Features and appearance will vary throughout this manual

) will turn on to indicate the control is locked and will turn off to indicate the control is unlocked.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.
Sabbath/Door Wake Up Mode
To turn this option ON/OFF, press and hold the Start and Wash Temp buttons for 5 seconds, close the door and wait 3 minutes for the dishwasher to go into sleep mode. In the OFF mode, the control display, control sounds, and interior lights (on some models) will not respond to the door opening/closing. This mode can be used when observing certain religious holidays such as the Sabbath. To activate the control and interior lights (on some models), press any button.
Mute
To turn the dishwasher control sounds ON/OFF, press the Wash Temp button 5 times within 5 seconds.
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 3.9 oz. (115 ml) of rinse agent. Under normal conditions, this will last approximately one month.

Detergent Dispenser
To open, press the button and the cover will flip back. The detergent dispenser has two compartments. The pre-wash compartment is the smaller compartment on the left side. 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 utensils.

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
We recommend 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. 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 placed in the prewash 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.
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 for glasses, cups, and saucers. 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.
The cup shelf may be placed in the up or down position to add flexibility
IMPORTANT: Ensure that items do not protrude through the bottom of the rack where they will block the rotation of the upper spray arm. This could result in noise during operation and/or poor wash performance.


Upper Rack - Adjustment
CAUTION: A loaded upper rack may be heavier than anticipated. To prevent minor injury or damage to the contents, do not raise or lower the upper rack after the rack is loaded.
The upper rack may be adjusted to accommodate larger items.
To adjust the upper rack:

Lower Rack
When loading the lower rack, do not load large platters or trays in the front left. They may prevent detergent from circulating during the wash cycle.
The lower rack is best used for plates, saucers and cookware. Large items should go along the sides. Load platters, pots and bowls along the sides, in corners or in the back. The soiled side of items should face the center of the rack.
IMPORTANT: Ensure that items do not protrude through the bottom of the rack or the silverware basket where they will block the rotation of the lower spray arm. This could result in noise during operation and/ or poor wash performance.


The silverware basket may be used without the topper for quick loading. With the topper, flatware is better positioned for the dishwasher to thoroughly wash and dry all pieces by preventing nesting.
Without the topper
Put the flatware in the removable basket with fork and knife handles up to protect your hands. Place spoons in the basket with handles down. Mix knives, forks and spoons so they don’t nest together. Distribute evenly. Small plastic items, such as measuring spoons and lids from small containers, should go in the bottom of the silverware basket with silverware on top.
With the topper
Place small plastic items, such as measuring spoons and lids from small containers, in the bottom of the basket and snap the topper in place. Insert spoons and forks, handles first, through the holes in the topper. Place knives, blades first, through the holes in the topper.
IMPORTANT: Do not load large or tall utensils where they may block the detergent dispenser or upper spray arm. This could result in noise during operation and/or poor wash performance.

Connect the Unicouple to the Faucet (Portable Models Only)

Disconnect and Store Your Dishwasher (Portable Models Only)
Remove Power
Remove Unicouple from Faucet



Store the Dishwasher
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 or WW then you have a painted door panel. If your model number ends with SS, then you have a Stainless Steel door panel. Follow the instructions below for cleaning the door panel for your specific model.
Painted Door Panel (model numbers ending in BB–black or WW–white) 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.
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.
Upper Spray Head
Do NOT remove the upper spray head.
Clean with warm soapy water using a small plastic bristle brush.

Spray Arms
Because hard water chemicals will clog the spray arm jets and bearings, it is necessary to clean the spray arms regularly.
Wash the arms in soapy, warm water and use a soft brush to clean the jets. Replace them after rinsing thoroughly.
To remove the upper spray arm, twist the retaining nut 45° and pull the spray arm off the water supply tube.

IMPORTANT: When replacing make sure to twist lock the retaining nut securely onto the water supply tube. Check that the spray arm is secure and that it rotates freely.
To remove the lower spray arm, remove the lower rack and lift spray arm out.

IMPORTANT: When replacing make sure to seat the arm clips over the retaining ring. Check that the spray arm is secure and that it rotates freely
Filter Assembly
Inspect and clean the filters periodically. This should be done every 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.
To clean the filter assembly, remove the bottom rack and lower spray arm. Twist the filter assembly counterclockwise and lift to remove. Remove the filter plate.

Rinse the filters with warm soapy water. Scouring pads or brushes can scratch the filter surfaces but a soft brush or sponge may be needed to remove stubborn soils or calcium deposits caused by hard water.
Once cleaned, replace the filter plate, insert the filter assembly through the plate and twist it clockwise until it locks in place. Make sure the filters are fully seated as improper replacement of the filters may reduce the performance level of the appliance. Replace the lower spray arm and lower rack.

IMPORTANT: Before replacing, make sure no objects have fallen into the opening in the bottom of the dishwasher.

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
If your dishwasher is left in an unheated place during the winter, ask a service technician to:
Protect Against Freezing (Portable Models Only)
If your dishwasher is left in an unheated place during the winter, ask a service technician to:
Does Your Dishwasher Have an Air Gap? (Built-In Models Only)
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.
| Problem | Possible Cause | What To Do |
| Start status indicator light flashing | The door was opened or the cycle was interrupted. | Press the Start pad once and close the door within 4 seconds to start the dishwasher. Press the Start pad a second time when the dishwasher is running only if you wish to cancel the cycle. |
| Dishwasher BEEPS once every minute | This is a reminder that your dishwasher door has been left open during operation. It will continue beeping until you press Start and close the door | Press Start and close the door. |
| Beeping at the end of the cycle | This is normal. Dishwasher will beep at end of cycle. | The dishwasher will beep (unless interupted) and the Clean light will display at the end of the wash cycle. |
| Dishes and flatware not clean | Filter assembly is clogged | See the CARE AND CLEANING section. |
| Low inlet water temperature | Make sure inlet water temperature is correct (see the USING THE DISHWASHER section). Turn on the hot water faucet nearest the dishwasher, let run until the water temperature stops rising. Then start the dishwasher and turn off the faucet. This ensures the entering water is hot. Select Wash Temp - Boost. | |
| Water pressure is temporarily low | Turn on a faucet. Is water coming out more slowly than usual? If so, wait until pressure is normal before using your dishwasher. Normal water pressure to the dishwasher should be 20-120 psi. | |
| Air gap or disposer clogged (Built-In Models Only) | Clean the air gap or flush the disposer. | |
| High drain loop or air gap not installed (Built-In Models Only) | Refer to the Installation Instructions for proper drain line installation. | |
| Improper rack loading | Make sure large dishware or utensils do not block detergent dispenser or the wash arms. See the Loading section. | |
| Poor performing detergent | Use high quality detergents such as Cascade® Platinum™ ActionPacs™ or Finish® Quantum® Automatic Dishwashing Detergent. | |
| Spots and filming on glasses and flatware | Extremely hard water | See high quality rinse agents such as Cascade® Platinum™ Power Dry™ Rinse Aid or Finish® Jet-Dry® Rinse Aid to prevent spots and prevent new film build-up. If water is extremely hard, a softener may be required |
| Low inlet water temperature | Make sure inlet water temperature is at least 120°F (49°C). | |
| Overloading or improper loading of the dishwasher | Load dishwasher as shown in the Loading section. | |
| Old or damp powder detergent | Make sure detergent is fresh. Use high quality detergents such as Cascade® Platinum™ ActionPacs™ or Finish® Quantum® Automatic Dishwashing Detergent. | |
| Rinse agent dispenser empty | Refill with high quality rinse agents such as Cascade® Platinum™ Power Dry™ Rinse Aid or Finish® Jet-Dry® Rinse Aid. | |
| Too little or low performing detergent | Make sure you use the proper amount of highly rated detergent. | |
| Cloudiness on glassware | Combination of soft water and too much detergent | This is called etching and is permanent. To prevent this from happening, use less detergent if you have soft water. Wash glassware in the shortest cycle that will get it clean. |
| Low performing phosphatefree detergent | See A white film on glassware, dishware and the interior in this TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS section. | |
| Water temperature entering the dishwasher exceeds 150°F (66°C) | This could be etching. Lower the water heater temperature. | |
| Suds in the tub | Wrong detergent | Use only high quality automatic dishwasher detergents to avoid sudsing. Cascade® Platinum™ ActionPacs™ or Finish® Quantum® Automatic Dishwashing Detergent have been approved for use in all GE Appliances dishwashers. |
| Rinse agent was spilled | Always wipe up rinse agent spills immediately. | |
| Detergent left in dispenser cups | Dishes or utensils are blocking the detergent cup | Reposition the dishes, so the water from the lower spray arm can flush the detergent cup. See the Loading section. Reposition the tall utensils or heavy silverware that may be keeping the dispenser cup door from opening. See the Loading section. |
| Black or gray marks on dishes | Aluminum utensils have rubbed against dishes | Remove marks with a mild, abrasive cleaner. |
| Dishes don’t dry | Door not opened immediately after Clean light came on | For proper drying, the dishwasher door must be opened immediately after the Clean light comes on. |
| Low inlet water temperature |
Make sure inlet water temperature is at least 120°F. Use Wash Temp Boost. Select a higher cycle, such as Heavy. |
|
| Rinse agent dispenser is empty | Check the rinse agent dispenser and fill as required. | |
| Control panel responded to inputs but dishwasher never filled with water | Door may not be completely closed | Make sure the door is firmly closed. |
| Water valve may be turned off | Make sure water valve (usually located under the sink) is turned on. | |
| Stained tub interior | An overall yellow or brown film can be caused by iron deposits in water | A special filter in the water supply line is the only way to correct this problem. Contact a water softener company |
| White film on inside surface— hard water minerals |
GE Appliances recommends high quality rinse agents such as Cascade® Platinum™ Power Dry™ Rinse Aid or Finish® Jet-Dry® Rinse Aid to help prevent hard water mineral deposits from forming. Run dishwasher with citric acid to remove mineral deposits. Citric acid (Part number: WD35X151) can be ordered through GE Appliances Parts. See back cover for ordering information. Alternatively, purchase Cascade® Platinum™ Dishwasher Cleaner or Finish® Dishwasher Cleaner and follow the directions on the label. |
|
| Dishwasher won’t run | Fuse is blown or circuit breaker is tripped | Replace fuse or reset circuit breaker. Remove any other appliances from the circuit. |
| Power is turned off | In some installations, the power to the dishwasher is provided through a wall switch, often located next to the disposer switch. Make sure it is on. | |
| Control panel is locked | Unlock control panel. See the Getting started section. | |
| Reboot your control | Turn off power to the dishwasher (at circuit breaker or wall switch) for 30 seconds, then turn back on. | |
| Control panel lights go off when you’re setting controls | Time too long between touching of selected pads | Each pad must be touched within 30 seconds of the others. To relight, touch any pad again or open the door and unlock. |
| Water standing in the bottom of the tub (Built-In Models Only) | Air gap is clogged | Clean the air gap. See the Care and cleaning section. |
| High drain loop or air gap not installed | Refer to the Installation Instructions for proper drain line installation. | |
| Water won’t pump out of the tub | Drain is clogged | If you have an air gap, clean it. See the Care and cleaning section. (Built-In Models Only) If the dishwasher drains into a disposer, run disposer clear. Check to see if your kitchen sink is draining well. If not, you may need a plumber. |
| Sanitized light does not illuminate at the end of the cycle | The door was opened and the cycle was interrupted during final rinse | Do not interrupt the cycle by opening the door during the wash cycle. |
| The incoming water temperature was too low | Raise the water heater temperature to between 120°F and 150°F. | |
| Noise |
Normal operating sounds: Beeping at the end of the cycle Detergent cup opening Water entering dishwasher Motor stops and starts at various times during cycle Spray arms start and stop at various times Drain pump sounds during pump out Drain pump starts and stops several times during each drain |
These are all normal. No action is required. |
| Rattling dishes when the spray arm rotates | Make sure dishes are properly loaded. See the Loading section. | |
| Rattling silverware against door during wash | Tall utensils may be placed in the upper rack to avoid bumping against inner door during wash cycle. | |
| A white film on glassware, dishware and the interior | This problem is likely caused by a low quality phosphate-free dishwasher detergent |
To remove the white film, run your dishes through a dishwasher cycle with citric acid. Use a WD35X151 citric acid kit found online. Otherwise, use high quality rinse agents such as Cascade® Platinum™ Dishwasher Cleaner or Finish® Dishwasher Cleaner found at your local grocery store. Pour the citric acid in the detergent cup and close the cover. Place the filmed but otherwise clean glassware and dishware in the dishwasher. Leave silverware and other metal items out of the dishwasher. Turn the dishwasher on and let it run through a complete cycle without detergent. The glassware, dishware, and dishwasher should come out film free. Alternatively, a vinegar rinse may be used. Pour 1 cup of vinegar into dishwasher just after the detergent cup opens and let the dishwasher complete its cycle. This may be repeated several times a year as needed. The use of high quality rinse agents such as Cascade® Platinum™ Power Dry™ Rinse Aid or Finish® Jet-Dry® Rinse Aid may help minimize a repeat build up of film. Also, the use of high quality detergents such as Cascade® Platinum™ ActionPacs™ or Finish® Quantum® Automatic Dishwashing Detergent will help prevent film build-up. |
Forget to Add a Dish?
Additional items may be added to the dishwasher at any time, ideally items would be added shortly after starting a wash cycle.
Series: GPT225
Additionally, the document applies to other GE - General Electric models: PDT145 SERIES, GDT225-226 SERIES, GPT145 SERIES, GPT225 SERIES