Product Support & Manuals

Dishwashers

1. What are the available drying options on my dishwasher?

   • The Heat Dry option, in combination with a rinse aid, will enhance drying performance by using heat. The energy required to use this option costs only pennies per cycle.
   • The Air Dry option relies on air rather than heat, and can result in having some items that are not completely dry at the end of the cycle. You may see water vapour coming from the vent during this drying cycle.
   • The PowerPlus™ Dry cycle adds a forced air system to the Heat Dry option, and is available only on select models. When used with a rinse aid, it offers our best drying performance (based on industry standard dryability testing).

    

   The drying option may be changed at any time during the cycle.

2. What is the difference between a stainless steel interior and a composite plastic interior?

   Plastic dishwasher interiors are durable, quiet, and usually less expensive than stainless steel interiors. They are usually white, but many models offer a Granite Grey tone for a more premium look. 
   
   Stainless steel dishwasher interiors are long lasting, very durable, and stain resistant. They not only offer a premium appearance, but retain heat from the wash water to aid in the drying process.

3. What is the difference between integrated controls and controls that are on the front of the dishwasher?

   There are two types of dishwasher controls, and the difference between them is primarily visual. A dishwasher with fully integrated controls has the control panel on the top of the door, where it will be hidden when the dishwasher is closed. Controls on the front of a dishwasher will be visible with the door closed.

4. What does Real Stainless Steel mean?

   Frigidaire’s Real Stainless Steel is true stainless steel that has been treated with a protective coating that reduces fingerprints and smudges, making it much easier to clean.

5. How can I ensure the best drying results?

   For the best drying results:

   • Select the “heat dry” option.
   • Use a rinse aid. Check to make sure the rinse aid dispenser is full (the clear window on the dispenser should be very dark). If the dispenser is low, remove the cap and fill the reservoir.

    

   Some dishwater models offer a “sanitize rinse” option, which will deliver higher heat for maximum drying and NSF certification that ensures a 99.99% reduction of bacteria.

6. Why is water in the dishwasher after it runs?

   It’s normal to see a thin layer of water in your dishwasher after a wash cycle is done. If you’re seeing more water than that: 

   • Check to ensure that the drainage system is free and clear of debris.
   • If your dishwasher is hooked up to a garbage disposal, run the disposal to clear the drain system.
   • If you have a new garbage disposal, the “knock-out” plug might need to be removed from the disposal. (This step can occasionally be overlooked during installation.)

7. How do I know how much detergent to use in my dishwasher?

   The amount of detergent you need to use depends on whether you have hard water. To determine the proper amount, consult your owner’s guide, which lists the correct amount of detergent for degree of water hardness. To determine your water hardness, contact your water supplier or have it tested by an outside source (such as a company that sells water treatment equipment).
   For best results, follow these tips for detergent use:

   • Make sure the detergent is fresh. When it’s old, it might not dissolve properly.
   • Store detergent in a cool, dry place (under the sink is not the best location for it).
   • When loading the dishwasher, be sure that the detergent dispenser can open freely and that water from the spray arm can reach the open dispenser.
   • Because most detergents are designed to dissolve and activate at 120°F, your dishwasher will perform best if your water temperature is 120°F or higher at the start of a wash cycle.

8. The display shows “HO” or “Hd.” What does this mean?

   “HO” or “Hd” means the dishwasher’s cycle time is being extended while it is heating water. At certain points in the wash cycle, the dishwasher uses hotter water to ensure a clean load of dishes. If it detects that the water is not hot enough, it will heat it.
   
   If you’re seeing “HO” or “Hd” frequently, check the temperature of the water available to your dishwasher. It’s best to do this at the sink closest to it, allowing the hot water to run until it reaches its maximum temperature before you test it with a thermometer. For best results, water should be not less than 120°F. 

9. What does ENERGY STAR® qualified mean?

   When shopping for an appliance, it's easy to recognize the ENERGY STAR^® label that identifies qualified products. This label means that the product passed stringent standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy. Additionally, manufacturers are required to display their products’ test results on the ENERGY STAR^® label. The label will tell you about the product's efficiency level, including approximately how much energy the appliance uses, its average annual operating cost, and how its energy use compares with that of similar products.
   
   For more information, see:
   http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=appliances.pr_appliances

10. How can I tell if my appliance is ENERGY STAR® qualified?

    When shopping for an appliance, it's easy to recognize the ENERGY STAR^® label that identifies qualified products. This label means that the product passed stringent standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy. Additionally, manufacturers are required to display their products’ test results on the ENERGY STAR^® label. The label will tell you about the product's efficiency level, including approximately how much energy the appliance uses, its average annual operating cost, and how its energy use compares with that of similar products.
    
    For more information, see:
    http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=appliances.pr_appliances