GE GD 450 Series Owner's Manual page 9

Dispensers
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 high quality detergent
in tablet or packet form. Independent testing has shown
this form of detergent is very effective in the dishwasher.
Cascade Platinum™ ActionPacs™ or
®
Powerball are examples 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.)
49-4000218 Rev 1
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.
Detergent
Dispenser
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.
Finish Quantum
® ®
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.
Pre-Wash
Push/Slide
to Close
Number of
Detergent Cup(s) to Fill
Grains/Gal.
Less than 4
4 to 8
8 to 12 Fill cup completely full
Greater than 12 Fill both main wash cup and
DO NOT USE HAND DISH DETERGENT
Main
Wash
Rinse Agent
Fill cup to 1/3 full
Fill cup to 2/3 full
pre-wash cup
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