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How to Start a Whirlpool Dishwasher

Alicia Bodine

Purchasing a dishwasher can be a real time saver -- no more standing by the kitchen sink for half an hour, washing dishes by hand. If you choose to buy a Whirlpool dishwasher, you need to know how to operate it to get your dishes clean. The first step to learn is how to start the Whirlpool dishwasher.

Tip

The dishwasher stops automatically once it has finished cleaning the dishes. You can, however, stop the dishwasher at any time by pressing the button that reads "Cancel/Drain." Then wait two minutes before opening the door to the dishwasher. If you have any questions while using your Whirlpool dishwasher, call 800-807-6777.

Warning

Do not open your dishwasher immediately after it has finished washing your dishes. Steam can be released that is hot enough to cause a burn.

  1. Clean any food scraps off your dishes and load the dishes, cutlery and glassware into your Whirlpool dishwasher in the appropriate racks and spaces.

  2. Place soap made specifically for dishwashers in the soap dispenser. How much depends on the brand of soap you purchased, so read the product label first.

  3. Close the dishwasher door until you hear it click. This means the door has latched properly.

  4. Turn on the kitchen sink faucet and other faucets in the home and run the hot water for several minutes, if the hot water system has not been used for two weeks or more. Hydrogen gas, which is flammable, can build up in some hot water systems when they are unused for several days; running the hot water disperses any hydrogen gas that might be in the system. Do not smoke or light a match while running the faucets.

  5. Choose your preferred washing cycle by pressing the appropriate button down. The dishwasher automatically starts filling up and cleaning your dishes.

The Drip Cap

  • Purchasing a dishwasher can be a real time saver -- no more standing by the kitchen sink for half an hour, washing dishes by hand.
  • The first step to learn is how to start the Whirlpool dishwasher.
  • Turn on the kitchen sink faucet and other faucets in the home and run the hot water for several minutes, if the hot water system has not been used for two weeks or more.