Kenmore Dishwasher Use and Care

About Kenmore

Kenmore is a brand of home appliances and home goods that have been around for over 100 years. The brand is owned and sold exclusively by Sears Holdings Corporation, a major American retailer. Kenmore offers a wide range of products, including refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, ovens, and vacuums.

Kenmore products are known for their quality and reliability, and the brand has a reputation for producing long-lasting home appliances that are built to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. Many Kenmore products also come with advanced features and technologies, such as smart home compatibility and energy-saving modes, making them an attractive choice for tech-savvy and environmentally-conscious consumers.

With its wide range of products and commitment to quality and innovation, Kenmore has become a trusted and well-respected name in the home appliance industry.

PRODUCT RECORD

In the space below, record the date of purchase, model, and serial number of your product. You will find the model and serial number printed on an identification label inside the dishwasher. Have this information available whenever you contact Sears about your product.

• Model No. __________________________
• Date of Purchase ____________________
• Serial No. ___________________________

Save this information and your sales receipt for future reference!

PROTECTION AGREEMENTS

Master Protection Agreements

Congratulations on making a smart purchase. Your new Kenmore® product is designed and manufactured for years of dependable operation. But like all products, it may require preventive maintenance or repair from time to time. That’s when having a Master Protection Agreement can save you money and aggravation. The Master Protection Agreement also helps extend the life of your new product. Here’s what the Agreement includes: Parts and labor needed to help keep products operating properly under normal use, not just defects.

Our coverage goes well beyond the product warranty. No deductible, no functional failure excluded from coverage – real protection.

• Expert service by a force of more than 1 0,000 authorized Sears service technicians, which means someone you can trust will be working on your product.
• Unlimited service calls and nationwide service, as often as you want us, whenever you want us.
• “No-lemon” guarantee – replacement of your covered product if four or more product failures occur within twelve months.
• Product replacement if your covered product can’t be fixed.
• Annual Preventive Maintenance Check at your request – no extra charge.
• Fast help by phone – we call it Rapid Resolution. Phone support from a Sears representative on all products, Think of us as a “talking owner’s manual.”
• Power surge protection against electrical damage due to power fluctuations.
• $250 food loss protection annually for any food spoilage that is the result of mechanical failure of any covered refrigerator or freezer,
• Rental reimbursement if repair of your covered product takes longer than promised.
• 10% discount off the regular price of any non-covered repair service and related installed parts Once you purchase the Agreement, a simple phone call is all that it takes for you to schedule service. You can call anytime day or night or schedule a service appointment online.

The Master Protection Agreement is a risk-free purchase. If you cancel for any reason during the product warranty period, we will provide a full refund, or a prorated refund anytime after the product warranty period expires.

Purchase your Master Protection Agreement today!

Some limitations and exclusions apply.

For prices and additional information in the U.S.A. call 1-800-827-6655.

• Coverage in Canada varies on some items.

For full details call Sears Canada at 1-800-361-6665. Sears Installation Service

For Sears professional installation of home appliances, garage door openers, water heaters, and other major home items, in the U.S.A. or Canada call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

SAFETY MESSAGES – Please READ & SAVE this information

We have provided many important safety messages in this manual and on your appliance. Always read and obey all safety messages.

WARNING

• Misuse of the dishwasher can result in serious injury or death. Do not use the dishwasher in any way not covered in this manual or for any purpose other than those explained in the following pages.
• Severe product damage and/or injury could result from the use of unqualified service technicians or non-original replacement parts. All repairs must be performed by a qualified service technician using only original equipment factory replacement parts.
• Electrical shock or fire could result if the electrical supply for the dishwasher covered in this manual is incorrectly installed or if the dishwasher has been improperly grounded. Do not use the dishwasher covered in this manual unless you are certain the electrical supply has been correctly installed or the dishwasher has been properly grounded.
• Never use harsh chemicals to clean your dishwasher. Some chloride-containing products can damage your dishwasher and may present health hazards!

NOTICE

• It is highly recommended that the end user become familiar with the procedure to shut off the incoming water supply and the procedure to shut off the incoming power supply. See the installation Instructions or contact your installer for more information.
• Never use steam cleaning products to clean your dishwasher. The manufacturer will not be liable for the possible damages or consequences.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, or serious injury, observe the following:

• This dishwasher is provided with Installation Instructions and this Use and Care Manual. Read and understand all instructions before installing or using the dishwasher.
• This appliance must be grounded to a 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 on the dishwasher. See the Installation Instructions included with this dishwasher for more information on electrical requirements.
• Use this dishwasher only for its intended function, which is the washing of household dishware and kitchenware.
• Use only detergents or rinsing agents recommended for use in a dishwasher, and keep them out of the reach of children.
• When loading items to be washed:
  • Locate sharp items so that they are not likely to damage the door seal.
  • Load knives and other sharp utensils with their HANDLES UP to reduce the risk of cut-type injuries.
  • Do not wash plastic items unless they are marked “dishwasher safe” or the equivalent. For plastic items not so marked, check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Do not operate your dishwasher unless all enclosure Panels are in place.
  • Do not tamper with or override controls and interlocks
• Do not abuse, sit on, or stand on the door or dish racks of the dishwasher.
• To reduce the risk of injury, do not allow children to play in or on the dishwasher.
• When children become old enough to operate the appliance, it is the legal responsibility of the parents or legal guardians to ensure that they are instructed in safe practices by qualified persons.
• Under certain conditions, hydrogen gas may be produced in a hot water system that has not been used for two weeks or more. Hydrogen gas is explosive. Before using a dishwasher that is connected to a hot water system that has been unused for two weeks or longer, turn on all hot water faucets and let the water flow from each for several minutes, and open windows to ventilate the house. This will release any accumulated hydrogen gas. As the gas is explosive, do not smoke or use an open flame during this time.
• Remove the dishwasher door to the washing compartment when removing an old dishwasher from service or discarding.
• To avoid floor damage and possible mold growth, do not allow wet areas to remain around or under the dishwasher.
• Protect your dishwasher from the elements. Protect against freezing to avoid possible damage to the fill valve. Damage caused by freezing is not covered by the warranty.

DISHWASHER COMPONENTS

DISHWASHER FEATURES

• QuietGuard™: A two-pump motor system, the Suspended Motor, and triple insulation make this dishwasher one of the quietest in North America.
• Stainless Steel Giant Tub: A rust-free, hygienic interior surface.
• Nylon Coated Racks: Greatly reduces cuts and nicks.
• Concealed Heating Element: Heats water up to a sanitizing temperature.
• EcoDry: A high-temperature final rinse, a low-temperature stainless steel tub, and the sheeting action of a rinse agent result in drying that is hygienic, energy efficient, and economical.
• SmartSensor: Checks water condition and decides whether a second fresh water fill is necessary.
• Triple Filtration System: Multiple filters ensure distribution of clean water and protect the main pump and the drain pump from foreign material.
• Water Shut-Off: A safety feature that stops the flow of incoming water, if water is detected in the base of the dishwasher.
• * Upper & Lower Rack Flip Tines: Increase the rack flexibility to accommodate larger/taller items.
• * Dry Assist: Raises the temperature of the rinse water and increases the drying time which will result in improved drying.
• * Adjustable Racks: The top rack can be raised or lowered to accommodate tall items in the top and bottom racks.
• * SmartWash™ HE: Takes the guesswork out of cycle selection. The sensors in the dishwasher automatically adjust the cycle length, temperature and water changes based on the soil load.
• * TurboClean™: Tackles hard-to-clean dishes in the lower rack, eliminating the need to soak and scrub heavily soiled dishes.
• AquaGuard™: Leak protection system that cuts off the water supply in the event of a leak.

DISHWASHER MATERIALS

NOTE: Before using your dishwasher for the first time, check the information in this section. Some items are not dishwasher safe and should be hand washed; others require special loading.

RECOMMENDED

• Aluminum: Colored anodized aluminum may fade over time. Minerals in your water may cause the aluminum to darken or spot. This can usually be removed with a soap-filled steel wool pad.
• China, Crystal, Stoneware: Some hand-painted utensils may discolor, fade, or spot. Hand-wash these utensils. Position fragile glassware so that it will not topple over or come in contact with other utensils during the wash cycle.
• Glass: Milk glass may discolor or become yellow.
• Non-stick Coatings: Apply a light coating of vegetable oil to non-stick surfaces after drying.
• Plastics: Make sure the plasticware is dishwasher safe.
• Stainless Steel, Sterling Silver, and Silver Plates: Load these utensils in a way that they do not come in contact with other metals.

NOT RECOMMENDED

• Acrylic: Crazing (small cracks throughout the acrylic) may occur.
• Adhesive-Joined Pieces: Adhesives that join materials such as plastic, wood, bone, steel copper, tin, etc. may loosen.
• Bone-Handled Utensils: Handles may separate.
• Iron, Cast Iron: Iron will rust. Hand-wash and dry immediately.
• Non-Dishware Items: Your dishwasher is intended for use in cleaning ONLY standard household dishware and kitchenware.
• Pewter, Brass, Bronze: Pewter will tarnish. Hand-wash and dry immediately.
• Tin: Tin will stain. Hand-wash and dry immediately.
• Wood: Wooden bowls, wooden utensils, and utensils with wooden handles can crack, warp, and lose their finish.
• Gold: Gold will discolor.

LOADING THE DISHWASHER

Do not pre-wash items that have loosely attached soiling. Remove large food particles, bones, seeds, toothpicks, and excessive grease. Items having burned-on, baked-on or starchy soils may require pre-treatment.

Refer to the Dishware Materials section for more information about dishware suitability.

• Load only dishwasher-safe items into the dishwasher.
• Load dishes in the dishwasher racks so that the insides of bowls, pots and pans are facing the spray arms.
• Avoid nesting and contact points between dishes.
• Separate items of dissimilar metals.
• Load dishes and glasses at an angle to avoid puddling and improve drying performance.

NOTICE

To avoid dishwasher damage, do not load the dishwasher with paper products, plastic bags, packing materials, or anything other than normal, dishwasher-safe dishware and kitchenware.

TOP RACK -SUGGESTED LOADING PATTERN

NOTE: Load cups and glasses between tines. Loading over the tines can cause breakage or water spots.

TOP RACK – ADDITIONAL LOADING PATTERN

Loading the Top Rack

NOTE: Ensure items do not protrude through the bottom of the racks and block the spray arms.

NOTE: When pushing the top rack into the dishwasher, push it until it stops against the back of the tub so the top rack spray arm will connect to the water supply at the back of the tub. Do not push the top rack with the door.

Loading the Bottom Rack

Place large items in the bottom rack. Load pots, pans and bowls with the dirty surfaces facing the spray arms.

Unloading Sequence

• Unload the bottom rack first.
• Unload the silverware basket.
• Unload the top rack.

NOTE: Do not use rubber bands (to hold items in place in the racks) or any other after market parts in your dishwasher. The use of such items could potentially damage the drain pump.

THE FLEXIBLE SILVERWARE BASKET

1. Salad Fork
2. Teaspoon
3. Dinner Fork
4. Knife
5. Tablespoon
6. Serving Spoon
7. Serving Fork

The standard silverware basket fits in the back of the lower rack. The basket lid can be snapped to the handle to leave the basket open.

Filling the dispenser

• Always use Rinse Agent even if your detergent contains rinse agents.
• Add rinse agent when the Rinse Agent Indicator Light on the control panel illuminates.
• Make sure the dishwasher door is completely open.
• Add liquid rinse agent to the dispenser as shown below until the rinse agent reservoir is full.

Wipe up any excess rinse agent that puddles when the dispenser reservoir is full to prevent oversudsing.

After filling the rinse agent dispenser, the indicator light will go out in a few minutes after the dishwasher door is shut (select models only).

DISHWASHER CYCLES AND OPTIONS

Adding options will increase or decrease the cycle time. See the “Options” information section.

* The cycle is NSF certified.

NSF INFORMATION

A dishwasher or dishwasher cycle that is certified by the NSF International meets very strict requirements of wash time and water temperature to ensure dishware and kitchenware sanitization. These requirements are explained in the document NSF/ANSI 184, Residential Dishwashers. More information on NSF Certification is available at the NSF website, http://www.nsfconsumer.org/home/appliances.asp.

Your dishwasher is NSF certified. The dishwasher cycles that are NSF certified are shown in the chart above. When these cycles are complete, the “Sanitized” indicator on your dishwasher control panel will illuminate. However, if your household water supply is too hot your dishwasher’s heating time may be reduced, and the Sanitized indicator may not illuminate.

The cycle times listed in the Use and Care Manual are based on normal soil loads and 120°F incoming water and will vary based on your actual conditions.

NOTE: Only sanitizing cycles have been designed to meet the requirements of 6 for soil removal and sanitization efficacy. There is no intention, either directly or indirectly, that all cycles on a certified machine have passed the sanitization performance test.

Sanitized Indicator

When the “Sanitized” indicator light illuminates on the control panel, it means that the dishware and kitchenware that were just washed have been sanitized according to the requirements of the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF). For more information on NSF certification, refer to the tables in this section.

NOTE: The indicator light will come on for the cycles marked with an asterisk in the cycles and options tables.

OPERATING THE DISHWASHER

If your unit has a display window similar to the one shown above, follow the instructions below.

CANCELING A CYCLE

• Hold down the CANCEL button until the display shows “0:01”. Wait for the end-of-cycle indicator.
• Press the “POWER” button to turn the unit off. Then press the “POWER” button again to turn the unit back on.
• One of the cycle LEDs will flash. This indicates that the unit has been reset.

CHANGING A CYCLE

If you need to change the running cycle to a new cycle:

• Hold down the CANCEL button until the display shows “0:01”
• Press the POWER button to turn the unit off. Then press the “POWER” button again to turn the unit back on
• You can now select a new cycle.

Control Lock

• After pressing the “START” button you can activate the Control Lock feature.
• Press and hold down the “CHINA GENTLE” button until “CL” appears in the display window. Now any button you press (except POWER) will not function and “CL” will display each time.
• To deactivate, press and hold the “CHINA GENTLE” button until the “CL” disappears from the display window.

To enter the options mode:
(rinse aid setting, dry assist)

• The door must be closed. Press the “POWER” button to turn the unit on.
• The countdown display and one of the Wash Cycle LEDs will be flashing.
• Press and hold the “NORMAL WASH” button, then press and release the “START” button. Now release the “NORMAL WASH” button.
• The display will show either “d:00 – d:01 ” or “r:00 – r:06”. You are now in the options setup mode.
• Press “NORMAL WASH” to select the option you would like to adjust.

If the display shows “d:00” or “d:01” you can turn the Dry Assist ON or OFF.

If the display shows between “r:00” to “r:06” you can adjust the amount of rinse agent dispensed.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Dishwashers may occasionally exhibit problems that are unrelated to a malfunction of the dishwasher itself. The following information may help you with a dishwasher problem without involving a repair professional. The Items listed in the following charts may not be covered by your product warranty.

Problem	Cause	Action
Dishwasher	1 .     Door may not be properly latched.	1 .     Shut the door completely.
does not start	2.     Unit may not be turned on.   3.       Unit not reset or previous cycle not completed. 4.       Delay start engaged. 5.       Interruption of electrical power supply to dishwasher or blown fuse. 6.       Child lock activated (select models). 7.       The door may have been closed without first	2.     Press the main power switch to turn unit on.   3.     To reset, refer to “Canceling or changing the cycle” section in this manual. 4.     To reset, refer to “Delay Start” section in this manual. 5.       Check circuit breaker. 6.       Deactivate the child lock. Refer to “Child Lock” section in this manual if applicable.
	selecting a cycle.	7.     Select a cycle and close the door.
	8.    Water supply may not be turned on.	8.     Check and turn on water supply.
Dishwasher beeping  (end of cycle signal)	Default factory settings alert the customer that the cycle has completed by beeping. This feature can be deactivated if so desired.	To adjust the volume or deactivate, refer to “Cycle Completion Signal” section in this manual.
Display does not illuminate or console lights are not on	1.  . A fuse may have been blown or circuit break- er tripped.   2.  Door not closed or latched. Note: For models with controls on the top portion of the door, the display only illuminates when the door is opened and controls are visible.	1.  .      Check  the  fuse  or  circuit  breaker  box  and  replace  the fuse  or reset  the breaker  if  necessary.   2.  Ensure that door is properly latched and completely closed.
Dishwasher seems to run a long time	1.     Incoming water is not warm enough.   2.     Cycle time can vary due to soil and water conditions. 3.     Rinse agent dispenser is empty. 4.     Dishwasher connected to cold water supply. 5.     The type of cycle options selected may add time to the cycle. Note: For typical cycle length refer to the wash cycles table in the Dishwasher Cycles and Options section.	1.     Before starting a cycle, run hot water faucet at the sink nearest to the dishwasher. Incoming water should be at 1 20°F.   2.     Sensors in the dishwasher automatically increase the cycle time to ensure a good wash when heavy soil is detected. 3.     Add rinse agent. 4.      Verify dishwasher is connected to hot water supply plumbing.
Dishes aren’t getting clean enough	1.    Spray arm movement is obstructed.   2.    Spray arm nozzles clogged. 3.    Improper use of detergents. 4.    Filters could be clogged. 5.    Dishes are nested or loaded too close to­ gether. 6.    Selected wash cycle is not suitable for food soil condtions. 7.    Make sure incoming water is at 1 20°F.	1.     Ensure that spray arm movement is not blocked by hand rotating spray arms.   2.     Remove the spray arms and clean according to “Check/Clean the Spray Arm Nozzles” in Care and Maintenance section of this manual. 3.     Increase or decrease detergent depending on the water hard­ ness. Refer to Table under “Adding Detergent and Rinse Agent”. 4.     Clean the filter. Refer to “Check/Clean the Filter System” under Care and Maintenance section of this manual. 5.     Rearrange load such that water spray can reach all items in the dishwasher. See also “Preparing and Loading” section of this manual. 6.      Refer to “Wash Cycle” section in Operating the Dishwasher sec­ tion of this manual.
Dishes are not getting dry enough	1.     Rinse agent dispenser is empty. (Rinse agent indicator is activated).   2.      Improper loading of dishes. 3.       Selected cycle does not include drying. 4.     Dry Assist Note: Plastic or Teflon do not typically dry as completely as other items due to their inherent properties.	1 .     Add  rinse agent. The use of rinse agent improves drying.   2.    Rearrange load to ensure items are not nested. Refer also to the “Preparing and Loading” section of this manual. 3.    Certain settings does not include drying cycle. 4.    Activate Dry Assist as per instructions in Operating the Dish- washer section. Note: Select models offer an extra heating options to improve drying performance. Refer to “Wash Cycle options” under the Operating the Dishwasher section of this manual.

 

Problem	Cause		Action
Odor	1.       Food debris is present at the bottom of the dish- washer.   2.     Food particles are present near the door seal. 3.      Residual water is present at the bottom of the dishwasher. 4.       Drain hose is obstructed.		1.     Remove the filters and clean according to the “Check/ Clean the Filter System” section of this manual.   2.     Refer to “Clean the Door Gasket and Door Seal” in the Care and Maintenance section of this manual . 3.     Ensure the unit has completely drained from the last cycle. Refer to the “Canceling or changing the cycle” section of this manual. 4.     Remove any obstructions from the drain hose by calling qualified personnel. Note: If odor still persists, run the Normal Wash cycle until it flushes and interrupt the cycle and place an 8 oz. cup of distilled white vinegar solution on the top rack and then finish the cycle.
Dishwasher not filling with water	1.  .     Restriction  in the  water  supply  system.   2.  Previous wash cycle was not completed. 3.  Delay-start is active.		1.     Ensure that the water supply valve (typically located under kitchen sink) is open and check that the water supply line has no kinks and clogs.   2.     Refer to the “Canceling the cycle” section of this manual. 3.     Cancel the delay-start or wait until delay-start time completes (times out). Refer to the “Delay Start” section of this manual.
Water Leaks	1.   2. 3. 4.	Suds   Door seal could be pulled away from track. Condensation vent is blocked. Improper installation.	1.       Wrong type of detergent results in suds and leaks. Use only dishwasher detergents. If suds still persist, then add one tablespoon of vegetable oil at the bottom of the dishwasher and run the desired cycle. Also wipe up excess rinse agent to prevent sudsing.   2.      Ensure that door seal is in the track. 3.       Ensure that condensation vent is not blocked. Refer to “Loading Extra Tall Items” in the Preparing and Loading the Dishwasher section of this manual. 4.        Have proper installation verified by qualified personnel (water supply, drain system, leveling, plumbing).   1.      Concentrated Lemon juice can reduce the build up of hard water stains. Run a normal cycle until it flushes and interrupt the cycle and then place an 8 oz. cup of the concentrated lemon solution on the top rack and finish the cycle. This can be done periodically to avoid build up. 2.      Ensure that the silverware does not make contact with the tub while running a cycle.
Tub stains	1.	Stains on the dishwasher interior are due to
		hardness of water.
	2.	Silverware in contact with tub.
Spots and	Incorrect rinse agent setting.		Depending on the hardness of water, adjust the rinse agent
streaks on			dispenser. Refer to “Rinse Agent” section in this manual for
glassware or			adjustment.
residue on the
dishes
Fascia panel discolored or marked	Abrasive cleaner used.		Use mild detergents with soft damp cloth.
Noise during wash cycle	The dishes may not be arranged properly.		Water circulation sound is normal, but if you suspect items are banging into each other or into the spray arms, refer to the “Preparing and Loading” section of this manual for optimal arrangement.
Detergent dispenser cover will not shut	1.     Improper operation of detergent cover.   2.      Previous cycle has not been finished, reset, or cycle was interrupted.		1.     Refer to “Detergent” section of this manual for instructions on opening and closing the dispenser.   2.     Refer to the “Canceling the cycle” section of this manual.
Unable to select desired cycle	Previous cycle has not finished.		Refer to the “Changing the cycle” section of this manual.

Dishwasher did not sanitize	1.       Did not run a sanitizing cycle   2.     Opened door mid-cycle	1.       Select a cycle that is intended to sanitize. See Dishwasher cycles and options section for more information.   2.     Do not open the door while the wash cycle is running.
Dishwasher not draining	1.       Kinked or Crushed Drain Hose   2.     No high Loop in Drain Hose 3.       Food Disposer plug not removed 4.       The airgap may need cleaning 5.        A home plumbing issue.	1.       Check Drain Hose for proper installation. Note: In the Installation Process, do not rotate the Drain Hose after it is attached to the dishwasher. Refer to Installation Instructions for details.   2.     Make sure that a portion of the Drain Hose is at least 20″ from the floor. Refer to Installation Instructions for details. 3.       If your Drain Hose is attached to the Food Disposer make sure the plug in the Food Disposer was removed. 4.       Clean the air gap periodically to ensure proper drainage of the dishwasher. With most types, you lift off thechrome cover. Unscrew the plastic cap. then check for any soil buildup. Clean if necessary. 5.       In this case, a certified plumber would need to check.
Etching   {permanent cloudiness) “Sudsing”	1.       Type of glass – some glassware is sensitive to temperature   2.     Too much detergent 3.       Too much detergent and/or wrong type of detergent and/or wrong brand of detergent.	1.       Make sure that glasses are Dishwasher safe. Select a cycle that does not get as hot. Do not use the Heated Dry option.   2.     The amount of detergent is based on the hardness of the water deliveried to your dishwasher and the amount of food soil present. If you pre-rinse your dishes and/ or have soft water you should reduce the amount of detergent. See Owners manual for details. 3.       Reduce or change the type/brand of detergent you are using. Note: Do not pre-rinse dishes. Scraping excess food soils is all that is required.

FAQs Kenmore Dishwasher Use and Care

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