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 31462.
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
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
If you have a drain air gap, check and clean it if the dishwasher isn't draining well.
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
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.amana.com In Canada, www.amanacanada.ca
Dishwasher is not operating properly
■Dishwasher does not run or stops during a cycle Is the door closed tightly and latched?
Is the right cycle selected?
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?
It is normal for certain cycles to repeatedly pause for several seconds during the main wash.
■Clean light is flashing Call for service.
■ Dishwasher will not fill
Is the overfill protection float able to move up and down freely? Press down to release.
■Dishwasher seems to run too long
The dishwasher can run up to 3¹⁄₂ hours depending on soil level, water temperature, cycles and options.
Is the water supplied to the dishwasher hot enough? The dishwasher runs longer while heating water.
Is the dishwasher cycle time within the cycle times? See cycle sections wash times. A delay automatically occurs in some wash and rinse cycles until the water reaches the proper temperature.
This dishwasher is equipped with an optical sensor wash that detects water temperature, soil and detergent amount. Wash cycles are adjusted based on what is sensed.
IMPORTANT: The very first wash cycle after installation in your home will be adjusted to include an additional 2 rinses. This cycle must not be interrupted for proper sensor adjustment. If this adjustment cycle is canceled or stopped before the Clean light comes on at the end of the cycle, the next wash cycle will repeat this sensor adjustment.
■Water remains in the dishwasher Is the cycle complete?
■Detergent remains in the covered section of the dispenser Is the cycle complete?
Is the detergent
Is the dispenser door blocked by dishes or cookware when the dishwasher door is closed?
■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.
■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
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/silverware do not dry completely
■Dishes do not dry completely
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.
■Dishes are not dry
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
■Try adding the “Hi Temp Wash” or “Sanitize” option for further improved drying performance.
■Use a more aggressive cycle, such as “HEAVY WASH” cycle, for improved drying performance.
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