Whirlpool WDF590SAJW 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 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 birth defects or other reproductive harm.

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.

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W10852540A

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

Filtration system and maintenance

Upper Filter
Assembly

Lower Filter

P

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SLIDE

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
2 parts, an upper filter assembly
and 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.

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
Instructions for complete removal and
maintenance schedule.

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

Rinse the filters 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.

Drying - Rinse aid is essential

You must use a drying agent such as a
rinse aid for good drying performance.
Rinse aid along with the Heat Dry
option will provide best drying and
avoid excessive moisture in the
dishwasher interior.

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.

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

Press START/RESUME every time
youaddadish

IMPORTANT: If the door is opened to add a
dish (even during the Delay Hours option),
the Start/Resume button must be pressed
each time.

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1.Prepare and Load the 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.

■ 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 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 load items
are secured in racks.

3.Add Detergent

Premeasured Detergents

High quality premeasured tablets and
packs are recommended for 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. They are suitable for all
hardness and soil levels. Also, by using
a rinse aid, you can minimize repeat
buildup of white film (not all packs and
tablets contain rinse aid). Always place premeasured detergents in
main compartment and slide lid closed.
NOTE: Follow instructions on the package when using other
dishwasher detergent types. See the complete owners manual for more
details about powders, liquids, and gels.

■ 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.

To close lid To open lid

■ When loading silverware, always place sharp

items pointing down as shown and avoid
“nesting”.

■ 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 and suggested loading patterns to keep

your silverware separated for optimum wash.

NOTE: Silverware basket may vary by model.

2.Check that nothing blocks the upper

or lower spray arms

Items in rack can block
the spray arms.

Place selected detergent in the
dispenser. Place finger, as shown,

Push OPEN, as shown, and the lid

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

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 as spots

or streaks. It also improves drying by allowing water to drain off of
dishes after final rinse. Rinse aid does not adhere to dishware, and
when used, it is dispensed during each cycle.

■ 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

3

■ Pour rinse aid into the opening until the indicator level shows

SLIDE

Full

Add

CYCLE GUIDE

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.

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, the lights will flash. Adding options may increase the cycle
time displayed.

7.Follow the Progress of Your Dishwasher

The fully lit display will glow for Wash, Drain,
Drying, Sanitized, and Complete. It will also
display the remaining time for the cycle in
hours and minutes.

Select the desired cycle by pressing the
Cycles button. Each time the Cycles button is pressed, the next
available cycle will be displayed.

5.Select a Cycle

Efficient dishwashers run longer to save water and energy, just as
driving a car slower saves on gas. Typical cycle time is approximately
2¹⁄₂ hours but can take less or more time to complete, depending
on selections.

Estimated cycle times may increase or decrease, depending on water temperature, soil conditions, dish load size, and options selected.

CYCLES SOIL LEVEL ESTIMATED

The most advanced and versatile cycle. This cycle senses load size, soil
amount, and toughness of soil, to adjust the cycle for improved performance,
using only the amount of water and energy needed. Use for all soil levels.

Use for hard-to-clean, heavily soiled pots, pans, casseroles, and tableware. Heavy 3:23 7.4 (28.0)

This cycle with only the Heat 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.

Use for lightly soiled items. It saves energy. Light 2:21 2.72 (10.29)

8.Start or Resume a Cycle

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

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

■ 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.

WATER

WASH TIME

DISPLAYED*

H:MM W/O

OPTIONS

All soil levels 2:30 3.38 to 7.4

All soil levels 2:21 2.4 to 7.4

USAGE

GALLONS

(LITERS)

(12.8 to 28.0)

(9.09 to 28.0)

For fast results, 1-Hour Wash will clean dishes using slightly more water and
energy. For improved drying, select the Heat Dry option.

NOTE: Some detergents are not recommended for short wash cycles, please
refer to your detergent packaging for more information.

4

Light 1:00 7.87 (29.8)

OPTIONS CAN BE

Delay displays how many hours before the cycle will begin.

To delay the start

1. Select a wash cycle and options.

2. Press the delay button. Each time you press DELAY, it will
display the next available delay time.

3. Press START to begin the delay countdown.

NOTE: If the door is opened, such as to add a dish, the Start button must be pressed to resume the delay countdown.

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

Sani Rinse indicator is lit at the end of the cycle if the Sani
Rinse option was successfully completed. If indicator does
not light, it is probably due to the cycle being interrupted.

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

SELECTED

WITH

Available with

any cycle

Sensor

Heavy

Normal

Sensor

Heavy

Normal

WHAT IT DOES ADDED TIME

Delays start of a
cycle up to
24 hours

Raises the main
wash temperature
to 135°F (57°C)
and the final rinse
temperature to
156°F (69°C).

Raises the main
wash temperature
to 135°F (57°C).

.

TO CYCLE

0:05 to 1:06 0 to 3.9

0:05 to 0:13 0 to 3.9

ADDED
WATER

GALLONS*

(LITERS)

(0 to 14.6)

(0 to 14.6)

Turns the heating element on at the end of the wash portion
of the cycle. Its shorter heating time uses significantly less
energy compared to using Heat Dry.

Dries dishes with heat. This option, with the use of rinse aid,
will provide the best drying results. 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.

Control Lock Use the Control Lock option to avoid unintended use of dishwasher between cycles, or cycle and option changes during a cycle.

To turn on Control Lock, press and hold SANI RINSE for 3 seconds. Control Lock light will stay on for a short time, indicating that it
is activated. When the Lock indicator is lit, all buttons are disabled. If you press any button while your dishwasher is locked, the light
flashes 3 times. The dishwasher door can still be opened/closed while the controls are locked.

To turn off Control Lock, press and hold SANI RINSE for 3 seconds. Control Lock light turns off.

Available with

any cycle

Sensor

Heavy

Normal

1-Hour Wash

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

0:11 0

0:08 to 0:46 0

Control Purpose Comments

Press to start or
resume a wash
cycle.

Press to cancel
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 START/RESUME is pressed and door is closed.

Close the door firmly. Press and hold START/RESUME for 3 seconds. The dishwasher starts a
2-minute drain (if needed). Let dishwasher drain completely.

To follow progress
of your dishwasher
cycle.

The Complete indicator glows when a cycle is finished.

If you select the Sani Rinse option, when the 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 if 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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