User Manual GE GDF645SMNES Front Control with Stainless Steel Interior Dishwasher with Sanitize Cycle & Dry Boost

• Owner's manual - (English, French, Spanish)

Table of contents

• USING THE DISHWASHER
• CARE AND CLEANING
• TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS

OWNER’S MANUAL DISHWASHERS

USING THE DISHWASHER

Getting started

Features and appearance will vary throughout this manual

GDF565

GDF645

GDT565

DDT700

GDT665, GDT645, GDP645

PDT715, PDP715

PDT775, PDT785

1.Load Dishwasher

For best dishwashing results, follow the loading guidelines found in the Loading section. No pre-rinsing of normal food soil is required. Scrape off hard soils, including bones, toothpicks, skins, and seeds. Remove leafy vegetables, meat trimmings, and excessive amounts of grease or oil.

2. Add Detergent

Add needed amount of detergent to the detergent dispenser. Use detergent such as Finish® Quantum® Automatic Dishwashing Detergent. See Dispensers section.

3. Add Rinse Agent

Add rinse agent such as Finish® Jet-Dry® Rinse Aid to the rinse agent dispenser. See Dispensers section.

4. Select Cycle

Press the furthest pad on the left for the desired wash cycle. On some models, the light next to the furthest pad on the left will be lit to indicate which wash cycle has been selected. On other models, pressing the furthest pad on the left will show various cycles in the display window. Press the pad until the desired cycle is shown.

NOTE: Actual cycle times vary based on soil level, water temperature, and options selected.

The cycle may be selected with the door in the open position. The cycle will not start until the Start pad is pushed and the door is closed within 4 seconds.

*Washing time only. Does not include drying time, Auto Hot Start, or options. NOTE: If the incoming water temperature is too low, the Auto Hot Start feature may add up to 25 minutes of additional time.

5. Select Options

The light by the selected button will be lit to indicate which Option has been selected.

6. Start Dishwasher

7. Cycle Indicator Lights and Sounds

Dispensers

Check the Water Temperature

The entering water should be at least 120°F (49°C) and not more than 150°F (66°C) for effective cleaning and to prevent dish damage. Check the water temperature with a candy or meat thermometer.

Turn on the hot water faucet nearest the dishwasher, place the thermometer in a glass and let the water run continuously into the glass until the temperature stops rising.

Use a Rinse Agent

Rinse agents, such as Finish® Jet-Dry® Rinse Aid are designed for great drying action and to protect against spots and film build-up on your dishes, glasses, flatware, cookware, and plastic.

Filling the Rinse Agent Dispenser

The rinse agent dispenser holds 3.5 oz. (104 ml) of rinse agent. Under normal conditions, this will last approximately one month.

Make sure the dishwasher door is fully open. Open the rinse agent dispenser door. Slowly add rinse agent until the cup is full. You may need to pause several times to allow rinse aid to settle. NOTE: Indicator window does not light up. Clean up any spilled rinse agent with a damp cloth to prevent foam from forming inside the dishwasher. Close the rinse agent dispenser door.

Rinse Aid Setting

The amount of rinse agent released into the final wash can be adjusted. If water drops or hard water spots remain on dishes after the dry cycle, increase the setting.

To adjust the setting

Open the Rinse Agent dispenser door; then turn the adjuster clockwise to increase the amount of rinse agent, counterclockwise to reduce the amount of rinse agent.

Detergent Dispenser

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 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. The pre-wash compartment is not used when tablet or packet detergents are used.

NOTE: Do not block detergent dispenser with large or tall dishware.

You may use tablet, packet, 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 Appliances recommends using detergent in tablet or packet form. Independent testing has shown this form of detergent is very effective in the dishwasher. Finish® Quantum® Powerball® is an example of this type of detergent. However, some single dose detergents are not designed for shorter cycles. If you experience wash-out issues with these tablets or packets, follow the instructions below

Rinsing cycles - DO NOT use detergents. (These cycles are designed for rinsing dishes only, not soil removal.)

Washing cycles less than 60 minutes (not including additional dry or wash options) - Put a tablet or packet into the pre-wash compartment of the detergent cup, or in the bottom of the dishwasher. (These cycles are designed to be shorter which could result in bad detergent wash-out if the detergent is placed in the main wash compartment of the detergent cup. Wash performance will be diminished as a result.)

Washing cycles 60 minutes or longer (not including additional dry or wash options) - Put a tablet or packet into the main wash compartment of the detergent cup and close the detergent cup cover. (These cycles are designed for tougher soils and will likely have more fills/drains than the shorter cycles. If the tablet or packet is placed in the pre-wash compartment or 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 Appliances. Call 877-959-8688 and ask for part number WD01X10295. In Canada, call 800-661-1616.

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 glassware.

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.

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 for automatic dishwashers.

Loading

For best dishwashing results, follow these loading guidelines. Features and appearance of racks and silverware baskets may vary from your model.

Upper Rack

The upper rack is primarily for glasses, cups, and saucers. For best wash performance, tilt cup and glass openings toward the center of the rack. Other items such as pots, pans, and plates may be placed in the upper rack. This is also a secure place for dishwasher-safe plastic items. The upper rack can be used for odd sized utensils. Sauce pans, mixing bowls, and other similarly shaped items should be placed face down for best wash performance. Ensure small plastic items are secure so that they cannot fall on the heater at the bottom of the dishwasher, potentially damaging the item. Some models are equipped with a hidden heater, so dishwasher safe plastic items can be placed in the lower rack.

IMPORTANT: Ensure items in the upper rack do not interfere with the 3rd Rack (on some models) when loading and unloading.

IMPORTANT: Ensure that items do not protrude through the bottom of the rack or silverware basket where they will block the rotation of the middle spray arm. This could result in noise during operation and/or poor wash performance.

The Bottle Jets system (on some models) is the ideal location to position baby bottles, tall sports bottles, or other tall items with narrow openings. The Bottle Jets clips hold bottles with small openings in place so water jets are directed inside the bottles to clean hard to reach areas. Clips can be installed or removed by simply slipping the clip opening over the top of the nozzle.

The upper rack allows 2” of adjustment up or down to accommodate large items. The upper rack may be lowered by pushing the long flaps on each side of the rack. This will allow you to lower the rack (see fig. Upper Rack). To raise the rack, lift up on the rack until the rack locks in place.

On some models, the upper rack may be adjusted to accommodate larger items. To adjust the upper rack, fully extend the upper rack and lift the front of the rack so that the rack roller wheels clear the end hooks on the front of the rails. Continue to pull the rack until the remaining rack roller wheels clear the end hook. Select the set of rollers on the side of the rack that provides the desired height, and reinstall the upper rack by aligning the rack roller wheels on the end hook and rack rails – Ensure that there are roller wheels above and below the rack rails. Failure to properly align the wheels onto the end hook and rails may result in the rack falling from the dishwasher.

To add flexibility in loading, the stem safe shelf (on some models) may be placed in the up or down position or unfolded and placed in the lower unfolded position. The shelf may also be used to secure stemware such as wine glasses. Because these stemware items come in various sizes, slowly push the rack in to ensure the items do not bump into the edges of the dishwasher, which may cause damage to the items.

The fold down tines (on some models) provide flexibility for extra-large and hard-to-fit items. The tine rows can be adjusted to a vertical or lay-down position.

CARE AND CLEANING

Control Panel

To clean the control panel, use a lightly dampened cloth. Then dry thoroughly.

Exterior Door Panel

Before cleaning the front panel, make sure you know what type of panel you have. Refer to the last two letters of your model number. You can locate your model number on the left-hand tub wall just inside the door. If your model number ends with BB, CC, WW, SA, ES, DS or TS then you have a painted door panel. If your model number ends with SS, then you have a Stainless Steel door panel. If your model number ends with II, then you have an Integrated door panel.

Follow the instructions below for cleaning the door panel for your specific model.

Painted Door Panel (model numbers ending in BB– black, CC–bisque, WW–white, SA-silver, ES-slate, DS-black slate or TS-black stainless steel)

Use a clean, soft, lightly dampened cloth, then dry thoroughly.

Do not use scouring pads or powered cleaners because these products can scratch the finish.

Stainless Steel Door Panel (model numbers ending in SS)

For cleaning rust and tarnish, cleaners with oxalic acid such as Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser™ will remove rust, tarnish and small blemishes. Use only a liquid cleanser free of grit and rub in the direction of the brush lines with a damp soft sponge. Do not use appliance wax or polish on the stainless steel.

For other blemishes and marks, use Stainless Steel Magic or a similar product using a clean soft cloth. Do not use appliance wax, polish, bleach or products containing chlorine on Stainless Steel. You can order Stainless Steel Magic # WX10X29 through GE Appliances Parts by calling 877.959.8688. In Canada, call 800-661-1616.

Integrated Door Panel (model numbers ending in II)

This is a custom installed door panel, and you will need to refer to the cabinet manufacturers recommendations for proper cleaning.

Dishwasher Interior

To clean and de-odorize your dishwasher, use citric acid or Finish® Dishwasher Cleaner, a detergent additive. Finish® Dishwasher Cleaner will break up mineral deposits, and remove hard water film and stains. You can order citric acid GE Appliances kit # WD35X151 through GE Appliances Parts by calling 877-959-8688 or visiting GEApplianceparts.com. In Canada, call 800-661-1616. You can purchase Finish® Dishwasher Cleaner at your local grocery store.

Stainless Steel Inner Door and Tub

The stainless steel used to make the dishwasher tub and inner door provides the highest reliability available in a GE Appliances dishwasher.

If the dishwasher tub or inner door should be scratched or dented during normal use, they will not rust or corrode. These surface blemishes will not affect their function or durability.

Filters

Inspect and clean the filters periodically. This should be done every other month or more depending on usage. If there is a decrease in wash performance or dishes feel gritty, this is also an indication the filters need to be cleaned.

Ultra-Fine Filter

To clean the Ultra-Fine Filter, remove the bottom rack. Twist the Ultra-Fine Filter counterclockwise and lift to remove. Rinse filter with warm soapy water and use a sponge to carefully remove any stubborn particles. Scrubbing with scouring pads or brushes can damage the filter. Once cleaned, replace the Ultra-Fine Filter, and twist it clockwise to lock in place.

For models with a 2-piece Ultra-Fine Filter assembly with an additional Filter Basket for food particles, twist the Filter Basket in the counterclockwise direction to unlock it from the Ultra-Fine Filter assembly. See directional arrows on the bottom of the Filter Basket. Pull the Filter Basket to remove from the assembly, throw away any food particles, rinse with warm soapy water, and use a sponge to remove any stubborn particles.

2-piece - Ultra-fine Filter assembly with additional Filter Basket (on some models)

Once cleaned, replace Filter Basket back into the Ultra-Fine Filter assembly and twist it clockwise to lock into place.

Fine Filter

To clean the Fine Filter (mesh plate), remove the bottom rack. Remove the Ultra-Fine Filter.

Lift the Fine Filter up and out from under the two rear retaining tabs. Rinse filter with warm soapy water. Scouring pads or brushes can scratch the filter surface but a soft brush or sponge may be needed to remove stubborn soils or calcium deposits caused by hard water. Once cleaned, replace the Fine Filter making sure it goes under the two rear retaining tabs. Replace the Ultra-Fine Filter.

Protect Against Freezing

If your dishwasher is left in an unheated place during the winter, ask a service technician to:

1. Turn off electrical power to the dishwasher. Remove fuses or trip circuit breaker.
2. Turn off the water supply and disconnect the water inlet line from the water valve.
3. Drain water from the water inlet line and water valve. (Use a pan to catch the water.)
4. Reconnect the water inlet line to the water valve.

Does Your Dishwasher Have an Air Gap?

An air gap protects your dishwasher against water backing up into it if a drain clogs. The air gap is not a part of the dishwasher. It is not covered by your warranty. Not all plumbing codes require air gaps, so you may not have one

The air gap is easy to clean.

1. Turn off the dishwasher and lift off the air gap cover.
2. Remove the plastic cap under the cover and clean with a toothpick.
3. Replace the cap and cover when the air gap is clean.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS