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The detergent dispenser is located in the center of
the dishwasher door. It has two compartments. The
main wash compartment is found inside the detergent
dispenser. To open, press the blue button on the side of
the dispenser. The pre-wash compartment is on the lid of
the detergent dispenser. Use the pre-wash compartment
only when your water is extremely hard or when you have
a heavy soiled load.
You may use tablet, powder, liquid or gel automatic
dishwasher detergent. Make sure you use only detergents
specifically labeled for use in automatic dishwashers. Never
use liquid hand dish detergent in an automatic dishwasher.
Sudsing and poor wash performance will result with the use of
improper detergents.
Detergents should be stored in a dry location and in their
original container to prevent loss of effectiveness. Place
detergent in the cup just prior to starting the dishwasher and
then close the cover. The cover will open during the wash
cycle.
Filling the Detergent Dispenser
GE recommends using detergent in tablet or packet form.
Independent testing has shown this form of detergent is very
effective in the dishwasher.
Cascade
®
All-in-1 ActionPacs™
are an example of this type of detergent. Simply put a tablet
or packet into the main wash compartment and close the
detergent cup cover. Please notice that the tablet or packet
must be placed in the main wash compartment of the
detergent cup. If the tablet or packet is tossed in the bottom of
the dishwasher, the detergent will be flushed down the drain
in a very short period of time and will thus be wasted. Wash
performance will be very poor as a result.
If you choose to use detergent in powder, liquid or gel form,
the amount of detergent you use will be determined by the
hardness of your water, the temperature of your water, and
the food soil load inside the dishwasher. Contact your water
company to get information about the hardness of the water
in your area. Water hardness is measured in grains per gallon.
Use this information and the table above to determine the
amount of detergent to use. You may purchase a hard water
test strip from GE. Call 1-800-626-2002 and ask for part
number
WD01X10295
. In Canada, call 1-800-661-1616
Using too much detergent with very soft and/or very
hot water may cause a condition called etching on your
glassware. Etching is a permanent cloudiness in your
glassware. This condition is irreversible. However, using too
little detergent will cause poor wash performance.
Use the table as a starting point and then adjust the amount
of detergent you use. Use just enough to get good wash
performance. Using just the right amount of detergent will
provide great wash performance without wasting detergent
or etching of glassware.
DO NOT USE HAND DISH DETERGENT
NOTE:
Using a detergent that is not specifically designed
for dishwashers will cause the dishwasher to fill with suds.
During operation, these suds will spill out of the dishwasher
vents, covering the kitchen floor and making the floor wet.
Because so many detergent containers look alike, store the
dishwasher detergent in a separate space from all other
cleaners. Show anyone who may use the dishwasher the
correct detergent and where it is stored.
While there will be no lasting damage to the dishwasher, your
dishes will not get clean using a dishwashing detergent that is
not formulated to work with automatic dishwashers.
Detergent Dispenser
Number of
Grains/Gal.
Detergent Cups to Fill
Less than 4
Fill cup to 1/3 full
4 to 8
Fill cup to 2/3 full
8 to 12
Fill cup completely full
Greater than 12
Fill both main wash cup and pre
wash cup
Detergent
Dispenser
7
Pre-Wash
Main
Wash
Rinse Agent
