Whirlpool WDT780SAEM2 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 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
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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W10785564A

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

Top Rack Adjuster (on some models)

P

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SLIDE

You can raise or lower the top rack to fit tall
items in either the top or bottom rack.
Adjusters are located on each side of the
top rack.

To raise or lower the rack with adjuster 1,
hold the top rack with one hand near the
adjuster and use the other hand to pull out
the top of the adjuster. Raise or lower the
rack to one of the preset positions.

NOTE: The top rack must be level.

Rack adjuster 1

To raise the rack with adjuster 2, lift
and pull up.

To lower the rack, lift up and let
down.

NOTE: The top rack must be level.

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 level of cleaning performance may be
affected if filters are not properly placed.

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.

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

Rack adjuster 2

To raise rack with adjuster 3, lift rack
until both sides are at the same
height and lock.

To lower, depress both tabs on rack
adjusters and lower.

Rack adjuster 3

Silverware Spray (on some models)

Silverware Spray helps
remove stuck-on food. It
delivers a concentrated
shower of water to the
in-door silverware
basket to eliminate
rewashing.

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
dishwasher interior.

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OPERATING YOUR DISHWASHER

PUSH

SLIDE

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. Your first cycle will run longer to
calibrate the optical water sensor.

Press START/RESUME every time
youaddadish.

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.

1.Prepare and Load the Dishwasher

10 place load - upper rack 10 place load - 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 available online at

www.whirlpool.com/manuals.

■ Use slots in the covers and suggested loading patterns to keep

your silverware separated for optimum wash. (See illustration,
right.)

2.Check that all arms spin freely

3.Add Detergent

■ Use automatic dishwasher

detergent only. Add 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 main compartment and close 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.

■ 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.

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

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.

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■ To add rinse aid, open the dispenser lid by gently pushing in the

Pre Wash

OPEN

SLIDE

SLIDE

Full

Add

CYCLE GUIDE

center of the lid with your thumb while lifting up on the edge.

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. Adding options may increase the cycle
time displayed.

■ 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.

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
2¹⁄₂ hours but can take less or more time to complete depending on
selections.

7.Follow the Progress of your Dishwasher

The full 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.

8.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 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.

This information covers several different models. Your dishwasher may not have all of the cycles and options described. Estimated cycle times
may increase or decrease depending on water temperature, soil conditions, dish load size, and options selected.

CYCLES ESTIMATED

The most advanced and versatile cycle. This cycle senses 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. 3:28 7.4

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, 1- Hour Wash will clean dishes using more water and energy. Select the
Heat Dry option to provide best dry performance. May be used for all soil levels.

This cycle quietly soaks dishes with an extended prewash 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.

WASH TIME

DISPLAYED*

H:MM

W/O OPTIONS

2:30 3.38 to 7.4

2:32 2.4 to 7.4

1:00 7.87 (29.8)

7:31 7.4 (28.0)

WATER USAGE

GALLONS

(LITERS)

(12.8 to 28.0)

(28.1)

(9.09 to 28)

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OPTIONS CAN BE

Activates the TargetClean™ spray jets and provides
intensified water spray to back of lower level rack.

May add heat and time to cycle.

SELECTED

WITH WHAT IT DOES

Sensor

Heavy

Normal

Raises main wash
temperature from
105°F (41°C)
to120°F (49°C).

ADDED

ADDED

TIME TO

CYCLE

0:12 to 0:57 0 to 4.8

WATER

GALLONS

(LITERS)

(0 to 18.2)

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

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 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.

The Sanitize indicator glows at the end of the cycle if the
Sani Rinse option was successfully completed. If the
indicator does not activate, it is probably due to the 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
High Heat Dry for optimum dry performance, Turn the
Heat Dry option off for air dry.

Runs dishwasher at a later time. Select a wash cycle and
options. Each time you press the delay button it will display
the next available delay time. Press DELAY. Press START/
RESUME. Close door firmly.

NOTE: The dishwasher remembers the last Delay you
selected. To reset the delay time to something other than
what is displayed, continue to press the Delay button until
the desired delay time is reached.

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

Sensor

Heavy

Normal

Soak & Clean

Sensor

Heavy

Normal

Sensor

Heavy

Normal

Soak & Clean

1 - Hour Wash

Available with

any cycle

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

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

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

Delays start of a
cycle up to 24 hours

0:05 to 0:13 0 to 3.86

(0 to 14.6)

0:05 to 1:06 0 to 3.86

(0 to 14.6)

0:08 to 0:46 0

0:00 0

.

Avoids unintended use of dishwasher between cycles, or cycle and option changes during a cycle.
To turn on Lock, press and hold SANI RINSE/CONTROL LOCK or 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 Lock, press and hold SANI RINSE/CONTROL LOCK or DELAY (depending on model) for 3 seconds. Light turns off.
NOTE: If your model requires you to press and hold 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.

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 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.

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

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