GE GSD720 User manual

Dishwasher
Contents
Air Gap
11 POTSCRUBBER {lycle 4,5
Appliance Registration
2
Problem Solver 12-14
Care and Cleaning
11 Rinse Agent
6
(;hina, Crystal, Sterling
10
Safe~ Instructions 3
Consumer Services
19
User Maintenance Instructions 11
Cycle Features
4,5 Warranty Back Cover
Detergent, Detergent Guide 6, 7 Water Temperature
6
Dispenser Cups
7 Winter Storage 11
Energy Saver Stitch
4
Ener~-Saving Tips
2
Front Panel Color Change
15
Loading
8,9
Model and Serial Numbers
2
Operating Guide 4,5
Cycle Selection
5 GE Answer Center
a
Drfing Options 4,5 800.626.2000
Built-in Model GSD720
GE Appliances

Help us help you... If you need service
Before using your
dishwasher, read this
book 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 something
or need more help, write (include
your phone number):
Consumer Affairs
GE Appliances
Appliance Park
Louisville, KY 40225
Write down the model and
serial numbers.
You’ll find them on a label
fastened to the tub wall just inside
the dishwasher door.
Save time and money.
To obtain service, see the
Before you request
Consumer Services page in the
service...
back of this book.
We’re proud of our service and
Check the Problem Solver (pages want you to be pleased. If for some
12 through 14).
[t lists causes of reason you are not happy with the
minor operating problems that you service you receive, here are three
can correct yourself. steps to follow for further help.
To obtain a Spanish language
version of this book, call
GE Answer Center
(
”
)
800.626.2000
consumer information service.
Para
obtener la version en
espafiol de este manual,
name a
GE Answer
Center:)
servicio de informaci6n
para el consumidor,
telifono 800.626.2000.
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, Kentucky 40225
FINALLY, if your problem is still
not resolved, write:
Major Appliance Consumer
Action Panel
These numbers are also on the
Consumer Product Ownership
Energy-saving tips
20 North Wacker Drive
Registration Card that came with Chicago, Illinois 60606
yo;r 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.
If you received a
damaged dishwasher...
Immediately contact the dealer
(or builder) that sold you
the dishwasher.
The power consumption of your
dishwasher can be minimized if
you follow these suggestions:
● Operate dishwasher only when
it’s full. Let the dishes accumulate
in dishwasher. When you put in
only a partial load, use the RINSE
& HOLD
cycle to rinse off heavy
soils. Be sure to
latch the door
when waiting for a full load.
This helps keep soils moist, easier
to remove.
● If you don’t need your dishes
right away, use your
energy-
saving NO HEAT DRYING
feature that turns the drying heater
off automatically. Dishes dry
naturally over a longer period
such as overnight.
● Always select the cycle that
uses least amount of water that
will remove the soil from the
load. See pages 4 and 5.
● Turn your water heater down to
120°F and use the WASH HEAT
BOOST Option. Make sure the
entering water temperature is no
less than
120°F (see page 6).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read all instructions before using this appliance
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
Book.
● This dishwasher must be
properly installed and
located in accordance with
the Installation Instructions
before it is used. If you did
not receive an Installation
Instructions sheet with your
dishwasher, you can obtain one
by contacting the service
location nearest you.
—This appliance must be
connected to a grounded metal,
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 materials,
gasoline or other flammable
vapors and liquids 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
unit and be damaged.
To minimize the possibility
of injury.
● 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 injuries.
● Do not touch the heating
element during or immediately
after use.
● Do not operate your dishwasher
unless all enclosure panels are
properly in place.
● Do not tamper with controls.
● 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 all
warnings on container labels to
avoid personal injury.
● To minimize the possibility
of electric shock, disconnect
this appliance from the power
supply before attempting any
maintenance.
Note: Turning the control dial
to the OFF position does not
disconnect the appliance
from the power supply. We
recommend having a qualified
twhnician service your appliance.
WAMG–HROGEN GAS
is produced by the chemical
action within your water heater.
It can accumulate in the water
heater
antior water pipes if hot
water has not been used for a
period of two weeks or longer.
HYDROGEN GAS IS
EXPLOSIVE. 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
~ot 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
II I
STEP 1. Load your dishwasher
with dishes, silverware, pots, pans,
bowls, etc. according to
instructions on
pages 8 and 9.
STEP 2. Add detergent to the
detergent dispenser. Make sure the
Cycle Indicator Dial is
at OFF
position
before adding detergent.
(See
pages 6 and 7.)
Use rinse aid agent to help prevent
spotting. Occasionally check to
insure that rinse agent container is
at least half
full. (See page 6.)
STEP 3. Select drying option.
HEATED
DRYING
NO HEAT
DRYING
HEATED DRYING. Turns the
drying heater on
for fast drying.
NO HEAT DRYING. Turns the
drying heater off to
save energy.
Dishes will dry naturally over
a
longer period such as overnight.
If you need your dishes sooner,
open the dishwasher door after the
cycle is complete to reduce the
natural
drying time.
STEP 4. WASH HEAT BOOST
Option.
WASH HEAT BOOST.
This
cycle will be extended for 2 I
minutes while the dishwasher
automatically heats the water for
good washing and drying. The
entering water must be at least
120°F.
ENERGY SAVER (NO HEAT
BOOST). When this option is
selected the entering water must be
at least 140°F. To test water
temperature, see page 6.
STEP 5. Select the cycle and start
the dishwasher.
If your dishwasher drains into a
food waste disposer, operate the
disposer until it is empty before
starting the dishwasher.
(See Cycle
Selection Hints on next page. )
● For POTSCRUBBER,
NORMAL WASH and I.IGHT
WASH cycles:
POT- NORMAL LIGHT
SCRUBBER WASH WASH
c. Slowly turn Cycle Indicator
Dial
to ON position to start the
cycle. You will hear the motor
start. There is a time delay
between start-up and water fill
so you will not hear any wash
action right away.
To obtain the benefits of a
complete cycle, be careful that
you do not turn the dial any
further than necessary to start
the dishwasher.
● For RINSF. & HOLD cycle:
O;F :N
., WASHING
DRYING ‘s
,@”
1/
.
RI NSE& HOLO I!ISI ‘:}$::0”,’U.I
a. Be sure door is unlatched.
b. Select NO HEAT DRYING
option.
c. Slowly turn Cycle Indicator
Dial to RINSE & HOLD
position.
d. Latch the door to start the cycle.
a. Push selected cycle button.
b. Latch the door.

Cycle selection hints
It is important to follow the loading
instructions on pages
8 and 9.
POTSCRUBBER—For items such
as pots, pans and casseroles with
dried-on or baked-on soils.
Everyday dishes may be included.
NORMAL WASH—For loads of
everyday dishes, glasses and
cookware.
LIGHT WASH—For dishes that
are lightly soiled with soils that
have not dried on. Also
for
everyday dishes that have extra
preparation
before loading.
RINSE & HOLD—For rinsing
partial loads which will be washed
later. D() not use detergent.
What happens in each cycle
● You 11 hear occasional clicking
● During the drying period:
sounds:
—The motor stops.
—Soft food disposer shredding
— Water vapor comes through the
action.
vent by the door latch during
—Drain valve opening to pump drying and when water is being
water out. pumped out.
—Timer control as cycle
progresses.
—Detergent cup opening.
Wash
Water Use Cycle Time
Gallons Minutes
Wash Cycles
(approx. )
(approx. ) Cycle Sequence
POTSCRUBBER
I 2,1
~~ mmmmamm
NORMAL WASH
~~,1
‘I mmmmmmm
LI{;HT WASH
10.5
51*
mmmmmm
RINSE & HOLD
4.9 14
mmm
‘~ Unextended times. These cycle times will be increased approximately 2 I minutes if
WASH HEAT BOOST Option is selected.
Drying Options:
HEATED DRYING. Available on all wash cycles except RINSE & HOLD. Add 25 nlinutcs to
w:ish cycle tinlc.
NO HEAT DRYING. Drying heater is turned off, Dishes dry naturally.
5

Good dishwashing starts
with HOT water
To get dishes clean and dry you need
hot water. To help you
get water of
the proper temperature, your
dishwasher has a WASH HEAT
BOOST feature. When selected (see
page 4), this water heating feature
allows you to turn down your
household water heater and save
energy if you’re willing to
let the
dishwasher run a little longer while it
heats water. For good washing and
drying, the entering water must be
between 120°F and 140°F. To prevent
dish damage, inlet water
should not
exceed 150°F.
How to test water temperature:
Check the water temperature inside
your dishwasher with a
candy or
meat thermometer.
Let the dishwasher run through one
fill and pump out cycle, then
let the
dishwasher
fill with water the
second time, approximately 5
minutes after starting the machine.
When you hear the water stop
filling, unlatch the door and
slowly
open it.
Measure the temperature of the
water in the bottom of the tub this
way:
Remove the silverware basket and
place a candy or meat thermometer
in the water towards the middle of
the tub. If the temperature is less
than
120°F, you will not get good
washing results. Raise your water
heater temperature, wait
30 minutes
and test again. Higher water
temperature is needed to dissolve
grease and activate powder
detergents. If the water temperature
is less than
140°F, use the WASH
HEAT BOOST Option (see page 4).
6
Helpful hints: [f outside
temperatures are unusually low, or
if your water travels
a long distance
from water heater to dishwasher,
you may need to set your water
heater’s thermostat up. If you have
not used hot water
for some time,
the water in the pipes will be cold.
Turn 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.
How to use a Rinse Agent
A 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’s
dispenser uses the liquid form.
How to fill the rinse agent
dispenser. Unscrew the cap.
Add
the liquid rinse agent until it just
reaches the bottom of the lip inside
the dispenser opening. Replace the
cap. The dispenser automatically
releases the rinse agent into the
final rinse water.
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”)
411 W. Putnam Ave.
Greenwich. CT 06830
Your dishwasher’s rinse agent
container holds 47? ounces. This
should last about
3 months. Fill as
needed. Do not overfill.
How to choose and use
detergent
First, use only powder or liquid
detergents specifically made for
use in dishwashers. Other types
will cause
oversudsing.
Second, check the phosphate
content. Phosphate helps prevent
hard-water materials from forming
spots or film on your dishes. If
your water is hard (7 grains or
more), your detergent has to work
harder. Detergents with a higher
phosphate level will probably work
better. If the phosphate content is
low (8.7% or less), you’ll have to
use extra detergent with hard water.
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 wtiter.
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.
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. Too much
moisture. Don’t put powder
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. It won’t
wash well. 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 water.

You’ll find two detergent
dispensers on the inside door of
your dishwasher. Two, because
some cycles use two washes.
See “Detergent Usage Guide”
bcl~)w. (Be sure the Cycle [ndicat{)r
Dial is at OFFpositi(m bef<)re
adding detergent. Otherwise, the
detergent cup will
not cl<)se and
latch
properly.)
GRASP HANDLE, , ‘
ROTATE AND
/
CLOSE TIGHTLY =
[’
Clc)se the main cup.
NOTE: Detergent cup may be
<)pened manually with no harm.
Turn handle c’ountercl[)c’kwi.se
until it releaser. A snapping sound
i.v nc)rmal when it opens.
How to prepare the dishes
for washing
If this is your first dishwasher, or
if you’re replacing a much older
model, you may wonder how much
preparation your dishes need.
Actually very little. Pre-rinsing of
normal food soils is not necessary.
With common sense
and a little
practice you’ll soon know what
foods to remove. Here are some
guidelines:
1. Scrape off bones, seeds, skins,
toothpicks and other hard solids. It
is also best to remove hard shelled
vegetables, meat trimmings, leafy
vegetables and crusts. Remove
excessive quantities of oil or grease.
2. Remove large quantities of any
food. Your dishwasher has a built-in
soft food disposer that pulverizes
soft food bits and flushes them
away. It
can handle small amounts
of soft foods, but large amounts will
be difficult to handle.
3. Try to remove food scraps and
place dishes in dishwasher before
soil has a chance to dry and become
hard. Dishes with dried-on soil are
more difficult to wash and may not
come clean in the NORMAL
WASH cycle. Remember to use
your RINSE & HOLD cycle for
small “holding” loads.
Note: The foods mentioned above
are for examples only. Other foods
not mentioned may also need to be
removed from your dishes. You may
also want to consider removing
foods such as mustard, mayonnaise,
vinegm, lemon juice and other foods
that can cause discoloration of
stainless steel if allowed to remain
on dishes for a long period of time.
When using the POTSCRUBBER
cycle, less
preparation is required
before loading. The POTSCRUBBER
cycle can wash heavily-soiled dishes.
Items with burned-on and baked-on
soils may not come clean. And the
dishwasher cannot remove burn
marks or restore fading caused by
overheating during cooking.
Detergent Usage Guide (powder or liquid)
SOFT WATER MEDIUM WATER HARD WATER
(O-3 grains hardness) (3-7 grains)
(7- 12 grains*)
CYCLES
Main Cup Open Cup Main Cup Open Cup
Main Cup$
Open Cupt
POTSCRUBBER
I Tablespoon 1 Tablespoon
Half’ Full Half Full
Completely Completely
and
minimum minimum Full Full
NORMAL WASH
+++
cycles
LIGHT WASH cycle
I Tablespoon None
Half Full
None Completely
None
minimum
Full
RINSE& HOLD cycle
Use no detergent
Use no detergent Use no detergent
* 12 grains ~n~ up is extremely hard water. A water softener is recommended. Without it, I ime
can build up in the water valve. The water valve may stick while open and cause flooding.
+Filled Main Cup holds 3 tablespoons; Filled Open Cup holds 2 tablespoons.
7

How to load your dishwasher How to load the TOP
WCK
Thi,v i.s a random mixed load, the mc).~t commt]n t)pe
JYOU wlill ha~~e.
Make sure dishes are properly loaded to insure that
water can reach the soiled surfaces. The wash
arm in
the bottom sprays water up. The tower that rises in the
center sends water out over the dishes to wash the
items in the upper rack. A spray arm in the top washes
down also. Make sure to place tall items to the outside
so the upper wash arm is not blocked.
The top rack is best for glasses, cups and saucers. Cups
and glasses fit best along the sides. This is the place
f{)r
dishwasher-safe plastics, too. Make sure small plastic
items are lodged-in tightly so they can’t
fall on~o the
Calrod’”’heating unit. Arrange stemware so that it cannot
move easily. Don’t let the glasses touch each other.
WATCH OUT [“OR THIS.
The wash tower rises through the center of the bottom
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
~ortion of an item such as a Dot or
Sauce pans, mixing bowls and other small items may
be placed—face down—in the top rack. The top rack
is handy for
all kinds of odd shapes.
dish handle
extend’through the bottom rack, T~is could
block the wash arm and cause poor washing results.
8

How to load the BOTTOM RACK
1~
r
Load platters, pots, pans and bowls along the sides, in
corners or in the back. All
large items, such as pitchers Heavily
soiled pots, pans and casseroles MUST be
loaded in the bottom rack,
facing down. Prop broiler
salad bowls and mixing bowl;, should be washed in the pans and racks along the edge.
lower rack.
Don
item
I
I through bottom.
Put flatware in the removable basket with handles up to
protect your hands. Mix knives, forks tind spoons so they Take out anything that may fall or extend through the
Precaution!
tion’t nest together. Distribute evenly. Smali plastic items, bottom
of the basket.
such as measuring spoons
and lids from small containers
are not recommended
for automatic dishwashing. If
placed in the dishwasher, they should go in the bottom o~
silverware basket with silverware on top.
9

What you can usually wash safely in your dishwasher.
And what you can’t.
I I
Usually
Material
Safe
Exceptions (not safe)
I I
Aluminum YES Some colored anodized aluminum can
fade.
Special Instructions
Some darkening or spotting possible. Remove by
scouring with soap-filled steel wool pads.
ChintiStoneware
crystal
YES
Antique, metal-trimmed, hand-painted
or over-the-glaze patterns fade. Gold
leaf will discolor.
YES
Antique, metal-trimmed or hand-
painted patterns fade. Gold leaf will
discolor,
If in doubt, check with the manufacturer, or test wash
one piece
daily for at least a month. Compare with the
rest of the set.
Load securely to prevent movement. Check
manufacturer’s instructions for your crystal.
Non-dishwasher
items+uch as
electronic air cleaner
filters, furnace filters,
paint
brushes, etc.
NO Do not wash in dishwasher. Damage to dishwasher and
discoloration or staining of dishwasher may result.
Glass
] YES
Iron I NO
Pewter
j NO
Plastics YES
I
Milk glass may yellow.
Iron will rust.
Pewter tarnishes.
If it doesn’t say DISHWASHER SAFE, test one piece in
the top rack before
dishwashing an entire set. Wash in
top rack only.
II I
Stainless steel YES
Rinse if not washing immediately. Salty or acid foods
can stain if left on.
Sterling Silver
and Silver plate
Non-stick
coatings
YES
YES
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.
Rinse if not washing immediately. Salty or acid 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,
Tin
I NO I Tincanrost.
I
Wood NO Wood can warp, crack or lose its
finish with any type of washing.
Forget a dish? Here’s
However, opening the door during 2. Wait a few seconds until the
when you can add it.
any cycle lessens cleaning power water calms. Then open the door.
because the temperature inside the
Add dishes any time during the
dishwasher is lowered. So try to
3. Add dishes you’ve forgotten.
RINSE & HOLD cycle. With load everything at the beginning.
4. Close the door and push the
other wash cycles, you can add
dishes at any time BEFORE the main
Here’s how to add a forgotten dish:
latch to the far right. When the
door is locked, washing will
detergent wash portion of the cycle.
1. Push the door latch to the left.
continue.
Washing will stop.
10

Care and Cleaning
USER MAINTENANCE
INSTRUCTIONS
Clean the control panel with a
lightly dampened cloth. Dry
thoroughly. Do not use abrasives
or sharp objects on the panel. They
can damage it.
Clean the outside with a good
appliance polish wax. The outside
cabinet finish is durable, but it can
scratch. So use no scouring pads,
or harsh or gritty cleaners.
Appliance Polish Wax & Cleaner
(Cat. No. WR97X0216) is
available from GE Appliance
Parts Mart.
The inside usually takes care of
itself. If it should ever need
cleaning, use a mild cleansing
powder. Scouring pads and harsh
cleaners can mar the finish.
Built-in dishwashers
often use an air gap.
Keep it clean.
An air gap is a plumbing device.
It protects your dishwasher against
water backing up into it if a drain
clogs. The air gap is not a part of
the dishwasher. And you may not
even have one. Not all plumbing
codes require air gaps.
If you have an air gap, check it at
least once a month. IT IS NOT
PART OF YOUR DISHWASHER.
IT IS NOT COVERED IN YOUR
WARRANTY.
The air gap is easy to clean.
With most types, first turn off the
dishwasher, then lift off the
chrome cover. Then unscrew the
plastic cap and check for any
buildup of grit. A toothpick makes
cleaning easy.
Not using your dishwasher
in winter? Protect
against freezing.
If your dishwasher is left in an
unheated place during the winter,
ask a service technician to:
“ Cut off electric power to the
dishwasher. Remove fuses or trip
circuit breaker.
● Turn off the water supply.
● Disconnect the water inlet line
from the water valve.
● Drain water from the inlet line
and water valve. (Use a pan to
catch the water. )
● Reconnect the water inlet line to
the water
valve.
● Remove the plastic pump cover in
the tub bottom and use a sponge to
soak up water in the rubber boot.
PUMP COVER SCREWS
Check the air gap any time your
dishwasher isn’t draining well.
11

. . .
—.
,,-.
~~~:. Questions?
~——
,..
=~~:~” Use This Problem Solver
—,..
...=—
PROBLEM
DISHWASHER
WON’T R[JN
UNUSUAL NOISE
DISHES DON’T DRY
UNCLEAN DISHES
AND FLATWARE
BLACK OR GRAY
MARKS IN CUPS
DETERGENT LEFT IN
DISPENSER CUPS
DETERGENT CUP
LID WON’T LATCH
AFTER ADDING
DETERGENT
YELLOW CR
BROWN FILM
12
POSSIBI.K; CAUSE; AND RE;MF;DY
A fuse in your home may be blown, or the circuit breaker tripped. Replace fuse or
reset circuit breaker.
Remove any other appliances from the circuit.
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
dishwasher.
Make sure inlet water temperature is correct. (See Page 6.)
Unload the bottom rack first. Water from dishes in the top rack may be spilling into the
bottom rack.
Check for improper loading. Dishes shouldn’t nest together. Avoid overloading.
Check the rinse
agent dispenser to see that it’s not empty.
Check inlet water temperature. It should be at least
120°F. (To test, see page 6.)
Water pressure may be temporarily low. Turn on a faucet. Is water coming out slower
than usual’? If so, wait until pressure is normal before using your dishwasher.
Plugged air gup. (See page 11.)
Improper rack loading. (See
pages 8 and 9.)
Aluminum utensils often leave marks when they rub against dishes. Remove marks
with a mild abrasive cleanser.
Water
may not be retiching the detergent cups. Move dishes that may be blocking
detergent cup.
The dispenser cover may not be opening or may be blocked by improperly loaded
items. If you used
a powder detergent, open the cup and remove any caked-on
detergent.
If the cup still doesn’t open automatically, call for service.
Detergent
may be old. [f the powder detergent is hard or caked in the box, throw it
away. The detergent
may not be working well. Try another brand.
Cycle Indicator Diul must be in OFF position for cup lid to close and latch properly. If
you unlatch the door
and open it to dry your dishes, the Cycle Indictor Dial does not
advance to OFF by itself.
Tea or
coffee can stain cups. Remove the stains by hand, using a solution of 1/2 cup
bleach
and 3 cups warm water.
An overall
yellow or brown film on dishes or glassware can be caused by iron
deposits in
water. A special filter in the water supply line is the only way to correct
this problem. Your water softener company can tell you about the filter.”
Yellow film on sterling silver results when you wash copper utensils in the same
load. Silver polish will usually remove this stain.

PROBLEM
SPOTS AND
FILMING ON
GLASSES AND
FLATWARE
CLOUDINESS ON
GLASSWARE
POSSIBLE CAUSE AND REMEDY
Spotting
can be caused by all these things:
●
●
●
●
●
9
●
●
Extremely hard water. (See page 6.)
Low inlet water temperature. (To test, see page 6.)
Overloading the dishwasher.
Improper loading. (See pages 8 and 9.)
Old or damp powder detergent.
Phosphate level in detergent too low. (See page 6.)
Rinse agent dispenser empty. (See page 6.)
Too little detergent. (See page 7.)
Due to varying local water conditions and personal preferences, try several brands of
detergents
to find one that gives the best results for you. A liquid dishwasher detergent
may help reduce filming.
To remove stubborn spots and film from glassware:
1. Remove all metal utensils from the dishwasher.
2. Do not add detergent.
3. Select POTSCRUBBER
cycle.
4. Start the dishwasher and allow to run for 15 to 20 minutes. The dishwasher will
now be in the main wash.
5. Then open the door and pour 2 cups
(500ml) of white vinegar into the bottom of
the dishwasher.
6. Close the door and allow to complete the cycle.
If vinegar rinse doesn’t work: Repeat
as above, except use 1/4 cup (60ml) of citric
acid crystals instead of vinegar. (Most drugstores carry citric acid crystals. If yours
doesn’t, call GE Factory Service. )
Using a vinegar or citric acid crystal rinse more than twice a month? Consider a
home water softener.
If vinegar or citric acid crystal rinse doesn’t work, the cloudiness is “etching.”
The
filtn cannot be removed.
It can be prevented: Use less detergent if you have soft water. Wash glassware in
the shortest cycle that will get them clean.
Water temperature entering dishwasher exceeds
150°F.

The Problem Solver (continued)
PROBLEM
CHIPPING OF
CHINA
SMALL AMOUNT
OF WATER
STANDING IN
THE BOTTOM
OF THE TUB
WATER WON’T
PUMP OUT OF
THE TUB
SUDS IN THE TUB
DISHWASHER
LEAKS
POSSIBLE CAUSE AND REMEDY
Rough handling can cause chipping, Load with care. Make sure glassware and china
are secure and can’t jar loose. (See page 8 for correct way to load glassware.) Make
sure tall glasses and stemware will clear the top of the tub when you push the rack
into the dishwasher.
Always use the top rack for delicate items.
Water around the outlet on the tub bottom at the back of the tub is normal. It is clean
water. It’s there to keep the water seal lubricated,
If the entire bottom of the tub has water, you may have a drain problem. Clean the
air gap, if you have one. (See page 11.)
Check the kitchen sink. Is it draining well? You may need a plumber.
If dishwasher drains into disposer, run disposer to clear. Be sure disposer is
not clogged.
Sudsing detergents are not meant for dishwashers. USE ONLY AUTOMATIC
DISHWASHER DETERGENTS TO AVOID
SUDSING.
To remove suds from the tub: Open the dishwasher. Let suds evaporate, Add 1
gallon of cold water to the tub. Close and latch the dishwasher. Pump out water by
slowly turning the control did until a drain period is reached. Repeat if necessary.
Suds can cause unit to
oveflow. That’s why it’s so important to use a detergent that’s
designed for automatic dishwashers.
Spilling the rinse agent can cause foam during washing. This can lead to overflowing.
Wipe up accidental spill of rinse agent with a damp cloth.
If you need more help...call, toll free:
GE Answer
Center@
800.626.2000
consumer information service
14

How to change color panels
1~ you are redecorating, you can Note: Other color panels are
change your dishwasher’s front available for your dishwasher.
panels to match or blend with your Check the color you want on the
new colors.
order form below and mail it to us.
The panels are held in place by the Wood panel trim kit GPF 40
door trim
and the trim on the panel contains trim and instructions
for
below the door. Each side of each
adding a decorative wood door
panel is a different color. Or you
can paint
a panel with the color of
your own choice.
panel;nd lower access panel to
match kitchen cabinets. Use the
order form below to order this kit.
Do not operate the dishwasher
while changing panels or when
lower access panel is removed.
How to change the door panel:
1. Take out three trim screws on
either side of the dishwasher door.
Remove the side trim.
2. Slide the door panel out.
(Careful—edges
may be sharp.)
3. Turn the door panel around and
put the color you want in front.
4. Replace the door panel, side
trim and screws.
How to change the lower panel:
1. Remove four panel attachment
screws. (Two above the panel, two
below the panel.)
2. Remove the entire panel.
3. Take out three screws and
remove the top trim.
4. Slide the door panel out.
5. Turn the panel around and put
the color you want in front.
6. Replace the lower panel, top
trim and screws.
7. Replace the entire panel and
four attachment screws.
15
%
-----------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------7
1
1
ORDER FORM
1
1
1
1
Use this form to order, without charge, your choice of ~
a color panel not supplied with your dishwasher or ~
1
a wood panel trim kit.
1
1
Please mark only one box.
1
1
[. I White/Almond ~ ~ Harves~lack ~
1
Door and Access Panel GPF 24
24 Door ~nd Access Panel
1
GPF 26
t
I 1 Kit GPF 40
1
1
1
Wood Panel Trim Ki(
1
?
c
FOLD HERE
—
Name:
Address;
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Model No.: Serial No.:
Date Purchased:

----------------------------------------------------------------
TAPE HERE
Name
Address
City State
Zip
GE Appliances
c/o Dri-View Mfg.
4706
Allmond Ave.
Louisville, KY 40209
--------------------=
E
PLACE
STAMP
HERE
16

Notes
17

Notes
18

Wdll Be There
With the purchase of your new GE appliance, receive the
assurance
fiat if you ever need information or assis~nce
from GE, we’ll be there. Ml you have to do is cdl—toll-free!
GEAnswer Center@
80&626.2000
In-Home Repak
Service
800-GE-CARES
@OO-M2-273~
A GE Consumer Service professional
will provide expert repair service,
scheduled at a time that’s convenient
for you. Many GE Consumer Service
company-operated locations offer you
service today or tomorrow, or at your
convenience
(7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Satur-
days). Our factory-trained technicians
know your appliance inside and out—
so most repairs can be
handed in just
one visit.
Service Contracts
800-626-~4
You can have the secure feeling tiat
GE Consumer Service will still be
there after your warranty expires. Pur-
chase a GE contract while your war-
ranty is
still in effect and you’ll receive
a substantial discount. With a multiple-
year contract, you’re assured of future
service at today’s prices.
Patis andAccessories
800-626-2002
Individu& qutiled to service tieir
om appliances can have needed
parts or accessories sent direcdy to
their home, free of shipping charge!
The GE parts system provides access
to over 47,000 parts . . . and
dl GE
Genuine Renewal Parts are filly
warranted. VISA, MasterCard and
Discover cards are accepted.
User maintenance instructions
contied in this booMet cover p~
dures intended to be performed by
any user. Other servicing
genetiy
should be referred to qufied ser-
vice
pemonnel. Caution must be
exercised, since improper servicing
may cause unsafe operation.
Whatever your question about any GE
major appliance, GE Answer Cente@
inf{)rmation service is available to
help. Your cdl—and your question—
will be answered prompdy and
courteously And you can
cdl any
time. GE Answer Cente@ service is
open 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
For Customers Wtih
Special Needs...
80~62E2000
Upon request, GE will provide Braille
controls for a variety of GE appliances,
and a brochure to assist in planning a
barrier-free kitchen for persons with
limited mobility To obtain these items
free of charge,
cdl 800.626.2000.
Consumers with impaired hearing
or speech who have access to a TDD
or a conventional teletypewriter may
Cd] 800-TDD-GEAC (800-833-4322)
to request information or service.

I
YOUR GE DISHWASHER WITH PERMATUF@ INTERIOR
WARRANTY
Save proof of original purchase date such as your sales slip or cancelled check to establish warranty period.
WHAT IS COVERED
FULL ONE-YEAR WARRANTY
For one year from date of original
purchase, we will provide, free of
charge, parts and service labor in
your home to repair or replace
any
part of the dishwasher that fails
because of a manufacturing defect.
FULL TEN-YEAR WARRANTY
For ten years from date of original
purchase, we will provide, free of
charge, parts and service labor in
your home to repair or replace
the
PermaTuf” tub or door Iinerif it
failS to contain water because of
a manufacturing defect such as
cracking, chipping, peeling
or rusting.
LIMITED SECOND-YEAR
WARRANTY
For the second year from date of
original purchase, we will provide,
free of charge, replacement parts for
any pati of the Water Distribution
System
(as illustrated below) that
fails because of a manufacturing
defect. Associated inlet and drain
plumbing parts are not covered by
this warranty. You pay for the
service trip to your home and
service labor charges.
1
Power Shower ’’arm—
3 piece Power TowerTM
Wash arm
(spray arm)
Boot
+
4
Hose
Hub
-
connection
assembly
)f
m
Motor
Purnn
Soft Food Disposer ‘“””T
Water Distribution System
This warranty is extended to
the original purchaser and any
succeeding owner for products
purchased for
ordina~ home use in
the 48 mainland states, Hawaii and
Washington,
D.C. In Alaska the
warranty is the same except that it is
LIMITED because you must pay to
ship the product to the service shop
or for the sewice technician’s travel
costs to your home.
All warranty service will be
provided by our
Facto~ Sewice
Centers or by our authorized
Customer Care” servicers during
normal working hours.
Look in the White or Yellow Pages
of your telephone
directo~ for
GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY,
GENERAL ELECTRIC FACTORY
SERVICE, GENERAL ELECTRIC-
HOTPOINT FACTORY SERVICE or
GENERAL ELECTRIC CUSTOMER
CARE” SERVICE.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED
● Service trips to your home to teach
you how to use the product.
Read your Use and Care material.
If you then have any questions
about operating the product, please
contact your dealer or our
Consumer Affairs office at the
address below, or call, toll free:
GE Answer Center
800.626.2000
consumer information service
● Improper installation.
If you have an installation problem,
contact your dealer or installer. You
adequate electrical, plumbing, and
other connecting facilities.
● Replacement of house fuses or
resetting of circuit breakers.
● Cleaning or servicing of air gap
device in drain line.
● Failure of the product if it is used
for other than its intended purpose
or used commercially.
● Damage to product caused by
accident, fire, floods or acts of God.
WARRANTOR IS NOT RESPONSIBLE
FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
are responsible for providing
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion
may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
To know what your legal rights are in your state, consult your local or state consumer affairs office or your state’s Attorney General.
Warrantor: General Electric Company
If further help is needed concerning this warranty, write:
Manager—Consumer Affairs, GE Appliances, Louisville, KY 40225
Pafl No. 165D3080P184
GSD720
Pub. No. 49-5491