How to Use GE Dishwasher: A Comprehensive Guide for Sparkling Clean Dishes!

Are you find it difficult to use GE dishwasher? Is this the first time you’re trying to use GE dishwasher? Don’t you know how to add detergent to your GE dishwasher? Don’t you know how to load the dishwasher racks?

You’re in the right place we’ll show you how to use GE dishwasher step-by-step from a to z we’ll show you also how to unluck your GE dishwasher and how to load the dishwasher and how to add detergent and how much detergent to use.

So please follow the steps and instructions till the end and don’t skip any steps to start your GE dishwasher without problems.

Ge dishwasher has plenty of features that can help you to clean your dishes the right way and clean the dishes properly.

How To Use GE Dishwasher Step-By-Step

Step1. Load the dishwasher racks

For best dishwashing results, follow these loading guidelines. Features and appearance of racks and silverware baskets may vary from your model.

1. Upper Rack

Although the upper rack is for glasses, cups, and saucers, pots and pans can be placed in this rack for effective cleaning. Cups and glasses fit best along the sides. This is also a secure place for dishwasher-safe plastics.

The upper rack is adjustable (on some models) to add flexibility in loading your dishwasher. To lower, push tabs in and lower rack. To raise, just pull up on the rack until it snaps.

The utility shelf (on some models) may be placed in the up or down position to add flexibility. A wine glass holder (on some models) secures wine glasses for best washability. Because wine glasses come in various sizes, after loading, slowly push in the rack to make sure they will clear the top of the dishwasher.

The upper rack is good for all kinds of odd-shaped utensils. Saucepans, mixing bowls, and other items should be placed face down. Fold-down tines (on some models) provide flexibility for extra-large and hard-to-fit items.

Secure larger dishwasher-safe plastics over 2 tines when possible.
Make sure small plastic items are secure so they can’t fall onto the heater. Be sure that items do not protrude through the bottom of the rack and block rotation of the middle spray arm.
This could result in poor wash performance for items in the upper rack.
Check to make sure that no items will block rotation of the wash arms.

2. Lower rack

The lower rack is best used for plates, saucers, and cookware. Large items such as broiler pans and baking racks should go along the left-hand side.

Load platters, pots, and bowls along the sides, in corners, or the back. The soiled side of items should face the center of the rack.

If necessary, oversized glasses and mugs can be placed in the lower rack to maximize loading flexibility.

Also, be careful not to let a portion of an item such as a pot or dish handle extend through the bottom rack. This could block the wash arm and cause poor washing results.

Fold-down tines (on some models) provide flexibility for extra-large and hard-to-fit items. The tines may be left in the up position or folded down to customize the lower rack.

3. Silverware Basket

A variety of options is available regarding the three-piece silverware basket in your dishwasher. The complete basket is designed to fit on the right side of the lower rack. Additionally, each end of the basket is removable to add loading flexibility to accommodate flatware and lower rack capacity needs.

To load flatware:

Simply push the adjustable handle to either side.
Put flatware in the basket with knife handles up to protect your hands.
Place spoons in the basket with handles down.
Mix knives, forks, and spoons so they don’t nest together.

The provided lids with slots can be used to avoid the nesting of silverware. Small plastic items, such as measuring spoons and lids for small containers, should go in the bottom of the silverware basket with silverware on top.

The lids of both end and middle baskets can be closed to contain small items. Long items can be placed on the utility shelf in the upper rack.

Step2. Add detergent

The detergent dispenser is located in the center of the dishwasher door. It has two compartments. The main wash compartment is found inside the detergent dispenser.

To open, press the button on the side of the dispenser. The pre-wash compartment is on the lid of the detergent dispenser.

Use the pre-wash compartment only when your water is extremely hard or when you have a heavily soiled load.

The pre-wash compartment is not used when tablet or packet detergents are used.

NOTE: Do not load large items in the lower rack where they may block the wash jets from rinsing out the detergent dispenser.

You may use a tablet, packet, powder, liquid, or gel automatic dishwasher detergent.

Make sure you use only detergents specifically labeled for use in automatic dishwashers.
Never use liquid hand dish detergent in an automatic dishwasher.
Studying and poor wash performance will result from the use of improper detergents.

Detergents should be stored in a dry location and in their original container to prevent loss of effectiveness.

Place detergent in the cup just before starting the dishwasher and then close the cover. The cover will open during the wash cycle.

To Fill the Detergent Dispenser:

GE Appliances recommends using detergent in tablet or packet form. Independent testing has shown this form of detergent is very effective in the dishwasher. Finish® Quantum® Powerball® is an example of this type of detergent.

1. Simply put a tablet or packet into the main wash compartment and close the detergent cup cover.

Notice that the tablet or packet must be placed in the main wash compartment of the detergent cup.

If the tablet or packet is placed in the prewash compartment or tossed in the bottom of the dishwasher, the detergent will be flushed down the drain in a very short period and will thus be wasted. Wash performance will be very poor as a result.

If you choose to use detergent in powder, liquid, or gel form, the amount of detergent you use will be determined by the hardness of your water, the temperature of your water, and the food soil load inside the dishwasher.

How much the amount of detergent to use in GE dishwasher?

The number of Grains/Gal.	Detergent Cup(s) to Fill.
Less than 4	Fill cup to 1/3 full
4 to 8	Fill cup to 2/3 full
8 to 12	Fill cup full
Greater than 12	Fill both the main wash cup and pre-wash cup

Using too much detergent with very soft and/or very hot water may cause a condition called etching on your glassware.

Etching is permanent cloudiness in your glassware. This condition is irreversible. However, using too little detergent will cause poor wash performance.

Do not use hand dish detergent.

NOTE: Using a detergent that is not specifically designed for dishwashers will cause the dishwasher to fill with suds. During operation, these suds will spill out of the dishwasher vents, covering the kitchen floor and making the floor wet.

Because so many detergent containers look-alike, store the dishwasher detergent in a separate space from all other cleaners. Show anyone who may use the dishwasher the correct detergent and where it is stored.

While there will be no lasting damage to the dishwasher, your dishes will not get clean using a dishwashing detergent that is not formulated for automatic dishwashers.

Step3. Check the Water Temperature

The entering water should be at least 120°F (49°C) and not more than 150°F (66°C) for effective cleaning and to prevent dish damage.

1. Check the water temperature with a candy or meat thermometer.

2. Turn on the hot water faucet nearest the dishwasher.

3. place the thermometer in a glass and let the water run continuously into the glass until the temperature stops rising.

Step4. Add Rinse Agent

Rinse agents, such as Finish® Jet-Dry® Rinse Aid are designed for great drying action and to protect against spots and film build-up on your dishes, glasses, flatware, cookware, and plastic.

To add rinse agent in GE dishwasher:

The rinse agent dispenser holds 3.5 oz. (104 ml) of rinse agent. Under normal conditions, this will last approximately one month.

1. Make sure the dishwasher door is fully open.

2. Open the rinse agent dispenser door.

3. Slowly add rinse agent until the cup is full. You may need to pause several times to allow rinse aid to settle.

NOTE: Indicator window does not light up.

4. Clean up any spilled rinse agent with a damp cloth to prevent foam from forming inside the dishwasher.

5. Close the rinse agent dispenser door.

Rinse Aid Setting

The amount of rinse agent released into the final wash can be adjusted. If water drops or hard water spots remain on dishes after the dry cycle, increase the setting.

To adjust the setting

Open the Rinse Agent dispenser door; then turn the adjuster clockwise to increase the amount of rinse agent, counterclockwise to reduce the amount of rinse agent.

Step5. Select Cycle

Press the furthest pad on the left for the desired wash cycle.

On some models, the light next to the furthest pad on the left will be lit to indicate which wash cycle has been selected. On other models, pressing the furthest pad on the left will show various cycles in the display window.

Press the pad until the desired cycle is shown.

NOTE: Actual cycle times vary based on soil level, water temperature, and options selected.

The cycle may be selected with the door in the open position. The cycle will not start until the Start pad is pushed and the door is closed within 4 seconds.

1. AutoSense/ Auto (on some models)

This cycle automatically senses the soil level and adjusts the wash cycle accordingly.

Time range: 1 hour 50 minutes – 2 hours 10 minutes.

2. Heavy/ Pots

This cycle is meant for heavily soiled dishes, cookware, pots, or pans with dried-on or baked-on soils. Everyday dishes are safe to be used in this cycle.

Time: 2 hours 31 minutes.

3. Normal

This cycle is meant for daily, regular, or typical use to completely wash a full load of normally soiled dishes and is designed to conserve both water and energy.

Time range: 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 50 minutes.

NOTE: Normal was used to rate the energy efficiency of this dishwasher.

4. Light/ China

This cycle is for light to medium soiled dishes. It is safe for china and crystal with no options selected.

Time: 55 minutes.

5. Rinse (on some models)

For rinsing partial loads that will be washed later. Do not use detergent. Detergent is not dispensed during the rinse cycle.

Time: 16 minutes.

6. 1-Hour Wash

This cycle will quickly wash lightly soiled dishes.

Time: 60 minutes.

For better drying, select Dry Boost. This will raise the final rinse temperature and extend the dry time. Dry Boost will add 49 to 90 minutes to the cycle time.

When the Clean light comes on, open the door, pull the racks out, and the dishes will “flash” dry in approximately five minutes.

Washing time only. Does not include drying time, Auto Hot Start, or options.

NOTE: If the incoming water temperature is too low, the Auto Hot Start feature may add up to 25 minutes of additional time.

Step6. Select Options

The light by the selected button will be lit to indicate which option has been selected.

1. Normal Temp:

This option is for normally soiled dishes, optimizes wash performance while conserving energy.

2. Boost

This option increases the temperature to help clean heavily soiled dishes and will increase the cycle time by 20 to 50 minutes.

Option may be turned On or Off during the wash cycle. This option will also improve dry performance on the Normal cycle.

3. Dry Boost Off

Shuts off the drying option. Dishes air dry naturally and energy is saved. Open the dishwasher door to speed drying.

4. Dry Boost Normal

Turns on the option for faster drying. This option may add up to 64 minutes to the cycle time.

On models with the hidden heater feature, this option boosts the temperature of the dishwasher during the final rinse portion of the cycle then utilizes a fan to circulate air to dry the dishes.

This very efficient fan may run for an additional 90 minutes after the cycle is complete to maximize drying performance.

Fan operation will end if the door is opened during these 90 minutes. This option is not available with the Rinse cycle.

5. Delay Hours

Delays the start of a wash cycle up to 8 to 12 hours depending on the model. Press Delay Hours, to select the number of hours, then press Start one time and close the door to begin the countdown.

The cycle will start once the allotted time has expired.

Step7. Start GE Dishwasher

1. Press the Start pad and close the door within 4 seconds to start the cycle or begin the Delay Hours countdown.

2. The wash cycle will begin shortly after closing the door. The display will turn off if the door remains open for two minutes.

3. To activate the display, close and open the door or press any pad.

Step8. Interrupt or Pause

To interrupt or pause a dish cycle:

1. slowly open the door. Opening the door will cause the wash cycle to pause.

The dishwasher will beep every minute to remind you to close the door.

To restart or resume the cycle, press Start and close the door within 4 seconds.

Step9. Cancel

To cancel a wash cycle:

1. Press and hold the Start pad for 3 seconds and close the door.

The dishwasher will drain, emit a beep sound, and the wash cycle light will turn OFF.

What do Flashing display lights and sounds mean in GE dishwasher?

Status Indicator Lights and Sounds	What does it mean?
START/RESET	The cycle has been interrupted by pressing the START/RESET pad. Light will quit flashing after the dishwasher automatically drains out the water.
Sanitized	Displayed at end of the cycle when Wash Temp Sani or Sanitize Temp has been selected and the dishwasher has met requirements for sanitization.
Clean	Displayed when a wash cycle is complete. The light stays ON as a reminder that the dishes are clean. The light will turn off when the door is opened.
Cycle Status	The indicator light on the door front will change color to indicate the wash status. During the wash cycle, the indicator light will be amber. When the wash cycle is complete, the light will change to white.
Sounds	The dishwasher will emit a sound to indicate cycle completion, button presses, and door ajar.
Mute	To turn the dishwasher control sounds ON/OFF, press the Dry Boost pad 7 times within 5 seconds.

How to unlock a GE dishwasher?

If the control panel has lights on but does not respond to pad presses it may be locked.

Some models use the heated dry pad as a lock and some models have a lock pad. If the lock symbol is adjacent to the heated dry pad, then your dishwasher’s lock feature is activated utilizing the heated dry pad.

The pads will not respond while the lock is enabled.

To unlock a GE dishwasher:

Hold the heated dry pad for three seconds and you will hear a beep and the light will go off.

If you wish to lock the control panel again:

Hold the heated dry button for three seconds to engage the lock.

For the controls with a separate lock pad, if any pad is pressed and the light above the lock pad flashes, the control panel is locked.

How to unlock GE dishwasher control panel?

To unlock the control panel:

Press the lock pad twice and the light will go off If you wish to lock the control panel again,

Press the lock pad twice to engage the lock.

Final tough

Using a GE dishwasher will help you and save time to clean your dishes, If you’re looking for proper and shiny dishes then use GE dishwasher, save this guide and follow the steps and instructions to clean your dishes in GE dishwasher the right way.