Whirlpool WDT780SAEM2 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

WARNING

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.

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.

1	W10785564A

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

Top Rack Adjuster (on some models)

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.

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.

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.

			L
The level of cleaning performance may be		C	O
	K					US
							&NW
							H D
							O
affected if filters are not properly placed.	U			N	R	U T
	N
	L
			OCK

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.

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.

SLIDE

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.

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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 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.

OPERATING YOUR DISHWASHER

1.Prepare and Load the Dishwasher

2.Check that all arms spin freely

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.)

PUSH

■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.

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.

SLIDE

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.

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

		Wash	OPEN
	Pre		SLIDE

■Pour rinse aid into the opening until the indicator level shows that it is full.

Full

Add

SLIDE

■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⁄ 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. Adding options may increase the cycle time displayed.

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.

CYCLE GUIDE

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	WATER USAGE
			WASH TIME	GALLONS
			DISPLAYED*	(LITERS)
			H:MM
			W/O OPTIONS
		The most advanced and versatile cycle. This cycle senses soil amount and toughness of	2:30	3.38 to 7.4
		soil to adjust the cycle for improved performance using only the amount of water and		(12.8 to 28.0)
		energy needed. Use for all soil levels.
		Use for hard-to-clean, heavily soiled pots, pans, casseroles, and tableware.	3:28	7.4
				(28.1)
		This cycle with only the Heated Dry option selected, and without other options selected,	2:32	2.4 to 7.4
		is recommended to completely wash and dry a full load of normally soiled dishes. The		(9.09 to 28)
		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	1:00	7.87 (29.8)
		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	7:31	7.4 (28.0)
		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			ADDED
					SELECTED		ADDED	WATER
					WITH	WHAT IT DOES	TIME TO	GALLONS
							CYCLE	(LITERS)
				Activates the TargetClean™ spray jets and provides	Sensor	Raises main wash	0:12 to 0:57	0 to 4.8
				intensified water spray to back of lower level rack.	Heavy	temperature from		(0 to 18.2)
				May add heat and time to cycle.	Normal	105°F (41°C)
						to120°F (49°C).
				Raises main wash temperature to improve cleaning for	Sensor	Raises the main	0:05 to 0:13	0 to 3.86
				loads containing tough, baked-on food.	Heavy	wash temperature to		(0 to 14.6)
					Normal	135°F (57°C)
					Soak & Clean
				Sanitizes dishes and glassware in accordance with NSF	Sensor	Raises the main	0:05 to 1:06	0 to 3.86
				International NSF/ANSI Standard 184 for Residential	Heavy	wash temperature to		(0 to 14.6)
				Dishwashers. Certified residential dishwashers are not	Normal	135°F (57°C) and
				intended for licensed food establishments. Only sanitizing		the final rinse
				cycles have been designed to meet the requirements of		temperature to
				the NSF/ANSI 184 performance standard for soil removal		156°F (69°C)
				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	Sensor	Uses heating	0:08 to 0:46	0
				aid, will provide the best drying performance. Plastic items	Heavy	element to speed
				are less likely to deform when loaded in the top rack. Use	Normal	drying times. Heat
				High Heat Dry for optimum dry performance, Turn the	Soak & Clean	Dry option defaults
				Heat Dry option off for air dry.	1 - Hour Wash	to ON when any
						cycle is selected
						except for 1- Hour
						Wash.
				Runs dishwasher at a later time. Select a wash cycle and	Available with	Delays start of a	0:00	0
				options. Each time you press the delay button it will display	any cycle	cycle up to 24 hours.

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.

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.

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
wash cycle.	completely. Press and hold START/RESUME for 3 seconds.

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