Frigidaire Dishwasher Use and Care
FEATURES AT A GLANCE
- Your dishwasher cleans by spraying a mixture of hot water and detergent through the spray arms against soiled surfaces. First, the dishwasher drains for a few seconds to remove soils dropped while loading, then fills with water covering the filter area. Water is then pumped through the spray arms. Soil particles go through and across the filter and down the drain as the water is pumped out. This series of steps are repeated as needed. The number of water fills varies with the cycle being used.
Features may vary according to the model
Operating Instructions
Getting Started
- Load Dishwasher (See Preparing and Loading Dishes).
- Add detergent (See Dishwasher Dispenser & Detergents).
- Add Rinse Aid, if needed (See Rinse Aid).
- Select desired CYCLE (See Cycle Chart).
- Select desired OPTION (See Energy Options).
- Run hot water faucet nearest dishwasher until water is hot. Turn water off.
- To start, press START/CANCEL pad and close door.
Wash Cycle Selections
- Cycle times are approximate and will vary with the options selected. Hot water is necessary to activate dishwasher detergent and melt fatty food soils. An automatic sensor will check the incoming water temperature and, if it is not hot enough, the cycle will be lengthened for automatic water heating in the main wash and final rinse of all cycles. This happens even when the HI-TEMP WASH option has not be selected. When HI-TEMP WASH is selected, an even higher temperature will be reached to handle heavier soil loads.
Recommended Cycle for typical use:
- The Normal cycle with its factory default options of normal temperature and heated dry together provides the best all-around performance. This cycle selection is recommended for everyday useand is suitable for a large range of both dishloads sizes and food quantities remaining on those dishes.
Option Selections
- Wash Pressure
- The programmed cycles default to the “surge” pressure option which varies the pressure optimally for the cycle’s intended normal use. If, for some special circumstance, either a very low “spray” or very high “scour” pressure is desired that may be selected. Due to wash cycle optimization, some pressure options are not selectable in all wash cycle.
- Wash Temp
- The programmed cycles default to the “normal” temperature option, to choose HI-TEMP or SANITIZE press WASH TEMP pad again.
- Hi-Temp Wash Option
- THE HI-TEMP WASH option is selected, by pressing the WASH TEMP pad, the dishwasher heats water in the main wash to approximately 140oF (60oC). This increase in water temperature helps dishwasher detergent remove food grease and soil from dishes more effectively and aids in Recommended Cycle for typical drying.
- Heat Dry
- The HEATED DRY option, available on all cycles, enhances drying performance when combined with rinse aid.
- Air Dry
- The AIR DRY option will reduce the temperature in the hot rinse of the selected wash cycle. This option will slightly decrease energy usage but will increase the likelihood that dishware will not be dry.
- My Favorite Cycle
- The MY FAVORITE CYCLE option allows you to program your preferred cycle and options into one button. Once Programmed, simply press the MY FAVORITE CYCLE button followed by the START/CANCEL pad will select the programmed cycle and options.
- To Program the MY FAVORITE CYCLE button:
- 1. Select your preferred cycle and options
- 2. Hold the MY FAVORITE CYCLE button for 3 seconds.
- The LED over the MY FAVORITE pad turns on indicating the MY FAVORITE CYCLE option has been programmed. To change the MY FAVORITE CYCLE option simply repeat steps one and two above
Status Window
The STATUS window, available on some models, indicates the following activity:
- 1-24…………. Number of delay start hours. The last hour will count down in minutes.
- CL……………….. Close dishwasher door. The status indicator lights will also flash to indicate current cycle status.
- MINUTES………. Number of minutes left in cycle (1-199).
- L0—-L6……………. Level of Rinse Aid dosage.
- In the unlikely event the dishwasher malfunctions, the STATUS window may display one of the following codes: “i10” – refer to dishwasher won’t run or fill and try to solve the problem “i20” – refer to dishwasher does not drain properly and try to solve the problem. If, after the check, the problem remains, or if the status window shows other error codes, contact the Frigidaire Customer Care Center at 1-800-944-9044. They will be able to provide assistance in troubleshooting the problem and/or locating an authorized service technician, if needed.
Status Indicator Lights
- The CLEAN light will remain on until the door is opened. When the SANITIZE option is selected and the criteria is met, the Sanitized indicator will display
and remain on until the door is opened. If the sanitization criteria is not achieved, the indicator will not display. This can happen if the cycle is interrupted or if the sanitization temperature could not be reached due to incoming water temperature significantly below 1200F.
Green Light
- When the GREEN LIGHT illuminates on the floor this indicates that the wash cycle is complete.
Cycle Chart
Cycle | Settings | Water (approx.) | Time * (Hours) | Washes/ Rinses | |
Heavy Wash/Power Plus For pots, pans casseroles and dinnerware with dried- on or baked-on soils, and silverware | Default Surge, Hi-Temp and Heat Options Scour, Sanitize and Air | 7.0 – 7.9 gal. 26.6 – 29.9 liters | 2 1/4 – 3 1/4 | 4 3 | Washes Rinses |
Normal Wash For regularly soiled dishes and silverware. | Default Surge, Normal and Heat Options Scour-spray, Hi-Temp Sanitize and Air | 2.9 – 7.3 gal. 11.0 – 27.7 liters | 2 – 3 1/4 | 5 2 | Washes Rinses |
Quick Wash | Default | 4.5 gal. | 1/2 | 3 Washes | |
A fast wash for lightly soiled dishes and silverware | Scour, Normal and Heat Options Air | 17.1 liters | 1 Rinses | ||
China Crystal For lightly soiled China and Crystal | Default Spray, Normal and Heat Options | 5.7 gal. 21.5 liters | 1 1/4 | 3 Washes 2 Rinse | |
None Available | |||||
Energy Saver For lightly soiled pre-rinsed dishes and silverware | Default Surge, Normal and Air Options Scour-Spray | 4.4 – 7.9 gal. 16.5 – 29.7 liters | 1 1/4 – 1 3/4 | 5 Washes 3 Rinse | |
Rinse Only | Default | 2.0 gal. | 1/4 | 2 Rinses | |
For rinsing dishes that will be washed later. | Surge Options None Available | 7.6 liters | 2 |
PREPARING AND LOADING DISHES
Dish Preparation
- Scrape away large pieces of food, bones, pits, toothpicks, etc. The continuously filtered wash fluid will remove remaining food particles. Burned-on foods should be loosened before loading. Empty liquids from glasses and cups. Foods such as mustard, mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice and tomato based products may cause discoloration of stainless steel and plastics if allowed to sit for a long period of time. Unless the dishwasher is to be operated at once, it is best to pre-rinse or use the rinse only cycle to rinse off these food soils.
- Load racks so that large items do not prevent the detergent dispenser from opening.
- Check manufacturer’s recommendations before washing items in question.
- If the dishwasher drains into a Food Disposer, be sure disposer is completely empty before starting dishwasher.
Cup Shelf/Stemware Holders
- The Cupshelf holder can be folded down to be used to load two levels of cups, juice glasses, and other short items or fold down both and use for long items such as utensils and spatulas. Fold up to load tall glasses.
- The Stemware holder is used to securely hold your wine glasses in place for the best wash. To properly secure you glass simply press the stem of the glass into the center of the Cupshelf the rubber pieces will secure around the stem to hold the glass in place.
Soft Grip Rack
- The Soft Grip Rack is used to secure in place glassware and those plastic items that may move around with the water from the spray arm.
Loading the Silverware Basket
- Features and appearance of racks and silverware basket may vary from your model. Load the silverware basket while it is in the bottom rack or take the basket out for loading on a counter or table.
- In some models small items like baby bottle caps, jar lids, corn cob holders, etc., can be placed in a covered section. Close the cover to hold small items in place.
- Use suggested loading patterns, as shown, to increase the washability of the silverware. Be sure nothing protrudes through bottom of basket or rack to block the spray arm.
- Do not mix silver and stainless to avoid damaging the silver finish
- When covers are up, mix items in each section of the basket with some pointing up and some down to avoid nesting. Water spray cannot reach nested items.
To add or remove items after wash cycle starts:
- Unlatch door and wait a few seconds until wash action stops before opening.
- Add the item and wait a few seconds to allow cold air to slowly expand inside dishwasher.
- Close door firmly to latch and resume cycle.
DISHWASHER DISPENSER & DETERGENTS
Filling the Detergent Dispenser
The detergent dispenser has a main wash cup where you will add your detergent or detergent tab.
- Use only fresh automatic dishwashing detergent. Other detergents may cause oversudsing.
- When using an automatic dishwashing detergent tablet, place one tablet in main wash cup and close.
- Add detergent just before starting cycle.
- Store detergent in a cool, dry location. Moist or caked detergent may not dissolve properly
How much Detergent to use
- The amount of detergent to use depends on the water hardness. Water hardness is measured in grains per gallon. Using too little detergent can result in poor cleaning and hard water filming or spotting. Using too much detergent in soft water can cause etching to some glassware which is surface damage that appears like a film but cannot be wiped off.
- Your local water company, water softener company or county extension agent can tell you the water hardness in your area.
Dosage of detergent
- Place a single detergent tablet or packet into the detergent dispenser compartment
Dosage of detergent
Water Hardness | Soft Water (0-3 grains) | Medium Hard Water (4-8 grains) | Hard Water (9-12 grains) |
Amount (teaspoons) | 4 teaspoons | 6 teaspoons | 8 teaspoons |
Dispenser cup level: | First Line | Second Line | Full |
CARE AND CLEANING
- Outside – Occasionally wipe with a mild nonabrasive detergent and water. Rinse and dry.
- Care of Drain Air Gap
- If a drain air gap was installed for your built-in dishwasher, check to make sure it is clean so the dishwasher will drain properly. A drain air gap is usually mounted on the counter top and can be inspected by removing the cover. This is not part of your dishwasher and is not covered by warranty.
- Clean the Cylinder Fine Filter
- The Cylinder Fine Filter is designed to collect some big items such as broken glass, bones and pits. The Cylinder Fine Filter needs to be cleaned to maximize wash performance. Remove the Cylinder Fine Filter as shown, rotate it counterclockwise, lift it out, empty and clean it by rinsing under running water and replace. Use of a sponge or bottle brush may be necessary to remove all food residue.
- Clean the Coarse Filter
- Take out the Cylinder Fine Filter and remove the Coarse Filter from the dishwasher tub bottom. Flush the Coarse Filter by holding it under running water and replace
BEFORE YOU CALL
- Winterizing
- A dishwasher left in an unheated place should be protected from freezing. Have a qualified person do the following:
To Disconnect Service:
- Turn off electrical power to the dishwasher at the supply source by removing fuses or tripping circuit breaker.
- Shut off water supply.
- Place a pan under the inlet valve. Disconnect water line from the inlet valve and drain into pan.
- Disconnect drain line from pump and drain water into pan.
To Restore Service:
- Reconnect the water, drain, and electrical power supply.
- Turn on water and electrical power supply
- Fill detergent cup and run the dishwasher through a POWER PLUS/HEAVY WASH cycle.
- Check connections to make sure they do not leak.
- NOTE
- To achieve the best results from your dishwasher, visit www.dishwashingexpert.com for general tips regarding the performance and operation of your
dishwasher.
Water in Bottom of Tub
- Water left in the tub bottom after the cycle is complete is not normal. If water remains in the bottom of the tub, the dishwasher may not be draining properly. (See Dishwasher Does not Drain Properly).
- Detergent Left in Dispenser Cup
- Detergent may be old. Discard and use fresh detergent.
- Be sure the dish load doesn’t block spray from entering the detergent cup.
- Check to see if cycle has been completed.
- Make sure items do not prevent the detergent dispenser from opening
- Dishwasher Won’t Fill
- Is water supply turned on?
- Dishwasher Does Not Drain Properly
- If unit is hooked up to a food waste disposer, make sure the disposer is empty.
- Check to see if the knockout plug has been removed from inside the food waste disposer inlet.
- Check to see if drain hose is kinked.
- Make sure cycle is complete, not in a pause.
- Dishwasher has an Odor
- Soiled dishes left in dishwasher too long can create an odor. Use Rinse Only cycle.
- There will be a “new” smell when first installed. This is normal.
- Check to see if unit is draining properly. (See Dishwasher Does Not Drain Properly).
Removing Spots and Film
Hard water can cause lime deposit buildup on the interior of the dishwasher. Dishes and glasses may also get spots and film for a number of reasons. (See Glassware/Flatware Spotted or Cloudy section). To remove buildup, and film, clean using the following instructions:
- Load clean dishes and glasses in normal manner. Do not load any metal utensils or silverware.
- Do not add detergent.
- Select the NORMAL WASH cycle. Press START/CANCEL pad. Close and latch the door.
- Allow dishwasher to run until it starts the second water fill (approximately 10 minutes).
- Unlatch an and open door and pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the bottom of dishwasher.
- Close and latch door and allow cycle to finish.
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Frigidaire Dishwasher Use and Care-FAQs
How do I use a basic Frigidaire dishwasher?
Load the dishwasher, add detergent and rinse aid, select your desired cycle and option, then press START/CANCEL to begin.
What is the rough opening size for a Frigidaire dishwasher?
The rough opening should be at least 24” deep, 17-5/8” to 18” wide, and up to 32.5” high.
How long does a Frigidaire dishwasher cycle take?
Cycle times vary:
1. Light cycle: ~105 minutes
2. Medium cycle: ~110 minutes
3. Heavy cycle: ~130 minutes
What is Power Failure (PF) mode on a Frigidaire dishwasher?
The PF code indicates a power loss. Reset by pressing the START/CANCEL button to begin a new cycle.
How do Frigidaire dishwashers dry dishes?
The PowerPlus™ Dry cycle uses heated air for drying, while the Air Dry option relies on airflow and may leave some dishes damp.
Can I lock my Frigidaire dishwasher?
Yes, press and hold the DELAY START button for 3 seconds to lock the controls. Repeat to unlock.
Does a Frigidaire dishwasher sanitize dishes?
Yes, the SANITIZE option heats the final rinse to 155°F (68°C) for 9 minutes to sanitize dishes and glassware.
How do I stop a running dishwasher?
Press and hold the On/Off, Cancel, or Reset button for about 3 seconds until the dishwasher stops and drains.
Do dishwashers use a lot of water?
Modern Energy-Star dishwashers use less than 4 gallons per cycle, significantly less than older models or hand washing.
What does PF mean in a Frigidaire dishwasher?
The PF (Power Failure) code indicates low operating voltage or a power outage. The dishwasher resumes when voltage stabilizes.