You just got a Frigidaire dishwasher and you’re not sure how to start it? You’re not alone. I remember standing in front of mine, buttons glowing, feeling totally lost. You want clean dishes, fast, but pressing the wrong thing feels risky. Don’t worry. In this article, I will show you exactly how to start your Frigidaire dishwasher, even if you’ve never used one before. With very easy instructions, you’ll feel confident using it the right way and make your dishes shine like new.
Open the Door and Load the Dishwasher Properly
The first thing you must do is open the door of the dishwasher. Most Frigidaire dishwashers open by gently pulling the handle at the top or front. When you open it, pull out the racks slowly. There are usually two racks: one on the bottom and one on the top. Some models also have a third small rack for flat items like utensils.
Now it is time to load the dishes. This part is very important. If you load them the wrong way, your dishes might not come out clean.
Start with the bottom rack. This is where you place larger items like plates, pots, pans, and bowls. Make sure that all of them are facing downward. This way, water can reach them better. Leave some space between each item so they don’t touch each other. If items touch, they may block water and detergent from reaching all areas.
Next, load the top rack. This is where you put cups, glasses, small bowls, and plastic containers. Again, make sure they are placed in a way that water can spray on them. Keep everything upside down so water doesn’t collect inside the cups or bowls.
Utensils go into the silverware basket. Place knives with the blade down for safety. Mix up the forks, spoons, and knives so they don’t stick together. Some models let you lay them flat on a special rack at the top.
Check that nothing is blocking the spray arms. The spray arms are the spinning parts under the racks. If a pan or plate is too high, it may stop the arm from moving. This can make the wash poor.
Finally, make sure the racks are pushed back in fully. Gently close the door until you hear a click. Now your dishwasher is loaded correctly and ready for the next part.
- Open the door gently by the handle
- Pull out both racks slowly
- Load big items on the bottom facing down
- Load cups and smaller things on top upside down
- Spread utensils in the basket without bunching
- Keep spray arms clear of blockages
- Close the door until you hear a click
Add the Right Dishwasher Detergent
Now that your dishes are loaded, it’s time to add the detergent. Detergent is the soap that cleans your dishes. But you cannot use just any soap. Never use dishwashing liquid from the sink. It makes too many bubbles and can damage the dishwasher.
You need dishwasher detergent, and it comes in different forms: powder, liquid, gel, and pods. Pods are the easiest to use. They are small and pre-measured. All you do is place one pod in the detergent compartment and close the lid. If you use powder or gel, measure the amount needed using the lines inside the compartment.
The detergent compartment is usually on the inside of the dishwasher door. It has a small lid that opens during the wash cycle. Open that lid, put the detergent inside, and then close the lid again.
If your dishwasher also has a rinse aid compartment, this is a good time to fill that too. Rinse aid helps dry the dishes better and removes water spots. The rinse aid compartment is next to the detergent area. Use only rinse aid made for dishwashers. Pour it in carefully and close the lid.
Be careful not to use too much detergent. Too much can leave a white film on your dishes. If your water is soft, you can use less detergent. If your water is hard, use the full amount.
Once you’ve added the detergent and rinse aid, close the dishwasher door gently.
- Use only dishwasher-safe detergent (no sink soap)
- Pods are easiest and already measured
- Put detergent in the door compartment
- Add rinse aid if needed for better drying
- Do not overfill detergent space
- Close the lid of both compartments tightly
Choose the Right Cycle for Your Dishes
Now comes a very important part: choosing the right cycle. This tells the dishwasher how long and how strong it should wash the dishes.
First, take a look at your control panel. Most Frigidaire dishwashers have buttons like Normal, Heavy, Light, Quick, and sometimes China or Eco. Each button does something different.
- Normal is good for everyday dishes that are not too dirty.
- Heavy is for pots and pans or dishes with stuck-on food.
- Light is for lightly soiled dishes, like glasses or cups.
- Quick is for when you’re in a hurry. It cleans fast but might not dry as well.
- China or Delicate is for glass and fine dishes that need gentle care.
- Eco uses less water and power, but may take longer.
Some dishwashers also have extra buttons like Sanitize, Extra Dry, or High Temp. These are helpful if you want even cleaner or drier dishes. Sanitize is great if someone has been sick or you just want very clean items. High Temp gives hotter water. Extra Dry uses more heat to dry dishes better.
Once you know what type of load you have, press the button for that cycle. The light will turn on. If you want extra features, press those buttons too.
Make sure not to press too many buttons. Just the ones you need. If you make a mistake, press Cancel or Clear and start again.
- Normal is best for everyday dirty dishes
- Heavy is great for pots and stuck-on food
- Quick is fast but may not dry well
- Light is good for less dirty glasses or cups
- Sanitize or Extra Dry adds more power or heat
- Press only the cycle that matches your load
- Use Cancel if you make a mistake
Press Start and Close the Door Fully
Now it’s time to actually start the dishwasher. Once you have picked the right cycle, you need to press the Start or Start/Cancel button. You must press this button firmly. Some Frigidaire models require you to press and hold it for 2 or 3 seconds.
After pressing Start, you need to close the door all the way. The dishwasher will not run if the door is even slightly open. Push it in until you hear a firm click. When the door is shut tight, the machine will start in a few seconds.
You may hear a quiet sound. That means water is filling inside. Then, you’ll hear the spray arms spinning. The dishwasher may run for a long time, like 1 to 2 hours, depending on the cycle.
During the wash, do not open the door unless you really need to. If you open it, the dishwasher will pause. You will have to press Start again when you close the door.
Some dishwashers have a delay timer. This lets you set the dishwasher to start later. You can press Delay and then set the hours you want to wait. This is good if you want it to run at night or during off-peak hours.
- Press the Start button firmly (hold if needed)
- Close the door fully until it clicks
- Wait for a few seconds to hear it start
- Do not open the door while it’s running
- Use Delay feature if you want a later start
- Re-press Start if you opened the door during wash
Wait for the Wash to Finish and Listen for the Signal
After the dishwasher starts, it will go through different stages. First it fills with water, then sprays the water with detergent, then rinses, and finally dries the dishes. This can take anywhere from 1 hour to over 2 hours.
You do not need to do anything while it runs. Just let it work. If you hear water splashing and humming, that’s normal. Near the end, you may hear a fan sound. That means it’s drying the dishes.
Many Frigidaire dishwashers give a small beep or signal sound when done. Some also have a small light that says ‘Clean’. If you are not sure, you can gently open the door a little and look inside. If there’s no steam and everything looks dry, it is likely done.
Do not rush to take out dishes right away. Let the dishwasher sit for about 10 to 15 minutes after it finishes. This helps cool things down and makes drying better.
If you do not hear a beep, you can check the control panel. If no lights are blinking and the ‘Clean’ light is on, the cycle is done.
- Washing takes 1 to 2 hours depending on cycle
- Dishwasher makes humming and spraying sounds
- Look or listen for signal when it’s finished
- Wait 10-15 minutes before opening fully
- ‘Clean’ light means cycle is complete
- Open door slowly to avoid hot steam
Unload the Dishwasher the Right Way
Now that your dishes are clean and dry, it’s time to unload them. But the way you do it also matters. Always start with the bottom rack first. This helps prevent water from the top rack dripping down onto clean dishes.
Pull out the bottom rack gently. Take out plates, bowls, and pans. Set them aside. Then move to the top rack. Take out glasses, cups, and small bowls. If you used the third rack for utensils, remove those too.
Last, empty the silverware basket. Be careful with sharp knives. Hold them by the handle and not the blade.
Check for any leftover water drops. Some plastic dishes may still be wet. Use a towel if needed. If you used rinse aid, most dishes should be dry already.
Clean the inside of the door with a dry cloth if you see any drops or film. This keeps your dishwasher fresh for next time.
Close the door when you’re done unloading. You can also leave it slightly open for a few hours to let air flow and reduce moisture.
- Start unloading from the bottom rack
- Take out top rack items next
- Remove silverware last and handle knives carefully
- Wipe off any leftover water with a towel
- Clean inside door if needed
- Leave the door open a bit for air drying
Final Thoughts
Starting your Frigidaire dishwasher is easy once you know each part. At first, it may feel confusing. But after a few times, it becomes simple. From loading your dishes right, adding detergent, picking the right cycle, and pressing start, every step matters for clean dishes. Let the dishwasher run, wait for it to finish, then unload with care. Keep doing it this way and your dishes will always come out sparkling. Just follow these easy steps each time and enjoy your clean kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it okay to use regular dish soap in a Frigidaire dishwasher?
No, it is not okay to use regular dish soap. Dish soap made for the sink creates lots of bubbles. These bubbles can overflow from the dishwasher and cause water to leak onto your floor. It may also damage the inside parts of the dishwasher. You should always use detergent that is made just for dishwashers. These are marked as dishwasher pods, powder, or gel. They clean better and are safe for your machine. If you run out of dishwasher detergent, wait until you can get more instead of using regular soap.
Can I open the dishwasher while it is running?
Yes, you can open it, but you should only do this if needed. When you open the door during a wash, the dishwasher will stop. That is to protect you from hot water and steam. If you forgot to add a dish or want to check something, you can open it slowly. But be careful of the hot steam that may come out. After adding or checking, close the door again and press the Start button to continue the cycle. Try not to open it too often during the wash.
Do I need to rinse dishes before putting them in?
No, you do not need to fully rinse your dishes before putting them in. Frigidaire dishwashers are made to handle food particles. Just scrape off the big bits of food like bones or pasta. If you rinse too much, you may waste water and your dishwasher may not clean as well. Some detergents need a little bit of food left to work right. So just scrape, don’t rinse. But if something is sticky or dried on, you can give it a quick rinse to help.
Is it normal for the dishwasher to take over 2 hours?
Yes, it is normal for many cycles to take more than 2 hours. New dishwashers are made to use less water and energy. Because of that, they wash longer to get the same clean. Heavy or Eco cycles may take even longer. Some quick cycles are shorter, but they may not dry well. The time depends on what cycle you choose, if you add extra features like High Temp or Sanitize, and how dirty the dishes are. Just let it run, and it will do the job right.
Can I use vinegar to clean the dishwasher?
Yes, you can use white vinegar to clean your dishwasher. Vinegar helps remove smells and build-up from inside. To do this, place a cup of vinegar on the top rack. Make sure the dishwasher is empty. Then run a hot water cycle without detergent. This helps clean the inside parts like the spray arms and walls. You can do this once a month to keep it fresh. But do not use too much vinegar or mix it with bleach. That can cause damage or unsafe fumes.
Do I have to use rinse aid?
You don’t have to use rinse aid, but it helps a lot. Rinse aid helps water slide off dishes faster. That means your dishes will dry better and not have spots. If your glasses often come out wet or have white marks, rinse aid can fix that. Some dishwashers even have a light that tells you when it’s time to refill it. If you live in a place with hard water, rinse aid becomes even more helpful. You only need a little, and it lasts for many washes.
Is it safe to wash plastic in the dishwasher?
Yes, it is safe to wash plastic in the dishwasher, but only on the top rack. The bottom gets very hot and can melt or warp plastic items. Always check if the plastic says “dishwasher safe.” If it doesn’t, then it’s better to wash it by hand. Light plastic things can flip over during the wash, so make sure they are secure. Also, don’t place them too close to the heating element. When in doubt, keep them on the top rack and check after the wash.
Can I leave the dishwasher door closed after it’s done?
You can leave it closed, but it’s better to open it a little. Leaving the door slightly open after a wash helps let out the steam. That keeps the inside from getting musty or smelly. It also helps dry any leftover water drops on your dishes. If you close it tight right away, the moisture gets trapped. That can lead to mold or a bad smell. So after it finishes, wait 10-15 minutes and then crack open the door to let the air in.
