GE GSD1300 User manual

‘Use and&re Guide
Dishwasher
❑
!
Safe~ instructions.........................3
w
,, Operating Instructions, Tips
China, Crystal, Sterling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
CycleFeatures............................................4,5
Cycle Selection Chart....................................5
DetergentGuide.............................................7
Dispenser Cups ...............................,..............7
DryingOptions...............................................4
Energy-Saving Tips
.....,...,..............................2
Features .......................................................4, 5
Loading
........................................................8, 9
OperatingInstructions.............................4,5
Rinse Agent
.....................................................6
WaterTemperature.......................................6
❑
~~~ Care and Cleaning
Air Gap.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
❑
●
Problem Solver.......................l3-l5
More questions ?...call
GE Answer Center” 800.626.2000
w
Preparation
Front Panel Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
❑
o
(,.,,:,, Consumer
Services...................l9
ApplianceRegistration..,..............................2
Important Phone Numbers 19
Model and Serial Numbers ..........................2
Repair Service
.................................................2
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............Back Cover
~ Model GSD1300Series ~
Winter Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
GE Appliances

HELP US HELP YOU...
Before using your
dishwasher, read this
guide carefully.
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 somethinx
If you received
a damaged dishwasher...
Immediately contact the dealer
(or builder) that sold you the
dishwasher.
Save time and money.
Before you request
service . . .
or-need more help, write (include” Check the Problem Solver in the
your phone number):
back of this guide. It lists causes
Consumer Affairs
GE Appliances of minor ope;ating problems that
Appliance Park you can correct yourself.
Louisville, KY 40225
To obtain a Spanish language
Para obtener la version en
version of this book, call espafiol
de este manual,
GE Answer Center” name a
800.626.2000
GE Answer Center,@
consumer information service.
servicio de information
para el consumidor,
telefono 800.626.2000.
Write down the model
and serial numbers.
You’ll find them on a label
fastened to the tub wall just
inside the dishwasher door.
These numbers are also on the
Consumer Product Ownership
Registration Card 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.
~ YOU NEED SERVICE...
To obtain service, see the Consumer Services page in
the back of this guide.
We’re proud of our service and want you to be
pleased. If for some reason you are not happy with the
service you receive, here are three steps to follow for
further help.
FIRST, contact the people who serviced your
appliance. Explain why you are not pleased. In most
cases, this will solve the problem.
NEXT, if you are still not pleased, write all the
details—including your phone number—to:
Manager, Consumer Relations
GE Appliances
Appliance Park
Louisville, KY 40225
FINALLY, if your problem is still not resolved, write:
Major Appliance Consumer Action Panel
20 North
Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
ENERGY-SAV~G T~S
● Operate dishwasher only when it’s full. Let the
● If you don ‘t need your dishes right away, allow the
dishes accumulate in dishwasher. When you put in dishes to dry naturally over a longer period such as
only a partial load, use the RINSE & HOLD cycle
overnight.
to rinse off heavy soils.
● Always select the cycle that uses the least amount
of water that
will remove the soil from the load.
(See the Operating section.)
2

A
WARNING-When using this
appliance, always exercise basic
safety precautions, including the
following:
● Use this appliance only for its intended
purpose, as
you will find described in this
Use and Care Guide.
o
*This dishwasher must be properly
.’,
‘Q.,”’; ~
installed and located in accordance
* b . . . with the Installation Instructions
a. ‘
before it is used. If you did not
receive an Installation Instructions sheet with your
dishwasher, you can obtain one by calling, toll
free, the GE Answer Centef1800.626.2000.
,—This appliance must be connected to a grounded
meti, permanent wiring system; or an
equipment-grounding conductor must be run
with the circuit conductors and connected to
the equipment-grounding terminal or lead of
the appliance.
—Connect to a properly rated, protected and sized
power-supply circuit to avoid electrical overload.
● Do not store or use combustible
*
I
materials, gasoline or other
..* flammable vapors and Iiqtids
in the vicinity of this or any other appliance.
● Use only powder or liquid detergents or wetting
agents recommended for use in a dishwasher.
● Do not wash plastic items unless marked
“dishwasher safe” or the equivalent. For plastic
items not so marked, check the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
● Load light plastic items so they will not
become dislodged and drop to the bottom of
the dishwasher—they might come into contact
with the heating element and be damaged.
To minimize the possibility of i~ury.
● When loading items to be washed:
A. Locate sharp items so that they are not likely
to damage the door seal, and
B. Load sharp knives with the handles up to
reduce the risk of cut-type injuties.
● Do not tamper with controls.
s Do not touch the heating element during or
immediately after use.
Q Do not operate your dishwasher urdess all enclosure
panels are properly in place.
● Do not abuse, sit on, or stand on the door or dish
rack of the dishwasher.
● Close supervision is necessary if this appliance
is used by or near children. Do not allow children
to play inside, on or with this appliance or any
discarded appliance. Dispose of discarded
appliances and shipping or packing material
properly. Before discarding a dishwasher, remove
the door of the washing compartment.
● Keep all washing detergents and wetting agents
out of the reach of children, preferably in a locked
cabinet. Observe dl warnings on container labels
to avoid personal injury.
%3
* To minimize the possibility of
0.
electric shock, disconnect this
appliance from the power supply
b~fore attempting any maintenance. NOTE:
Turning the control did to the 0~ position
does not disconnect the appliance from the
power supply.
We recommend having a qualified
technician service your appliance.
A
WARNING-H~ROGEN GAS
is produced by the chemical action
within your water heater. It can
accumulate in the water heater andor
water pipes if hot water has not been used for a
period of two weeks or longer. H~ROGEN GAS
IS
EXPLOSIW. To prevent the possibility of
damage or injury, if you have not used hot water
for two weeks or more, or moved into a residence
in which the hot water system may not have been
used for some time, turn on all hot water faucets
and allow them to run for several minutes before
using any electrical appliance which is connected
to the hot water system. This will allow any
hydrogen gas to escape. Also, since the gas is
flammable, do not smoke or use an open flame
or appliance during this process.
SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS
3

HOW TO OPERATE YOUR DISHWASHER
Your dishwasher is designed to give maximum
performance on loads with normal and heavy soils.
You may find that many of your dishes have lighter
soils than normal; if this is the case you can save
water and energy by selecting a cycle 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 a Start Delay, Wash or Dry
cycle.
The light will go out when all cycles are complete.
If dishwasher drains into a food waste disposal, operate
the disposal until it is empty before starting dishwasher.
f
POT- NORMAL WATER CHINA
RINSE WASH HEAT H;~]EO O[~~:~S
SCRUBBER WASH
66666660
Cycles
L
Energy Options
A
step 1. Load your dishwasher. (See Loading section.)
step 2. Make sure the Cycle Indicator Dial is at
the OFF position and the CYCLE ON light is off,
indicating all cycles are complete.
step 3. Latch the door.
step 4. Select desired wash cycle.
● POTS CRUBBER—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 saves water by using
30Y0 less water than the
NORMAL WASH cycle.
● CHINA CRYSTAL—For lightly soiled china and
crystal. The wash action is softened by pumping air
along with the water to protect your delicate items.
● RINSE & HOLD—For rinsing partial loads which
will be washed later. D() not use detergent. Sturt
Delay und Heated Dry are not rec{)mmendedji)r
thi.~ cycle.
f;<,(l[ure,$ (IrId (II)IJCIII-(III(C )rzci> ),CII-J .\l;ghtl>.
step 5. Select the desired Energy Options.
● WASH HEAT BOOST—Use the 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.)
. HEATED DRY—Turns the drying heater on
for fast drying. When selected, the cycle time
will be extended for 39 minutes.
● HEATED DRY off—Shuts off the heating unit,
thus saving energy. Dishes air-dry naturally. It takes
longer but saves energy. You can open the door after
the motor stops to speed drying. Excellent for
overnight drying.
OPTIONS RESET—Turns all Energy Options off.
step 6. Turn the Cycle Indicator Dial to START
or to the desired START DELAY time.
● Turning the dial to START wi}l begin the cycle
immediately.
To obtain the benefits of a complete
cycle, be careful that you do not turn the dial any
farther than is necessary to start the dishwasher.
There is a time 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
8 hours. Turn the Cycle Indicator Dial to the
desired time. The CYCLE ON light will come on.
4

,/–—....
STAFtT
‘TA~J~E~*~-* w “\ ;;:;
~.. ,,/.....,, +
OFF ■
PUTE ●
WARMER
(PRESS
““””-”-”-”-i~”
-.. \
HEATED DRY)
\
,.
,,
)
. .
. . .
,,./’’”
Quiet Power
\-- ..---—--
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 used with 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.
Cycle Selection Chart
The PLATE WARMER cycle is for warming
clean dishes and serving plates for the serving of hot
foods. The cycle will take approximately
39 minutes
if selected. Start Delay cannot be used with
thi.~ cycle.
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.
Wash Cycle
Water Use
Time
Gallons
Minutes
Wash Cycles (approx.) (approx.) Cycle Sequence
POTSCRUBBER
10,6 68*
mmmmmmm
NORMAL WASH
9.1
53**
mmmBmm
CHINA CRYSTAL
7.5 53**
mmmmmm
WATER SAVER
6.4 53**
mmmm
SHORT WASH
7.4 45**
Bmmmm
RINSk: & HOLD
3.2
8
mm
*Unextended times. These cycle times will be increased a~~rnxima[elv I I minutes it Wash Hc~I[ B()()st option” is sclcctc(l
**U”cxtcn~c~ tlm~. This ~y~l~ lim~ will b~ in~~cascd app.r~)x]md[c]y ~ i minutes if’ wash tica[ ~()()$( OPII(lI1 ih SCICCICLI.
HEATED DRY mr. Available on all wash cycles cxccp[ RINSE & HOLD. Add 3Y minutes to w~sh cycle lime.
HEATED DRY nff. Drying heater is turned nfl. Dishes dry naturally.
5

Good Dishwashing Starts with HOT Water
To get dishes clean and dry, you need hot water. 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.
How to Test Water Temperature
Check your water temperature with a candy or meat
Helpful hints: If outside temperatures are unusually
thermometer. Turn on the hot water faucet nearest low, or if your water travels a long distance from water
the dishwasher. Put the thermometer in a glass and heater to dishwasher, you may need to set your water
let the water run continuously into the glass until the heater’s thermostat up. If you have not used hot water
temperature stops rising. If the water temperature is for some time, the water in the pipes
will be cold. Turn
below
120°F., adjust your water heater. on the hot water faucet at the sink and
allow it to run
until the water is hot. Then start the dishwasher.
If
you’ ve recently done laundry or run hot water for
showers, give your water heater time to recover before
operating the dishwasher.
To improve washability if the water is less than
120°F. and you cannot adjust your water heater: Select
a longer cycle or the WASH HEAT BOOST option and
fill both detergent cups at least half-full with detergent.
How to Use a Rinse Agent
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 a rinse
agent such as JET-DRY brand is recommended.
Rinse agents come in either liquid or solid form.
Your dishwasher uses the liquid form.
How to fill the rinse agent dispenser.
Unscrew the cap.
Add liquid rinse agent
until it just reaches the
bottom of lip inside the
dispenser opening.
Replace cap. The
Q
..,.,..
dispenser automatically
&d
,b, /
}
D
releases rinse agent into
final rinse water.
Your dishwasher’s rinse agent container holds
approximately 4X ounces. This should last about
3 months.
Fill as needed.
If you accidentally spill: Wipe up the rinse
agent with a damp 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
I
55 Federal Road
P.O. Box 1991
Danbury, CT 06813-1991
You may check to see if you need to add rinse agent by
removing the fill cap and looking into the container.
You may also check the rinse agent, on some models,
by pressing the clear center of the fill cap 2 or 3 times.
If rinse agent is drawn into the center of the fill cap,
you have enough. If the center area remains clear
add
rinse agent.
6

How to Choose and Use the Right Detergent
Use only powder or liquid detergent specifically
made for use in dishwashers. Other types will cause
oversudsing.
How much detergent should you use? That depends.
Is your water “hard” or “soft”? With hard water, you
need extra detergent to get dishes clean. With soft water,
you need less detergent.
Your water department can tell you how hard your
water is. So
can your county extension agent or your
area’s water softener company. Just call and ask them
how many “grains” of hardness there are in your water.
Too much detergent with soft water not only wastes
money, it can be harmful. It can cause a permanent
cloudiness of glassware, called “etching.” An outside
layer of glass is etched away! Of course, this takes some
time. But why take a chance when it’s easy to find out the
hardness of your water.
Keep your detergent fresh and dry. Under the sink
isn’t a good place to store detergent because there is
too much moisture. Don’t put
povTder detergent into
the dispenser until you’re ready to wash dishes, either.
(It won’t be fresh OR dry.)
If your powder detergent gets old or lumpy, throw it
away.
Old detergent often won’t dissolve. If you use a
liquid dishwasher detergent, these precautions are not
necessary because liquid detergents don’t “lump” as
they age or come in contact with moisture.
Detergent Dispensers
You’ll find two detergent dispensers on the inside Close the main cup.
door of your dishwasher. Two, because
some cycles use two washes.
Open
NOTE: T() open detergent cup after it has
cup been closed, unlatch the door and rotate the
See “Detergent U.\age Guide “below.
(Be sure the CYCLE INDICATOR
DIAL is at OFF
positi(m before
adding detergent. Otherwise,
&f
Cycle Indicator Dial a full turn t(] the OFF
t
position. When the ~losed cup contains
Grasp handle,
rotate and
.ioap it is best that the door be in a partially close tightly
the deter<qent cup will not
(lose and lat(h properl?.) “~-<
open p(~siti(m before rotating the Cycle
Indi~ator Dial. This will help reduce the amount (f
detergent and rin.ve aid agent \pillage into the tub.
Detergent Usage Guide (powder or liquid)
SO~ WATER (0-3 grains hardness) MEDIUM WATER (3-7 grains) HARD WATER (7- 12
grains*)
CYCLES Main
Cup
Open Cup
Main cup Open Cup Main
Cup$ Open Cupt
I
POTSCRUBBER Half ~Ull Half Full
NORMAL WASH
+
Completely
~ Half Full Completely
J Completely
Full Full Full
WATER SAVER
H~ll Full None Half’ Full
None Completely None
CHINA CRYSTAL
Full
SHORT WASH
RINSE & HOLD
Use no detergent
Use nodetergent
Use nodetergent
:~ 1 ~ grains and up is extrelllely h~lrd water. A water softener is recommended. without it, lime
$Filled Main Cup holds 3 tablespoons;
can build up in the water valve. The water valve may stick while open and cause flooding. filled Open Cup holds 2 tablespoons.
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 a much 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 a long
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

HOW TO LOAD YOUR DISHWASmR
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 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. Sauce pans,
mixing bowls and other items
should be placid face
dow~. 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.
<
.8
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 a portion of an item such as a pot or
dish handle extend through the lower rack. This could
block the wash arm and cause poor washing results.
8

Put flatware in the removable basket with handles up
to protect your hands. Mix knives, forks and spoons
so they don’t nest together. Distribute evenly.
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.
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 in the back. For best washing results, all items
should be positioned with the soiled side facing the
center of rack.
To increase the flexibility of the lower rack, the flexible
silverware basket may be split. Grasp the silverware
basket at opposite corners and slide apart. The silverware
basket sections should be placed in the lower rack by
hanging them
on the top hoop.
Don’t place the silverware basket in the front right comer
because the detergent could pour into it and damage
silverware.
9

WHAT YOU CAN USUALLY WASH SAFELY
~ YOUR DIS~ASHER
Material
Aluminum
Chinti
Stoneware
Crystal
Non-dishwashe]
items—such
as electronic
air cleaner
filters, furnace
filters, paint
brushes, etc.
Glass
kon
Pewter
Plastics
Stainless
steel
Sterling silver
and silver plate
Non-stick
coatings
Tin
Wood
Usually
Safe
Ym
YES
Ym
NO
YES
NO
NO
YES
Ym
NO
No
Exceptions (not safe)
Some colored anodized
aluminum can fade.
Antique, metal-trimmed,
hand-painted or over-the-glaze
patterns
fade, Gold leaf
will discolor.
Antique, metal-trimmed or
hand-painted patterns fade.
Gold leaf will discolor.
Iron will rust.
Pewter tarnishes.
Don’t put in
same silverware
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.
Tin can rust.
Wood can warp, crack or lose
its finish with any type of washing.
Forget a dish? Here’s when you can add it.
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.
Special Instructions
Some darkening or spotting possible. Remove by
scouring with soap-filled steel
wool pads.
If in doubt, check with the manufacturer. Or test wash
orte piece daily for at least a month. Compare with the
rest of the set.
Load securely to prevent movement. Select CHINA-
CRYSTAL cycle. Check your manufacturer’s
instructions for your crystal.
Do not wash in dishwasher. Damage to dishwasher
and discoloration or staining of dishwasher may result.
If it doesn’t say DISHWASHER SAFE, test one piece in
the top rack before
dishwashing in entire set.
Rinse if not washing immediately. Salty or acidic foods
can stain if left on.
Rinse if not washing immediately.
Salty or acidic foods can
stain if left on. Dry detergent
can cause difficult-to-remove
black spots. Place in back section of silverware basket to
avoid exposure to detergent from the detergent cup.
After washing, wipe the non-stick coating area with
vegetable oil to keep it from losing its non-stick quality.
Here’s how to add a forgotten dish:
1. Push the door latch to the left. Washing will stop.
2. Wait a few 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