Things You'll Need:
- Automatic dishwasher powdered detergent
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Step 1
Remove any large food deposits from the dishes to prevent damaging the dishwasher.
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Step 2
Load the upper rack of the dishwasher with smaller items, such as glasses, cups and cookware lids. The items must be inserted face down, with the soiled side of each item facing toward the bottom of the dishwasher. Some Whirlpool dishwasher models feature clips, which can be used to secure lightweight items to the tines of the upper rack. The clips work like clothesline pins, and can be moved from one tine to another.
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Step 3
Load the lower rack of the dishwasher with heavier items, such as plates, bowls and pans. Insert the items between the tines of the rack with the soiled side of each item facing toward the center of the dishwasher.
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Step 4
Load the silverware basket. The silverware should be inserted into the basket with some items facing up and some facing down to ensure the items do not fit together, which would prevent the dishwasher from being able to clean all surfaces. Knives should be inserted blade down, so they can be inserted and removed from the dishwasher with the handle to avoid injury.
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Step 5
Add detergent to the dishwasher, and then close the dishwasher's door. Note that the dishwasher has two detergent sections. One dispenser, called the main wash section, has a lid. Open the main wash section's lid by pressing down on the cover latch located next to the section. Fill the main wash section with 3 tbsp. of automatic dishwasher powdered detergent, then close the lid until it snaps into place. The other detergent section is the prewash section. It does not have a lid, because the detergent within the section empties into the dishwasher when the door is closed. Fill the prewash section with 2 tbsp. of automatic dishwasher powdered detergent. Close the dishwasher's door until it clicks into place.
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Step 6
Prime the dishwasher by turning the kitchen sink's faucet on until it produces hot water. This will ensure the dishwasher has an immediate supply of hot water.
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Step 7
Start the dishwasher by choosing and pressing the appropriate wash-cycle button, located on the front of the dishwasher's door. Cycle selections include "POTS --N- PANS," "HEAVY" for heavily soiled items, "NORMAL" for standard washing, "CRYSTAL/CHINA" for delicate items, "LOW ENERGY" for lightly soiled items and "RINSE ONLY" for items that will not be washed immediately.
