Whirlpool WDF550SAFW Owner's Manual | Page 5

ENERGY STAR® Certified Dishwasher with Cycle Memory
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5

1. Remove the filter assembly by 

turning the Main filter 

¹⁄₄ turn 

counterclockwise. Lift to 
remove.

2. Clean the Main filter and Fine 

filter using a cleaning brush.

3. Reassemble the filter parts as 

shown in the illustration.

4. Reinsert the entire filter 

assembly in the dishwasher, 
positioning it in place.

5. Turn the Main filter 

¹⁄₄ turn 

clockwise to secure in place.

NOTE: The dishwasher should not 
be operated without the filter 
assembly installed. Improper 
replacement of the filter assembly 
may reduce the performance level 
of the appliance and may damage dishes and utensils.

Storing the Dishwasher 
If you will not be using the dishwasher during the summer months, 
turn off the water and power supply to the dishwasher. In the 
winter, if the dishwasher could be exposed to near freezing 
temperatures or is left in a seasonal dwelling such as a second 
home or vacation home, avoid water damage by having your 
dishwasher winterized by authorized service personnel.

Troubleshooting

First try the solutions suggested here or visit our website and reference FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

to possibly avoid the cost of a service call.

In the U.S.A., www.whirlpool.com     In Canada, www.whirlpool.ca

Dishwasher is not operating properly

Dishwasher does not run or stops during a cycle

Is the door closed tightly and latched?

Is the right cycle selected? 

Is the START/RESUME light on? Press START/RESUME.

Is there power to the dishwasher? Has a household fuse blown, 
or has a circuit breaker tripped? Replace the fuse or reset the 
circuit breaker. If the problem continues, call an electrician.

Has the motor stopped due to an overload? The motor 
automatically resets itself within a few minutes. If it does not 
restart, call for service.

Is the water shutoff valve (if installed) turned on?

Water remains in the dishwasher

Is the cycle complete?

Detergent remains in the covered section of the dispenser

Is the cycle complete?

Is the detergent lump-free? Replace detergent if necessary.

White residue on the front of the access panel

Was too much detergent used?

Is the brand of detergent making excess foam? Try a different 
brand to reduce foaming and eliminate buildup.

Odor in the dishwasher

Are dishes washed only every 2 or 3 days? Run a rinse cycle 
once or twice a day until you have a full load.

Does the dishwasher have a new plastic smell? Run a vinegar 
rinse as described in “Dishwasher Care.”

Condensation on the kitchen counter (built-in models)

Is the dishwasher aligned with the countertop? Moisture from 
the vent in the dishwasher console can form on the counter. 
Refer to the Installation Instructions for more information.

Dishes do not dry completely

Dishes do not dry completely 

Did you use a rinse aid? Your dishwasher is designed to use 
rinse aid for good drying performance. Without rinse aid your 
dishes and dishwasher interior will have excessive moisture. 
The heat dry option will not perform as well without rinse aid.

Dishes are not dry

Did you load your dishwasher to allow proper water drainage? 
Do not overload. Use a liquid rinse aid to speed drying.

Are the plastics wet? Plastics often need towel drying.

Is the rinse aid dispenser empty? 

Did you use an air-dry or energy-saving dry option? Use a 
heated drying option for dryer dishes.

Excess moisture on racks and dishwasher interior

Check the rinse aid indicator to see that there is rinse aid in the 
dispenser.

Spots and stains on dishes

Spotting and filming on dishes

Is your water hard, or is there a high mineral content in your 
water? Conditioning the final rinse water with a liquid rinse aid 
helps eliminate spotting and filming. Keep the rinse aid 
dispenser filled. Always use a high-temp option. If your water 
hardness is 13 grains or above, it is strongly recommended that 
you install a home water softener. If you do not wish to drink 
softened water, have the softener installed onto your hot water 
supply.

Is the water temperature too low? For best dishwashing results, 
water should be 120°F (49°C) as it enters the dishwasher.

Did you use the correct amount of effective detergent? Use 
recommended dishwasher detergents only. Do not use less 
than 1 tbs (15 g) per load. Detergent must be fresh to be 
effective. Heavy soil and/or hard water generally require extra 
detergent.

Is the home water pressure high enough for proper dishwasher 
filling? Home water pressure should be 20 to 120 psi (138 to 
828 kPa) for proper dishwasher fill. If you have questions about 
your water pressure, call a licensed, qualified plumber. 

NOTE: To remove spots and film from glassware, remove all 
silverware and metal items and run a vinegar rinse as described 
in “Dishwasher Care.”

Silica film or etching (silica film is a milky, rainbow-colored 
deposit; etching is a cloudy film)

Sometimes there is a water/chemical reaction with certain 
types of glassware. This is usually caused by some 
combination of soft or softened water, alkaline washing 
solutions, insufficient rinsing, overloading the dishwasher, and 
the heat of drying. It might not be possible to avoid the 
problem, except by hand washing. 

A. Main filter
B. Metal strainer 

C. Fine filter

A

B

C

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