Whirlpool WDF550SAFB Owners Manual

DISHWASHER USER INSTRUCTIONS

THANK YOU for purchasing this high-quality product. If you should experience a problem not covered in TROUBLESHOOTING, please visit our website at www.whirlpool.com for additional information. If you still need assistance, call us at 1-800-253-1301. In Canada, visit our website at www.whirlpool.ca or call us at 1-800-807-6777.

You will need your model and serial number located near the door on the right-hand or left-hand side of the dishwasher interior.

Para obtener acceso a “Instrucciones para el usuario de la lavavajillas” en español, o para obtener información adicional acerca de su producto, visite : www.whirlpool.com

Tenga listo su número de modelo completo. Puede encontrar su número de modelo y de serie en la etiqueta ubicada cerca de la puerta al lado derecho o izquierdo del interior de la lavavajillas.

Table of Contents

DISHWASHER SAFETY............................................................. 1

QUICK STEPS ............................................................................ 3

DISHWASHER USE.................................................................... 3

DISHWASHER CARE................................................................. 4

TROUBLESHOOTING................................................................ 5

WARRANTY ................................................................................ 7

Dishwasher Safety

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:

You can be killed or seriously injured if you don't immediately

DANGER

WARNING

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.

follow instructions.

can be killed or seriously injured if you don't

You instructions.

W10518033

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING:

Read all instructions before using the dishwasher.

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Use the dishwasher only for its intended function.

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Use only detergents or rinse agents recommended for use in

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

a dishwasher, and keep them out of the reach of children. When loading items to be washed:

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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

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

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Do not touch the heating element during or immediately after use.

Do not operate the dishwasher unless all enclosure panels

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are properly in place.

Do not tamper with controls.

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Do not abuse, sit on, or stand on the door, lid, or dish racks

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of the dishwasher. To reduce the risk of injury, do not allow children to play in

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or on the dishwasher. Under certain conditions, hydrogen gas may be produced in

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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

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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.

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS

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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.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Do not use dishwasher until completely installed.

Do not push down on open door.

Doing so can result in serious injury or cuts.

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.

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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.

WARNING

Tip Over Hazard

Quick Steps

Prepare and load

dishwasher.

Add detergent

for cleaning and rinse aid for drying.

Dishwasher Use

STEP 1

Prepare and Load the Dishwasher

IMPORTANT: Remove leftover food, bones, toothpicks and other

hard items from the dishes. Remove labels from containers before washing.

Select a cycle and option.

Start dishwasher.

STEP 2

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 powder, liquid

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or tablet detergent just before starting a cycle. Fresh automatic

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

Upper rack

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Make sure nothing keeps spray arm(s) from spinning freely. It is important for the water spray to reach all soiled surfaces.

Make sure that no items are blocking the detergent dispenser

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when the dishwasher door is closed.

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Items should be loaded with soiled surfaces facing down and inward to the spray as shown. This will improve cleaning and drying results.

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

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

Wash only plastic items marked “dishwasher safe.”

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

When loading silverware, always place

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sharp items pointing down and avoid “nesting” as shown.

Lower rack

A. Main Wash section B. Cover latch C. Pre-Wash section

The amount of detergent to use depends on:

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How much soil remains on the items—Heavily soiled loads require more detergent.

The hardness of the water—If you use too little in hard water, dishes won't be clean. If you use too much in soft water, glassware will etch.

Soft to Medium Water (0-6 grains per U.S. gallon) (typical water softener water and some city water)

Medium to Hard Water (7-12 grains per U.S. gallon) (well water and some city water)

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Depending on your water hardness, fill the Main Wash section of the dispenser as shown. Fill the Pre-Wash section to the level shown, if needed.

NOTE: Fill amounts shown are for standard powdered detergent. Follow instructions on the package when using other dishwasher detergent.

Hard Water

Soft Water

Hard Water

Soft Water

Main WashPre-Wash

Add Rinse Aid

Your dishwasher is designed to use rinse aid for good drying

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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 as

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spots or streaks. They also improve drying by allowing water to drain off of the dishes after the final rinse.

Rinse aid helps to reduce excess moisture on the dish racks

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and interior of your dishwasher. Check the rinse aid indicator. Add rinse aid when the indicator

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window looks clear. To add rinse aid, turn the

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dispenser cap counterclockwise and lift off. Pour rinse aid into the opening until the indicator window looks full. Replace the dispenser cap and turn clockwise. Make sure cap is fully locked

NOTE: For most water conditions,

A. Indicator

the factory setting of 2 will give good results. If you have hard water or notice rings or spots, try a higher setting. Turn the arrow adjuster inside the dispenser by either using your fingers or inserting a flat-blade screwdriver into the center of the arrow and turning.

A. Adjustable setting

STEP 3

Select a Cycle

Pots & Pans

soiled, or cookware with dried-on

or baked-on soils.

Heavy Norma

this cycle.

—Use for lightly soiled items

Light Rinse Only

this cycle) Do not use detergent. This is only a rinse that keeps food from drying on your dishes and reduces odor buildup in your dishwasher until you are ready to wash a full load.

—Use for heavily

—Use for heavy soiled,hard to clean items.

l—Use for normal food soil.

The energy usage label is based on

or china and crystal.

—(no options apply to

Select Options

You can customize your cycles by pressing the options desired.

Hi-Temp Wash

—(use only with Pots & Pans and Normal wash cycles) heats the water during the wash portions of the cycle.

Heated Dry

—use for best drying results. Turn off by pressing Heated Dry so that the light goes off.

Hour Delay

—(any cycle) offers the choice to start the dishwasher automatically at a later time. Select a wash cycle and options. Press Delay until reaching the desired hour for Delay to start. Press START/RESUME. Close the door firmly.

Lock

— use to avoid unintended use of your dishwasher. When Control Lock is lit, all buttons are disabled. The dishwasher door can be opened while the controls are locked.

To turn on Lock:

Press and Lock for at least 3 seconds. The Locked light glows. If you press any pad while your dishwasher is locked, the light flashes 3 times.

To turn off Lock:

Press and hold Heated Dry for at least 3 seconds. The Control Lock light turns off.

STEP 4

Start or Resume a Cycle

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

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Push door firmly closed. The door latches automatically. Select the wash cycle and options desired OR press START/RESUME to repeat the same cycle and options as in the previous wash cycle.

You can add an item anytime before the main wash

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starts. Open the door slowly and add the item. Close the door firmly. Press START/RESUME.

Cycle status indicators allow you to

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follow the progress of your dishwasher cycle. The Clean indicator glows when the cycle is finished.

Dishwasher Care

Cleaning the Dishwasher

Clean the exterior of the dishwasher with a soft, damp cloth and mild detergent. If your dishwasher has a stainless steel exterior, a stainless steel cleaner is recommended - Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish Part Number 31464.

Clean the interior of the dishwasher, with a paste of powdered dishwasher detergent and water or use liquid dishwasher detergent on a damp sponge to clean the cooled-down interior.

A white vinegar rinse may remove white spots and film. Vinegar is an acid, and using it too often could damage your dishwasher.

Put 2 cups (500 mL) white vinegar in a glass or dishwasher-safe measuring cup on the bottom rack. Run the dishwasher through a complete washing cycle using an air-dry or an energy-saving dry option. Do not use detergent. Vinegar will mix with the wash water.

If you have a drain air gap, check and clean it if the dishwasher isn't draining well.

Cleaning the Filters

For best performance and results, the filter assembly must be cleaned regularly. The filter efficiently removes food particles from the wash water, allowing water to recirculate during the cycle. For this reason, it is a good idea to remove the large food particles trapped in the filter frequently by rinsing the Main filter, metal strainer and Fine filter under running water. The entire filter assembly should be cleaned at least once a month.

1. Remove the filter assembly by

turning the Main filter ¹⁄₄ turn counterclockwise. Lift to remove.

2. Clean the Main filter and Fine

filter using a cleaning brush.

3. Reassemble the filter parts as

shown in the illustration.

4. Reinsert the entire filter

assembly in the dishwasher,

positioning it in place.

5. Turn the Main filter ¹⁄₄ turn

clockwise to secure in place.

NOTE: The dishwasher should not be operated without the filter assembly installed. Improper replacement of the filter assembly

A. Main filter B. Metal strainer

C. Fine filter

may reduce the performance level of the appliance and may damage dishes and utensils.

First try the solutions suggested here or visit our website and reference FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

to possibly avoid the cost of a service call.

In the U.S.A., www.whirlpool.com In Canada, www.whirlpool.ca

Dishwasher is not operating properly

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Dishwasher does not run or stops during a cycle

Is the door closed tightly and latched? Is the right cycle selected? Is the START/RESUME light on? Press START/RESUME. Is there power to the dishwasher? Has a household fuse blown,

or has a circuit breaker tripped? Replace the fuse or reset the circuit breaker. If the problem continues, call an electrician.

Has the motor stopped due to an overload? The motor automatically resets itself within a few minutes. If it does not restart, call for service.

Is the water shutoff valve (if installed) turned on?

Water remains in the dishwasher

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Is the cycle complete?

Detergent remains in the covered section of the dispenser

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Is the cycle complete? Is the detergent lump-free? Replace detergent if necessary.

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White residue on the front of the access panel

Was too much detergent used? Is the brand of detergent making excess foam? Try a different

brand to reduce foaming and eliminate buildup.

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Odor in the dishwasher

Are dishes washed only every 2 or 3 days? Run a rinse cycle once or twice a day until you have a full load.

Does the dishwasher have a new plastic smell? Run a vinegar rinse as described in “Dishwasher Care.”

Condensation on the kitchen counter (built-in models)

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Is the dishwasher aligned with the countertop? Moisture from the vent in the dishwasher console can form on the counter. Refer to the Installation Instructions for more information.

Dishes do not dry completely

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Did you use a 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.

Storing the Dishwasher

If you will not be using the dishwasher during the summer months, turn off the water and power supply to the dishwasher. In the winter, if the dishwasher could be exposed to near freezing temperatures or is left in a seasonal dwelling such as a second home or vacation home, avoid water damage by having your dishwasher winterized by authorized service personnel.

Troubleshooting

Dishes are not dry

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Did you load your dishwasher to allow proper water drainage? Do not overload. Use a liquid rinse aid to speed drying.

Are the plastics wet? Plastics often need towel drying. Is the rinse aid dispenser empty? Did you use an air-dry or energy-saving dry option? Use a

heated drying option for dryer dishes.

Excess moisture on racks and dishwasher interior

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Check the rinse aid indicator to see that there is rinse aid in the dispenser.

Spots and stains on dishes

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Spotting and filming on dishes

Is your water hard, or is there a high mineral content in your water? Conditioning the final rinse water with a liquid rinse aid helps eliminate spotting and filming. Keep the rinse aid dispenser filled. Always use a high-temp option. If your water hardness is 13 grains or above, it is strongly recommended that you install a home water softener. If you do not wish to drink softened water, have the softener installed onto your hot water supply.

Is the water temperature too low? For best dishwashing results, water should be 120°F (49°C) as it enters the dishwasher.

Did you use the correct amount of effective detergent? Use recommended dishwasher detergents only. Do not use less than 1 tbs (15 g) per load. Detergent must be fresh to be effective. Heavy soil and/or hard water generally require extra detergent.

Is the home water pressure high enough for proper dishwasher filling? Home water pressure should be 20 to 120 psi (138 to 828 kPa) for proper dishwasher fill. If you have questions about your water pressure, call a licensed, qualified plumber.

NOTE: To remove spots and film from glassware, remove all silverware and metal items and run a vinegar rinse as described in “Dishwasher Care.”

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Silica film or etching (silica film is a milky, rainbow-colored deposit; etching is a cloudy film)

Sometimes there is a water/chemical reaction with certain types of glassware. This is usually caused by some combination of soft or softened water, alkaline washing solutions, insufficient rinsing, overloading the dishwasher, and the heat of drying. It might not be possible to avoid the problem, except by hand washing.

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