycle.

CYCLE GUIDE

This information covers several different models. Your dishwasher may not have all of the cycles and options described.

					CYCLES	SOIL LEVEL	WASH TIME* (MINS.)		WATER
							W/O OPTIONS		USAGE
							TYPICAL	MAX	GALLONS
									(LITERS)
					The most advanced and versatile cycle. This cycle senses load	Light to Medium	120	180	4.4 (16.7)
					size, soil amount, and toughness of soil, to adjust the cycle for
						Heavy	150	210	7.5 (28.3)
					optimal cleaning using only the amount of water and energy
					needed.
					Use for hard-to-clean, heavily soiled pots, pans, casseroles, and	All soil levels	150	210	7.5 (28.3)
					tableware.
					This cycle with only the Heated Dry option selected, and without	Light to Medium	120	180	3.0 (11.4)
					other options selected, is recommended to completely wash
					and dry a full load of normally soiled dishes. The energy usage	Heavy	150	210	7.5 (28.3)
					label is based on this cycle and option combination.
					For fast results, 1-Hour Wash will clean dishes using slightly	All soil levels	60	65	5.8 (21.9)
					more water and energy. Select the Heat Dry option to provide
					best drying performance.
					This cycle quietly soaks dishes with an extended prewash	All soil levels	400	455	7.5 (28.3)
					which eliminates the need to presoak dishes, saving personal
					time and effort. For optimal cleaning results during the Soak &

Clean cycle, add prewash detergent. Use this cycle for loads with heavy amounts of dried on or hard to clean baked-on food.

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OPTIONS	CAN BE	WHAT IT DOES	ADDED TIME TO CYCLE		ADDED
	SELECTED				WATER
	WITH				GALLONS
			TYPICAL	MAX	(LITERS)
Raises main wash temperature to improve	Sensor	Raises main wash	35	45	0 - 3.7
cleaning for loads containing tough, baked-	Heavy	temperature from			(0 - 14.0)
on food.	Normal	105°F (41°C) to
	Soak & Clean	135°F (54°C).
Sanitizes dishes and glassware in	Sensor	Increases main	60	90	0 - 2.6
accordance with National Sanitation	Heavy	wash temperature			(0 - 10.0)
Foundation (NSF)/ANSI Standard 184 for	Normal	from 105°F (41°C) to
Residential Dishwashers. Certified		130°F (54°C) and
residential dishwashers are not intended for		final rinse from
licensed food establishments. The Sani		140°F (60°C) to
Rinse indicator indicates at the end of the		155°F (68°C).
cycle whether the Sani Rinse option was
successfully completed. If indicator does not

activate, it is probably due to cycle being interrupted.

Dries dishes with heat. This option, with the use of rinse aid, will provide the best drying performance. Plastic items are less likely to deform when loaded in the top rack. Use Heat Dry for optimum drying performance or turn the Heat Dry option off for air dry.

Available with any cycle

Uses heating

52

52

0

element and vents to speed drying times. Heat Dry option defaults to On when any cycle is selected except for 1-Hour Wash.

Runs dishwasher at a later time. Select a	Available	Delays start of a	240	240	0
wash cycle and options. Press 4-HR DELAY.	with any	cycle up to 4 hours.
Press START/RESUME. Close door firmly.	cycle

NOTE: Anytime door is opened (such as, to add a dish), START/RESUME must be pressed again to resume delay countdown.

Control Avoids unintended use of dishwasher between cycles, or cycle and option changes during a cycle.

Lock To turn on Control Lock, press and hold CONTROL LOCK or 4-HR DELAY (depending on model) for 3 seconds. Control Lock light will stay on for a short time, indicating that it is activated, and all buttons are disabled. If you press any button while your dishwasher is locked, light flashes 3 times. Dishwasher door can still be opened/closed while the controls are locked.

To turn off Control Lock, press and hold CONTROL LOCK or 4-HR DELAY (depending on model) for 3 seconds. Light turns off.

NOTE: If your model requires you to press and hold 4-HR DELAY to lock controls, Control Locked LED will be on or off to indicate whether Control Lock is active or not.

Control

Purpose

Comments

Press to start or resume a wash cycle.

If the door is opened during a cycle or the power is interrupted, the Start/Resume button LED 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 3 seconds of pressing START/RESUME. If door is not closed within 3 seconds, Start/Resume button LED will flash, an audible tone will be heard (on some top control models), and cycle will not start.

Press to cancel	Close the door firmly. The dishwasher starts a 2-minute drain (if needed). Let dishwasher drain completely.
wash cycle.

To follow progress of your dishwasher cycle. NOTE: Indicators shown are not available on all models.

The Clean indicator glows when a cycle is finished.

If you select Sani Rinse option, when cycle is finished, the “Sanitized” indicator glows. If your dishwasher did not properly sanitize your dishes, the light flashes at the end of the cycle. This can happen if the cycle is interrupted, or water could not be heated to required temperature. The light goes off when you open and close door or press CANCEL.

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