GE GSD1206 User manual

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Safetyinstructions.........................3 Problem Solver......................I 3-15
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@OperatingInstructions,Tips
>,,. ~China,Crystal,Sterling...............................10
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Preparation
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FrontPanelChange....................................12
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Models:GSD1206GSD1236
To obtain aSpanish language Para obtener la versi6n en
version of this bookdcall espafiolde este manual,
GE Answer Center name a
800.626.2000 GE Answer Center,@
consumer information service. servicio de inforrnaci6n
para el consumidor,
te16fono800.626.2000.
GEAppliances

Anote toconsumer—
We’d like to thank you and congratulateyou for making the wise decision in purchasing your dishwasher.
This User Guide is designed to be kept near your dishwasher at all times for quick and easy reference. Features
may vary on some dishwasher models, Please read the following tips to insure your dishwasher is operating at its
best performance.
We care about you and your appliance and we want your dishwasher to do itsjob for you.
●HOT WATER—Your dishwasher
*
needs hot water for best results. Water
entering the dishwasher should be at
least 120”F.but your dishwasher
performs BETTER with HIGHER
water temperatures not to exceed 150°F.
●WATER HARDNESS-The hardness
of thewaterplaysan importantpart in
howwellyourdishwashercleans.In
areaswherewateris veryhard (12grains
or more),it maybe necessaryto install
awater softener.If youdo notknow the
hardnessofyourwater supply,contact
yourlocalwaterdepartment.
●DETERGENTS—Only usedetergents
labeledfor usein automaticdishw~shers.
ANeveruselaundrydetergentsor
liquidsoaps..that will causeoversudsing
and leaks.The amountof detergentyou
usedependson thewaterhardnessand the
amountof soilon yourdishes.In most
cases,detergentamountsshouldbe
increasedfor hard water and heavy soil.
R●RINSE AGENT—should alwaysbe used:
—to reduce water spotting.
Q—to improve drying.
p, Always check and refill the rinse agent
when necessary.
●FOR BEST RESULTS—The cycles
and the options you choose have an
effect on the results you get. The
following are examples. (Please, see the
Operating Instructions, Tips for more
information.)
●TEMP BOOST OPTION—
e
—use with heavily soiled loads.
—extends cycle to heat water for best
washing and drying.
u“POTS PANS CYCLE—
—use with dried or baked-on heavily
soiled loads.
m
“- “HEATED DRY OPTION—
—assuresfasterdrying.
—besureto usearinseagent.
*
oBeforeusingyourdishwasher,
$Q?\Q readthisguidecarefully.
..
~.$It is intended to help you operate and
maintain your new dishwasher properly.
Keep it handy for answers to your questions.
If you don’t understand somethingor need more help, call:
GE Answer Center@
800.626.2000
24 hours aday, 7days aweek.
%
If you receiveda
Idamageddishwasher...
‘+ Immediatelycontactthe dealer (or
builder)thatsoldyou the dishwasher.
Savetimeandmoney.
Beforeyou requestservice...
Check the Problem Solver in the back of this guide. It lists
causes of minor operating problems that you can correct
yourself.
Writedownthemodel
andserialnumbers.
You’llfindthemon alabelfastenedto the
tub walljust insidethedishwasherdoor.
These numbers are also on the Consumer Product
Ownership Registr~tionCard that came with your
dishwasher. Before sending in this card, please write
these numbers here:
Model Number
Serial Number
Use these numbers in any correspondence or service calls
concerning your dishwasher.
We’11be there...
No matter what major appliance you buy from us, you
always get more than aquality product. You receive the
added assurance that, should you ever need our help, we’ll
be there.
We ask that you please be sure to read all the Important
Safety Instructions before operating your new appliance
to insure your safety.
2

IMPORTANTSAFETYINSTRUCTIONS
Readallinstructionsbeforeusingthisappliance.
AWARNING—Whenusingthis
appliance,alwaysexercisebasic
safetyprecautions,includingthe
following:
●Usethisapplianceonlyforitsintended
purpose,asyouwillfinddescribedinthis
UseandCareGuide.
o●Thisdishwashermustbeproperly
\u i,:, installedandlocatedinaccordance
L.\\~
>Q... withtheInstallationInstructions
...=.~beforeitisused.Ifyoudidnot
receiveanInstallationInstructionssheetwithyour
dishwasher,youcanobtainonebycalling,toll
free,theGEAnswerCenter?800.626.2000.
—Thisappliancemustbeconnectedtoagrounded
metal,permanentwiringsystem;oran
equipment-groundingconductormustberun
withthecircuitconductorsandconnectedto
theequipment-groundingterminalorleadof
theappliance.
—Connecttoaproperlyrated,protectedandsized
power-supplycircuittoavoidelectricaloverload.
●Donotstoreorusecombustible
=\materials,gasolineorother
..= flammablevaporsandliquids
inthevicinityofthisoranyotherappliance.
●Useonlypowderorliquiddetergentsorwetting
agentsrecommendedforuseinadishwasher.
●Donotwashplasticitemsunlessmarked
“dishwashersafe”ortheequivalent,Forplastic
itemsnotsomarked,checkthemanufacturer’s
recommendations.
●Loadlightplasticitemssotheywillnot
becomedislodgedanddroptothebottomof
thedishwasher—theymightcomeintocontact
withtheheatingelementandbedamaged.
Tominimize the possibility of injury.
●Whenloadingitemstobewashed:
A.Locatesharpitemssothattheyarenotlikely
todamagethedoorseal,and
B.Loadsharpkniveswiththehandlesupto
reducetheriskofcut-typeinjuries.
●Donottamperwithcontrols.
~Donottouchtheheatingelementduringor
immediatelyafteruse.
●Donotoperateyourdishwasherunlessallenclosure
panelsareproperlyinplace.
sDonotabuse,siton,orstandonthedoorordish
rackofthedishwasher.
●Closesupervisionisnecessaryifthisappliance
isusedbyornearchildren,Donotallowchildren
toplayinside,onorwiththisapplianceorany
discardedappliance,Disposeofdiscarded
appliancesandshippingorpackingmaterial
properly.Beforediscardingadishwasher,remove
thedoorofthewashingcompartment.
●Keepallwashingdetergentsandwettingagents
outofthereachofchildren,preferablyinalocked
cabinet.Observeallwarningsoncontainerlabels
toavoidpersonalinjury.
$- cTominimizethepossibilityof
0“ electricshock,disconnectthis
appliancefromthepowersupply
b~foreattemptinganymaintenance.NOTE:
TurningthecontroldialtotheOFFposition
doesnotdisconnecttheappliancefromthe
powersupply.Werecommendhavingaqualified
technicianserviceyoura~liance.
●Donotattempttorepairorreplaceanypart
ofyourdishwasherunlessitisspecifically
recommendedinthisguide.
Allotherservicing
shouldbereferredtoaqualifiedtechnician.
AWARNING—HYDROGENGAS
isproducedbythechemicalaction
withinyourwaterheater.Itcan
accumulateinthewaterheaterand/or
waterpipesifhotwaterhasnotbeenusedfora
periodoftwoweeksorlonger.HYDROGENGAS
ISEXPLOSIVE.Topreventthepossibilityof
damageorinjury,ifyouhavenotusedhotwater
fortwoweeksormore,ormovedintoaresidence
inwhichthehotwatersystemmaynothavebeen
usedforsometime,turnonallhotwaterfaucets
andallowthemtorunforseveralminutesbefore
usinganyelectricalappliancewhichisconnected
tothehotwatersystem.Thiswillallowany
hydrogengastoescape.Also,sincethegasis
flammable,donotsmokeoruseanopenflame
orapplianceduringthisprocess.
SAVETHESE
INSTRUCTIONS

HOWTOOPERATEYOURDIS~ASHER
Yourdishwasher is designed to give maximum
performance on loads with normal and heavy soils.
Youmay find that many of your dishes have lighter
soils than normal; if this is the case you can save
water and energy by selecting acycle other than
NORMAL WASH.
NOTE: The lights over the Cycle and Energy Option
pads come ON to indicate the cycle/option that has
been selected. Press pad firmly until the light comes
on. These Cycle and Energy Option Indicator lights
remain on while the door is latched.
The CYCLE ON light will come on when the
dishwasher is in aStart Delay, Wash or Dry cycle.
The light will go out when all cycles are complete.
If dishwasher drains into afood waste disposal,
operate the disposal until it is empty before starting
dishwasher.
Step 1.Load your dishwasher. (SeeLoadingsection.)
Step z. Make sure the Cycle Indicator Dial is at
the OFF position and the CYCLE ON light is off,
indicating all cycles are complete. Add detergent to
the detergent dispenser. (See Detergent Guide.) Use
arinse aid agent to help prevent spotting. (See
How to Use aRinse Agent section.)
Step3. Latch the door.
Step 4. Select desired wash cycle.
●POTSCRUBBER—For items such as pots, pans
and casseroles with dried-on or baked-on soils.
Everyday dishes may be included. This cycle will
get heavily soiled dishes cleaner than the normal
cycle. It will not remove burned-on foods.
●NORMAL WASH—For most loads of everyday
dishes, glasses and cookware with medium soils.
Designed to yield high performance on normal soils.
●WATER SAVER—For dishes with light soils. This
cycle uses less water than the other cycles.
●CHINA CRYSTAL—For lightly soiled china and
crystal. Prerinse dishware before loading.
Step 5. Select the desired Energy Options.
●TEMP BOOST—Use this option for best
performance with heavily-soiled dishes. When
selected, the wash cycle is extended while the
dishwasher heats the water for the best washing
and drying. (See Cycle Selection Chart.)
CYCLES ENERGY OPTIONS
080099
UDUDOBB
POT- NORMALCHINA WATER TEMP HEATEDENERGY
SCRUBB~ WASH CRYSTALSAVER BOOST
@
Features and appearance may ~,a~slightly,
●HEATED DRY—Turns the drying heater on for
fast drying. When selected, the cycle time will be
extended for 32 minutes.
●ENERGY SAVER—Shuts off the heating unit,
thus saving energy. Dishes air-dry naturally. It takes
longer but saves energy. Youcan open the door after
the motor stops to speed drying. Excellent for
overnight drying.
Step6. ~rn the Cycle Indicator Dial to START
or to the desired START DELAY time.
●Turning the dial to START will begin the cycle
immediately.To obtain the benefits of acomplete
cycle, be careful that you do not turn the dial any
farther than is necessary to start the dishwasher.
There is atime delay between start-up and water
fill so you will not hear any wash action right away.
●The START DELAY will allow you to delay the
start time of your dishwasher automatically for up
to 6hours. Turn the Cycle Indicator Dial to the
desired time. The CYCLE ON light will come on.
Dial Cycles
The SHORT WASH cycle allows you to quickly
wash loads of everyday dishes with medium soils
that have not dried on, such as loads consisting mostly
of glasses. Start Delay cannot be Llsedwith this cycle.
a. Select the NORMAL WASH cycle and any
Energy Option if desired.
b. Be sure the door is unlatched.
c. Slowly turn the Cycle Indicator Dial to
SHORT WASH.
d. Latch the door to start the cycle.
4

RINSE&“HOLO
QuietPower
Dial Cycles(continued)
The RINSE &HOLD cycle is for rinsing
partial loads which will be washed later.
Do not ltsedetergetxt.
a. Make sure ENERGY SAVER is selected.
b. Be sure the door is unlatched.
c. Slowly turn the Cycle Indicator Dial to
RINSE &HOLD.
d. Latch the door to start the cycle.
The PLATE WARMER cycleisfor warmingclean
dishesand servingplatesfor theservingof hotfoods.
The cycle willtake approximately32 minutesif selected.
a. Load clean plates and dishes to be warmed.
b. Select HEATED DRY.
c. Be sure the door is unlatched.
d. Slowly turn the Cycle Indicator Dial to
PLATE WARMER.
e. Latch the door to start the cycle.
CycleSelectionChart
WashCycle
Water Use Time
Gallons Minutes
WashCycles (approx.) (approx.) Cycle Sequence
POTSCRUBBER 10.6 ~~ mmmmmmm
NORMAL WASH 9.1 5]* BEmEBE
WATER SAVER 6,4 51* mmmm
CHINA CRYSTAL 8,1 5]* BmBBmB
SHORT WASH 7.4 43* WWI-IFIW
RINSE &HOLD 3.0 12 Bm
.—
*Unextended times. These cycle times will be increased approximately 21 minutes If“1’bMPBOLSS1option ISselected
Drying Options:
HEATED DRY. Available on all !vash cycles except RINSE& HOLD. Add 32 minutes to wash cycle time.
ENERGY SAVER. Drying heater is turned off. Dishes dry naturally. 5

GoodDishwashingStartswithHOTWater
To get dishesclean and dry,you need hot water.For good washing and drying,
the entering water must beat least 120°F.To preventdish damage, inlet water shodd notexceed 150”F.
Howto TestWaterTemperature
Check your water temperature with acandy or meat Helpful hints: If outsidetemperaturesare unusually
thermometer.Turn on the hot water faucet nearest low,or if your water travelsalongdistancefrom water
the dishwasher.Put the thermometerin aglassand heaterto dishwasher,you may need to setyour water
let the water run continuouslyinto the glass untilthe heater’sthermostatup. If you have not used hot water
temperature stopsrising. If the water temperature is for sometime, the water in the pipeswillbe cold.Turn
below 120°F.,adjustyour water heater. on the hot water faucet atthe sinkand allow it to run
untilthe water is hot. Then startthedishwasher.If
you’verecently done laundryor run hot waterfor
showers,giveyour water heatertimeto recoverbefore
operatingthe dishwasher.
To improve washabilityif the water is less than
120°F.and you cannot adjustyour water heater: Select
alongercycle or the TEMP BOOST option and fill
both detergentcups at least half-full with detergent.
How to UseaRinseAgent
The rinse agent makes water flow off dishes
quicker than usual. This lessens water spotting
and makes drying faster, too.
For best dishwashing performance, use of arinse
agent such as JET-DRY brand is recommended.
Rinse agents come in either liquid or solid form.
Yourdishwasher uses the liquid form.
How to fill the rinse agent dispenser.
Unscrew the cap.
Add liquid rinse agent
until itjust reaches the
bottom of lip inside the
Q
4L
/’
dispenser opening. ~;
Replace cap. The D
dispenser automatically
releases rinse agent into
final rinse water.
Youmay check to see if you need to add rinse agent by
removing the fill cap and looking into the container.
Youmay also check the rinse agent, on some models,
by pressing the clear center of the fill cap 2or 3times.
If rinse agent is drawn into the center of the fill cap,
you have enough. If the center area remains clear add
rinse agent.
Yourdishwasher’s rinse agent container holds
approximately 4X ounces. This should last about
3months. Fill as needed.
If you accidentally spill: Wipe up the rinse
agent with adamp cloth. Don’t leave the spill in the
dishwasher. It can keep your detergent from working.
If you can’t find any rinse agent, write:
BENCKISER CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.
(“JET-DRY”)
Corporate Centre 1
55 Federal Road
P.O. Box 1991
Danbury, CT 06813-1991
6

Howto ChooseandUsetheRightDetergent
Use only powder or liquid detergent specifically
made for use in dishwashers. Other typeswillcause
oversudsing.
How much detergent should you USC?That depends.
Is yourwater “hard” or “soft”? Withhard water,you
need extradetergentto get dishesclean.Whh softwater,
you needlessdetergent.
Your water department can tell you how hard your
water is. So can yourcountyextensionagentor your
area’swater softenercompany.Justcall and ask them
how many “grains” of hardnesstherearein yourwater.
Toomuchdetergentwithsoftwaternotonlywastes
money,itcan be harmful.It cancauseapermanent
cloudinessofglassware,called “etching.” An outside
layerof glassisetchedaway!Of course,thistakessome
time.Butwhytakeachancewhenit’seasytofindoutthe
hardnessofyourwater.
Keep your detergent fresh and dry. Underthe sink
isn’tagood placeto storedetergentbecausethere is
too much moisture.Don’tputpowderdetergentinto
thedispenseruntilyou’rereadyto wash dishes,either.
(Itwon’tbe fresh OR dry.)
If your powder detergent gets old or lumpy, throw it
away. Old detergentoften won’tdissolve.If you use a
liquiddishwasherdetergent,theseprecautionsare not
necessarybecauseliquiddetergentsdon’t “lump” as
they ageor come in contactwith moisture.
Detergent Dispensers
You’ll find two detergent dispensers on the inside
door of your dishwasher. Two, because
some cycles use two washes. Open
cup
See “DetergentUsage Guide“below.
(Be sure the CYCLE INDICATOR
4$
%
DIAL is at OFF position before \
adding detergent. Otherwise, Main
A
-Q~
the detergent cup willnot cup
closeand latchproperly.)
Closethe main cup. /.
NOTE: Toopendetergentcupafterithas C*
beenclosed,unlatchthedoorand rotatethe ‘-
CycleIndicatorDialafill turnto theOFF
position.Whentheclosedcup contains Grasphandle,
rotateand
soapitisbestthatthedoorbe inapartially closetightly
openpositionbeforerotatingtheCycle
IndicatorDial.Thiswillhelpreducetheantountof
detergentand rinseaidagentspillageintothetub. IM
v
DetergentUsageGuide(powderor liquid) ~
m
SOFT WATER(O-3grains hardness) MEDIUM WATER(3-7 grains) HARD WATER(7-12grains*)
CYCLES Main Cup Open Cup Main Cup Open Cup Main Cup~ Open Cup* z
POTSCRUBBER Half Full ~Half Full Completely ~Half Full Completely JCompletely 8
NORMAL WASH Full Full Full m
WATERSAVER Half Full None Half Full None Completely None
CHINA CYRSTAL Full
SHORTWASH
RINSE &HOLD Use nodetergent Usenodetergent Usenodetergent
*12grains and up is extremely hard water. Awater softener is recommended. Whhout it, lime $Filled Main Cup holds 3tablespoons;
can build up in the water valve. The water valve may stick while open and cause flooding. filled Open Cup holds 2tablespoons.
u
M-
How to Prepare the Dishes for Washing &
—
If this is your first dishwasher, or if you’re NOTE: You may also want to consider removing
replacing amuch older model, you may wonder foods such as mustard, mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon
how much preparation your dishes need. Actually juice and other foods that can cause discoloration of
very little. Scrape off bones, seeds, skins, toothpicks stainless steel if allowed to remain on dishes for along
and other hard solids. Remove excessive quantities period of time.
of oil or grease. The POTSCRUBBER cycle can wash heavily soiled
dishes and remove dried-on and baked-on soils from
pots, pans and casseroles. Items with burned-on
soils need extra preparation. 7

HOWTOLOADYOURDISHWASHER
NOTE: Do not load large platters or trays in front right corner
of lower rack. They may prevent detergent from circulating in the wash cycle.
The u~~er rack is best for glasses. CUDSand saucers.
Cups ~~dglasses fit best a~ongthe si~es. This is also
the-placefor 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.
Sauce pans, 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.
The cup shelves (number may vary) may be placed
in the up or down position to add flexibility.Load the
bottom row first, then fold down the shelf and load the
top row.
8

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 comers,
or in the back. For best washing results, all items
should be positioned with the soiled side facing the
center of rack.
Don’t let any
itemextend
throughbottom.
Put flatware in the removable basket with fork and knife
handlesup to protect your hands. Place spoons in the
basket with handles down. Mix knives, forks and
spoonsso they don’tnest together.Distributeevenly.
Be sure handles do not touch upper rack. For best
washing results be sure not to load large plates and
cookware between silverware basket and the center
of the rack.
Keep 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 aportion of an item such as apot or
dish handle extend through the bottom rack. This could
block the wash arm and ~ausepoor washing results.
To increasethe flexibilityof the lowerrack, the flexible
silverwarebasket may be split.Grasp the silverware
basketat oppositecomers and slideapart.The silverware
basket sectionsshouldbe placed in the lower rack by
hangingthem on the top hoop.
Don’tplacethe silverwarebasketin the frontrightcorner
becausethe detergentcould pour into it and damage
silverware. 9

WHATYOUCANUSUALLYWASHSAFELY
INYOURDIS~ASHER
Exceptions(notsafe)
Somecoloredanodized
aluminumcanfade.
Usually
Safe
YES
Material
Ab.rmintrm SpecialInstructions
Somedarkeningorspottingpossible.Removeby
scouringwithsoap-filledsteelwoolpads.
China/
Stoneware YES Antique, metal-timmed,
hand-painted or over-the-glaze
patterns fade. Gold leaf
will discolor.
If in doubt, check with the manufacturer. Or test wash
one piece daiiy for at least amonth. Compare with the
rest of the set.
Crystal YES Antique, metal-trimmed or
hand-painted patterns fade,
Gold leaf will discolor.
Load securely to prevent movement. Select CHINA
CRYSTALcycle. Check your manufacturer’s instructions
for your crystal.
Non-dishwasher
items—such
as electronic
air cleaner
filters, furnace
filters, paint
brushes, etc.
Glass
Iron
NO
YES
Do not wash in dishwasher. Damage to dishwasher
and discoloration or staining of dishwasher may result.
NO Iron will rust.
Pewter No Pewter tarnishes.
If it doesn’t say DISHWASHERSAFE, test one piece in
the toprack before dishwashing an entire set.
Plastics YES
Stainless steel YES Rinse if not washing immediately. Salty or acidic foods
can stain if left on.
Sterling silver
and silver plate YES Don’tput in same silverwme
basket with stainless steel.
Contact between metals can
damage silver.
Don’t wash copper utensils in
the same load. Silver may get a
brown film.
Adhesive used to attach some
hollow-handle knives can loosen.
Rinse if not washing immediately. Salty or acidic foods can
stain if left on. Dry detergent can cause difficult-to-remove
biack spots. Place in back section of silverware basket to
avoid exposure to detergent from the detergent cup.
Non-stick
coatings
Tin
Wood
YES After washing, wipe the non-stick coating area with
vegetable oil to keep it from losing its non-stick quality.
Tlrrcan rust.
Woodcan warp, crack or lose
its finish with any type of washin~.
NO
NO
Forgetadish?Here’swhenyou canaddit.
Add dishes any time during the RINSE &HOLD
cycle. With other wash cycles, you can add dishes
at any time BEFORE the main detergent wash portion
of the cycle.
However, opening the door during any cycle
lessens cleaning power. So try to load everything
at the beginning.
Here’s how to add aforgotten dish:
1. Push the door latch to the left. Washing will stop.
2. Wait afew seconds until the water calms. Then
open the door. WARNING: Hot vapor may rise
from opened door.
3. Add dishes you’ve forgotten.
4. Close the door and push the latch to the far right.
When the door is locked, washing will continue.
10