Detergent Dispenser; Filling The Detergent Dispenser - GE GDF 570-650 Series Owner's Manual

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 load large items in the lower rack where
they may block the wash jets from rinsing out the
detergent dispenser.
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.
Cascade Platinum Pacs are an example of this type of
®
detergent. Simply put a tablet or packet into the main
wash compartment and slide to 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. Call 1-877-959-8688 and ask for part number
WD01X10295. In Canada, call 1-800-661-1616.
Number of
Grains/Gal.
Less than 4
Greater than 12
Pre-Wash
Detergent
Dispenser
Push/Slide
to Close
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 glassware.
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.
Detergent Cups to Fill
Fill cup to 1/3 full
4 to 8 Fill cup to 2/3 full
8 to 12 Fill cup completely full
Fill both main wash cup and pre
Main
Wash
DO NOT USE HAND DISH DETERGENT
GEAppliances.com
wash cup
Rinse Agent
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