Kenmore 36314031001 Automatic Dishwasher
Important Parts of Your Dishwasher
NOTE: Appearance will vary according to the model number
WHAT YOUR DISHWASHER NEEDS TO DO ITS JOB
Hot Water
To get dishes clean and dry, you need hot water. To help you get water of the proper temperature, your dishwasher automatically heats the water in the wash cycle. Higher water temperature is needed to dissolve grease and activate powder detergents. For good washing and drying, the entering water must be at least 120°F. To prevent dish damage, inlet water should not exceed 150°F.
Check your water temperature with a candy or meat thermometer.
Turn on the hot water faucet nearest the dishwasher. Put the thermometer in a glass and let the water run continuously into the glass until the temperature stops rising.
Do not operate the dishwasher during or right after other heavy use of hot water, such as for laundry or bathing.
Water Pressure
Water supply pressure must be between 15 and 120 pounds per square inch. To determine if you have enough pressure, put a 1-quart container under a fully opened hot water faucet nearest the dishwasher. If the container fills in less than 9 seconds, water pressure is within an acceptable range. Be sure all other faucets are turned off during this test.
Water Conditions
In areas where water is very hard (12 grains or more), it may be necessary to install a water softener to assure proper performance from your dishwasher. If you do not know the hardness of your water supply, contact your local water department or bring a sample into your Sears store for testing.
Detergents
Only use detergents labeled for use in automatic dishwashers. NEVER use laundry detergents, liquid soaps, or other household cleaners in your dishwasher. Some detergents will be more effective with your water conditions than others. Store detergent in a cool, dry place.
Rinse Agents
Rinse agents make water flow off dishes quicker than usual. This lessens water spotting and makes drying faster, too.
Rinse agents come in either liquid or solid form. Your dishwasher’s dispenser uses the liquid form.
SPECIAL TIPS ON DISHWASHER USE
Most utensils and dishware can be safely washed in your dishwasher. However, some materials may require special handling.
Aluminum
Some darkening may take place. Colored aluminum may fade. Do not place aluminum items directly in front of detergent dispensers where contact with undissolved detergent could cause pitting, spotting or discoloration.
Cast Iron
Cast iron utensils should be hand-washed.
China
Antique, hand-painted china and those with gold or platinum rings should be hand-washed.
Crystal
Load carefully in the upper rack only. To prevent chipping, items should not touch. Handwash delicate items. Select the COOL DRY option to air-dry the crystal! Items.
Flatware
Sterling, silverplate and stainless steel are normally dishwasher safe. Flatware with dark decorative shading and/or non-metallic handles should be handwashed.
Pewter
Pewter or pewter-like materials should be hand-washed.
Plastic
Plastic items should be placed in the upper rack only. Wash only those items marked “Dishwasher Safe.”
Wood
Wood items should be hand-washed,
Glass
Milk glass should be hand-washed.
Non-Stick Coatings
After washing, wipe the non-stick coating area with vegetable oil to keép it from losing its non-stick quality.
Non-Dishware Items
DO NOT wash items such as electronic air cleaner filters, furnace filters and paint brushes in your dishwasher. Damage to dishwasher and discoloration or staining of the dishwasher may result.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE: Appearance may vary
Starting Your Dishwasher
- Load the dishwasher (see pages 11 and 12).
- Add detergent (see page 10).-
- Close the door but do not latch it,
- If the dishwasher drains into a food waste disposer, operate the disposer until it is empty.
- Turn on the hot water faucet nearest the dishwasher and let it run until the water is hot.
- Turn the Dial to the desired wash cycle. Then latch the door to start the dishwasher.
Select the Cycle
HEAVY WASH
For heavily soiled dishes and pots, and pans.
Cycle Time: Approx. 93 minutes
Water Usage: Approx. 9.5 gallons
NORMAL WASH
For normally soiled dishes.
Cycle Time: Approx. 89 minutes
Water Usage: Approx. 8.0 gallons
LIGHT WASH
For prerinsed or lightly soiled dishes and dishes that have been stored.
Cycie Time: Approx. 86 minutes
Water Usage: Approx. 6.6 gallons
RINSE & HOLD
For rinsing dishes that will be washed later.
DO NOT USE DETERGENT.
Cycle Time: Approx. 12 minutes
Water Usage: Approx. 3.9 gallons
Select the COOL DRY no-heat drying option.
HEATED PRESOAK
For low inlet water temperature.
Cycle Time: Approx. I23 minutes
Water Usage: Approx. 12.5 gallons
Select Options
HOT DRY Option
Turn the drying heating unit on for fast drying.
COOL DRY Option
Turn the heating unit off for the entire drying period. To shorten drying time, open the dishwasher door slightly.
Normal Sights and Sounds
- You’ll see water vapor coming through the vents by the door latch during drying and when water is being pumped out.
- You’ll hear occasional sounds while your dishwasher is running:
- Soft food disposer shredding action.
- The drain valve opens to pump water out.
- Timer control as the cycle progresses.
- Detergent cup opening.
- Pump motor starting.
- The motor stops during drying.
Energy and Water Saving Tips
- Wash full loads,
- Use your dishwasher during off-peak hours.
- Use the LIGHT WASH cycle whenever possible.
- Select the COOL DRY option when you don’t need dry dishes in a hurry.
- Don’t pre-rinse normally soiled dishes.
- Load correctly to ensure good washing action.
How to Add a Dish During a Cycle
- Add dishes any time during the RINSE & HOLD cycle.
- With other wash cycles, you can add dishes at any time BEFORE the detergent cup has opened.
Here’s how to add a forgotten dish
- Push the door latch to the left. Washing will stop.
- Wait a few seconds until the water calms. Then open the door.
- Add dishes you’ve forgotten.
Preparing Dishes for Washing
- Pre-rinsing of normal food soil is not necessary.
- Scrape off bones, seeds, skins, toothpicks, and other hard soils.
- Remove hard-shelled vegetables, meat trimmings, leafy vegetables, and excessive amounts of oil or grease.
- Remove foods with high acid content– they can discolor stainless steel.
- Remove large quantities of any food.
- When using the HEAVY WASH cycle, less preparation is required. This cycle can wash heavily soiled dishes and remove dried-on and baked-on soils from pots, pans, and casseroles. However, items with burned-on soils may not come clean.
DETERGENT DISPENSER
You’ll find two detergent dispensers on the inside door of your dishwasher.
Do not add detergent until you are ready to start the cycle. Use fresh detergent. The dispenser will automatically release detergent at the correct times during the cycle.
Always close the main cup tightly. When it is firmly latched, you will hear a clicking sound. It is not necessary to overtighten.
Close the main cup.
NOTE: To open the detergent dispenser after it has been closed, unlatch the door and rotate the Dial a full turn to the OFF position. When the closed cup contains soap it is best that the door be in a partially open position before rotating the Dial. This will help reduce the amount of detergent and rinse aid agent spillage into the tub.
Detergent Usage Guide (powder or liquid)
RINSE AGENT DISPENSER
To fill the dispenser
Unscrew the cap. Note the FULL line on the tip of the cap. Add the liquid rinse agent until it just reaches the top of the FULL line. Replace the cap. The dispenser automatically releases the rinse agent into the final rinse water.
Fill as needed, but do not overfill.
PROPER LOADING
Upper Rack (appearance will vary)
The upper rack is best for glasses, cups and saucers. Cups and glasses fit best along the sides. This is also the place for dishwasher safe plastics. Make sure small plastic items are lodged in tightly so they can’t fall onto the heating unit. Arrange stemware so that it cannot move easily. Don’t let the glasses touch each other.
The upper rack is handy for all kinds of odd shapes. Saucepans, mixing bowls, and other items should be placed face down. When loading dishwasher-safe plastics, make sure each plastic item is secured over two fingers. This will insure good washing results.
Lower Rack (appearance will vary)
NOTE: Do not load large platters or trays in the front right corner of the lower rack. They may prevent detergent from circulating in the wash cycle.
The lower rack is best used for plates, saucers, and cookware. Large items such as broiler pans and racks should go in the lower rack along the edge. Load platters, pots, and bowls along the sides, in corners, or on the back. For best washing results, all items should be positioned with the soiled side of the dish facing the center of the rack.
Keep the center area clear in the lower rack.
The Wash Tower rises through the center of the lower rack during the wash and rinse portions of the cycle. Don’t block it or load tall things next to it. Also, be careful not to let a portion of an item, such as a pot or dish handt, extend through the bottom rack. This could block the wash arm and cause poor washing results.
Put 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, are not recommended for automatic dishwashing. If placed in dishwasher, they should go in bottom of utensil basket with silverware on top.
CAUTION
Take out anything that may fall or extend through the bottom of the utensil basket.
USER MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Care of Surfaces
- Clean control panel with lightly dampened cloth. Dry thoroughly. DO NOT use abrasives or sharp objects- they could damage the control panel.
- Clean the outside cabinet finish with a good appliance polish wax. DO NOT use scouring pads, harsh or gritty cleaners.
- The interior is self-cleaning with normal use. If it should ever need cleaning, use a mild cleansing powder. If hard water causes lime build-up, clean as follows:
- Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the empty dishwasher. DO NOT use detergent.
- Operate the machine on the NORMAL WASH cycle.
Care of Air Gap
If an air gap was installed for your built-in dishwasher, check to make sure it is clean. Air gaps are usually mounted on the countertop and can be inspected by removing the cover. The air gap is not part of your dishwasher and is not covered by the Sears warranty.
Protection against Freezing
If the dishwasher is left in an unheated place during the winter:
- Shut off water and electrical power.
- Remove the access panel.
- Disconnect the water lines from the valve. Drain into a flat pan.
- Drain the collection chamber at the rear of the unit below the filter by disconnecting the hose to the pump.
- Remove the plastic pump cover from the tub bottom and use a sponge to soak up any remaining water.
- Reconnect water lines to the valve and hoses to the pump.
Preparation for Moving
- Disconnect electrical power.
- Turn off the water supply, disconnect the water and drain lines.
- Tape racks in place; close the door securely and tape it shut.
- Wrap with blankets and, if using a hand truck, lift the dishwasher from the side in an upright position only.
Troubleshooting
Dishwasher will not start
CAUSED BY
- DThe dishwasheris not receiving electricity
- The dial is not in the correct position for the cycle selected
- Turning the Dial too far
SOLUTION
- Check the house’s fuse or circuit breaker.
- Make sure the Dial is turned far enough and the cycle button is fully pushed in.
- Be careful you do not turn the Dial any farther than necessary. There is a delay between start-up and water fill, so you will not hear any wash action right away.
The dishwasher will not fill with water..
CAUSED BY
- Turning the Dial too far
- No water supplyThe waterr inlet valve is clogged
SOLUTION
- See the solution above.
- Make sure the water supply valve under the sink is turned on.
- The water valve supply line may be clogged with sediment. Clean out.
Unusual noise
CAUSED BY
- Improper loading
SOLUTION
- Utensils may not be secure on rack pins, or something small may have dropped from the rack. Water is causing utensils to rattle. Make sure everything is securely placed in the dishwasher.
Dishwasher leaks
CAUSED BY
- Dishwasher not level
- Too much sudsing
- Spilled rinse agent
- Dishwasher door interferes with the surrounding cabinets
SOLUTION
- Level dishwasher as described in Installation Instructions. Don’t place the dishwasher on the carpet.
- Improper detergent. Use automatic dishwasher detergent only, or try a different brand or less detergent.
- If hand dishwashing detergent is used by mistake, pour one measuring cup of vegetable oil in bottom of tub and run dishwasher through a complete NORMAL WASH cycle with recommended amount of automatic dishwashing detergent.
- To remove suds from tub: Open dishwasher. Let suds evaporate. Add 1 gallon of cold water to tub. Close and latch dishwasher. Pump out water by slowly turning Dial until a drain period is reached. Repeat if necessary.
- Spilled rinse agent can cause foam during washing. This can lead to overflowing. Wipe up accidental spill of rinse agent with a damp cloth.
- Make sure the door does not touch the cabinets when opening or closing. Use leveling legs to level the dishwasher.
Dishes not dry
CAUSED BY
- Water is not hot
- COOL DRY option selected
- improper loading
- Rinse the agent dispenser empty
SOLUTION
- Raise the water heater thermostat to 140°F if necessary.
- Do not select the COOL DRY option. Allow dishes to dry in heated air.
- Load dishes so items drain properly. Avoid overloading.
- Fill the rinse agent dispenser if empty.
Spotting and filming
CAUSED BY
- Hard water
- Water is not hot
- COOL DRY option selected
- Not enough or poor quality detergent
- Old detergent
- No rinse agent
SOLUTION
- Fill detergent cups. Use dishwasher detergent with the highest available phosphorus content. It may be necessary to install a water softener.
- Raise the water heater thermostat to 140°E
- Drying without heat may cause some spotting. Do not select the COOL DRY option.
- Use more fresh automatic dishwasher detergent. Use detergent with the highest available phosphorus content, especially if you have hard water.
- Use only fresh, automatic dishwasher detergent. Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place. Discard old, lumpy, or separated detergent. Do not fill the detergent dispenser until ready to wash.
- Fill the rinse agent dispenser.
To remove stubborn spots and film from glassware
- Remove all metal utensils from the dishwasher.
- Do not add detergent.
- Select HEAVY WASH cycle.
- Start the dishwasher and allow it to run for 18 to 20 minutes. The dishwasher will now be in the main wash.
- Then open the door and pour 2 cups (500 ml) of white vinegar into the bottom of the dishwasher.
- Close the door and allow it to complete the cycle.
If vinegar rinse doesn’t work: Repeat as above, except use I/4 cup (60 ml) of citric acid crystals instead of vinegar. (Most drugstores carry citric acid crystals.)
Etching– permanent filming which cannot be removed
CAUSED BY
- Too much detergent in soft water
- Improper loading
SOLUTION
- Reduce the amount of dishwasher detergent. Use detergent with lower phosphorus content.
- Make sure dishes and glassware are loaded properly to permit water spray to rinse all surfaces. Do not overload,
Filmbuilds upp othe n lower front of the tub
CAUSED BY
- Some detergent did not dissolve
SOLUTION
- Use fresh, automatic dishwasher detergent. Use detergent with the highest available phosphorus content, especially if you have hard water. Raise the water heater thermostat to 140°F if necessary. Run water at the sink until hot before starting the dishwasher. Remove film with dishwashing detergent and warm water.
The detergent cup lid won’t latch after adding detergent
CAUSED BY
- Dial not in OFF position
SOLUTION
- Dial must be in OFF position for cup lid to close and latch properly, tf you unlatch the door and open it to dry your dishes, the Dial does not advance to OFF by itself.
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