This document describes the IKEA RENGJORD dishwasher, an appliance designed for efficient dishwashing in a domestic setting. The manual emphasizes the dishwasher's quiet operation and energy-efficient design, which may result in longer wash cycles compared to older models.
Function Description
The RENGJORD dishwasher operates by spraying a mixture of hot water and detergent through spray arms against soiled surfaces. The process begins with a brief drain to remove loose soils, followed by filling with water over the filter area. Water is then pumped through the spray arms, and soil particles are filtered and drained out. This sequence of steps is repeated as needed, with the number of water fills varying depending on the selected cycle. The dishwasher is equipped with a Smart Sensor that detects the soil level on dishes and automatically adjusts the cycle length for optimal cleaning.
The appliance features a Direct Feed Wash System with energy-efficient motors for both wash and drain functions. It is designed to operate on regular house current (120V, 60Hz) and requires a dedicated 15-ampere or 20-ampere circuit if connected with a food disposer. The dishwasher is programmed to remember the last selected cycle and options, allowing for quick restarts by simply pressing the START button.
Usage Features
The RENGJORD dishwasher offers various cycles and options to accommodate different dishwashing needs:
Wash Cycle Selections:
- Heavy Wash: Ideal for pots, pans, casseroles, and dinnerware with dried-on or baked-on soils, and silverware. Default settings include Surge, Hi-Temp, and Heat, with options for Sanitize and Air.
- Normal Wash: Recommended for everyday use and suitable for regularly soiled dishes and silverware. Default settings are Surge, Normal, and Heat, with options for Spray, Hi-Temp, Sanitize, and Air.
- China Crystal: For lightly soiled china and crystal. Default settings are Spray, Normal, and Heat, with no additional options available.
- Energy Saver: For lightly soiled pre-rinsed dishes and silverware. Default settings include Surge, Normal, and Air, with an option for Spray.
- Rinse Only: For rinsing dishes that will be washed later. Default setting is Surge, with no additional options available.
Option Selections:
- Wash Pressure: Defaults to "surge" pressure, which varies optimally for the cycle's intended use. A lower "spray" pressure can be selected, though not all pressure options are available in all wash cycles due to optimization.
- Wash Temp: The programmed cycles default to "normal" temperature. Users can select "HI-TEMP" or "SANITIZE" by pressing the WASH TEMP button.
- Hi-Temp Wash Option: Heats water in the main wash to approximately 140°F (60°C) and increases temperature in the final rinse to aid drying. This helps remove food grease and soil more effectively.
- Sanitize Option: Raises the final rinse water temperature to 155°F (68°C) and maintains it for 9 minutes to sanitize dishes and glassware. This option is available in Heavy and Normal Cycles and is designed to meet NSF requirements. The cycle time extends until the proper water temperature is reached.
- Heat Dry: Enhances drying performance when combined with rinse aid. Available on all cycles.
- Air Dry: Reduces temperature in the hot rinse, decreasing energy usage but potentially increasing the likelihood of dishes not being completely dry.
- Delay Start: Allows users to delay the start of a cycle from 1 to 24 hours. The selected delay time is displayed in the status window.
- Child Lock Controls: Prevents accidental changes to the cycle or starting the dishwasher by locking the controls. Activated by pressing the DELAY START button until "loc" is displayed.
Loading Features:
- Dish Preparation: Users should scrape away large food pieces, bones, and toothpicks. Burned-on foods should be loosened. Liquids from glasses and cups should be emptied. Pre-rinsing or using the "rinse only" cycle is recommended for high-acid foods if the dishwasher won't be run immediately, to prevent discoloration.
- Upper Rack: Designed for flexibility, accommodating cups, glasses, stemware, small plates, and bowls. Glasses and plastic items should be loaded in the upper rack only, with open ends facing down for better cleaning and draining. Delicate items should be placed to avoid touching each other. Long-handled knives and utensils can be placed here, ensuring they do not block the middle spray arm.
- Bottom Rack: Best for plates, saucers, bowls, and cookware. Large items should be placed along the edge to avoid blocking spray arm rotation. Bowls, casseroles, and saucepans should face down or toward the center, tilted slightly for drainage. Pan handles should not protrude through the bottom of the rack.
- Silverware Basket: Can be loaded in the bottom rack or on a counter. Small items like baby bottle caps or jar lids can be secured in covered sections. Items should be mixed (some pointing up, some down) in each section to prevent nesting and ensure water spray reaches all surfaces. Sharp items (knives, skewers) should point down to prevent injury.
- Cutlery Tray: Designed for flatware and cooking/serving utensils. Heavily soiled items should be placed in the upper rack or silverware basket for best performance. Separators help keep flatware separated for better cleaning and to prevent damage.
Detergent and Rinse Aid Dispensing:
- Detergent Dispenser: Features a main wash cup for detergent or detergent tabs. Only fresh automatic dishwashing detergent should be used. Detergent should be added just before starting a cycle. The amount of detergent depends on water hardness, with a chart provided for guidance (4 teaspoons for soft water, 6 for medium hard, 8 for hard). For very hard water, additional detergent may be needed, or a water softener recommended.
- Rinse Aid Dispenser: Automatically releases a measured amount of rinse aid during the last rinse to improve drying and reduce spots/filming. The indicator is dark when full and clear when it needs refilling. The dosage can be adjusted from L0 to L6 by pressing and holding the RINSE ONLY and DELAY START buttons.
Operational Controls:
- START Button: Initiates the selected cycle and options.
- Opening Door During Cycle: If the door is opened, the dishwasher stops. To resume, press START and close the door immediately. If the door remains open too long or is closed without pressing START, the cycle or delay countdown will be canceled.
- Canceling a Cycle/Delay Start: Open the door, press START until a tone sounds.
- Canceling a Setting: If a cycle and options are selected but not started, pressing START will put the unit into stand-by mode, turning off all LEDs.
Status Indicators:
- Status Window: Displays delay start hours (1-24h), remaining minutes in cycle (1-199), "CLOSE" when the door needs to be closed, and rinse aid dosage level (L0-L6).
- CLEAN Light: Remains on after the door is opened when a cycle is complete.
- Sanitized Indicator: Displays if the SANITIZE option was selected and criteria were met.
Maintenance Features
Regular maintenance is crucial for the RENGJORD dishwasher's performance and longevity.
Cleaning:
- Outside: Wipe occasionally with a mild nonabrasive detergent and water, then rinse and dry. Console surfaces should only be cleaned with lukewarm water and neutral soaps.
- Drain Air Gap: If installed, check and clean to ensure proper drainage. This is not part of the dishwasher itself and is not covered by warranty.
- Cylinder Fine Filter: Designed to collect large items like broken glass, bones, and pits. It needs regular cleaning to maximize wash performance. To clean, rotate counterclockwise, lift out, empty, and rinse under running water. A sponge or bottle brush may be needed for food residue.
- Coarse Filter: Located at the bottom of the tub. Remove after the Cylinder Fine Filter, flush under running water, and replace.
Troubleshooting:
The manual provides a comprehensive troubleshooting guide for common issues, including:
- Food Soils Left on Dishes: Suggestions include choosing longer wash cycles, using Hi-Temp Wash, checking rack loading, ensuring adequate water pressure and temperature (at least 120°F/49°C), checking water hardness, using fresh detergent, and ensuring spray arms are not blocked.
- Dishes not Dry: Recommendations include selecting the heat dry option, filling the rinse aid dispenser and increasing its discharge setting, checking water temperature, and proper loading to avoid nesting. Plastic items may require towel drying.
- Glassware/Flatware Spotted or Cloudy: Advised to check water hardness (and consider a water softener), ensure proper water temperature, avoid overloading, use fresh detergent, ensure rinse aid dispenser is filled, and use the correct amount of detergent.
- Dishware Chipped: Load with care, avoid overloading, place delicate items in the top rack, secure glasses, move racks slowly, and ensure tall items clear the tub top. Fine china and crystal should be hand-washed.
- Water in Bottom of Tub: Indicates improper draining.
- Dishware Stained or Discolored: Addresses tea/coffee stains (suggesting bleach solution), iron deposits (suggesting a special filter), aluminum marks (suggesting proper loading), and discoloration from high-acid foods (suggesting Rinse Only cycle or hand rinsing).
- Cycle Takes a Long Time: Inquires about water heating delays, delay start option, or sanitize option.
- Dishwasher Leaks: Check for fresh detergent, proper detergent measurement, and different detergent brands.
- Etching: Caused by too much detergent, especially in soft water. Adjust detergent amount based on water hardness and lower water temperature.
- Detergent Left in Dispenser Cup: Check for old detergent, blocked spray from dish load, and cycle completion.
- Vapor at Vent: Spilled rinse aid can cause foam and overflowing; water vapor during drying is normal. Check if the dishwasher is level.
- Dishwasher Won't Run: Check circuit breaker/fuse, water supply, cycle settings, delay start option, and door closure/latch.
- Dishwasher Won't Fill: Check if water supply is turned on.
- Dishwasher Does Not Drain Properly: If connected to a food waste disposer, ensure it's empty and the knockout plug has been removed. Check for kinked drain hose and cycle completion.
- Dishwasher has an Odor: Suggests using Rinse Only cycle for soiled dishes left too long, notes a "new" smell when first installed, and advises checking drainage.
- Stains on Tub Interior: Tomato-based soils can cause pink/orange appearance, which will fade over time. Pre-rinsing or using the Rinse Only cycle can reduce staining.
- Removing Spots and Film: Instructions for cleaning lime deposit buildup using white vinegar during a NORMAL cycle.
Winterizing:
For dishwashers in unheated places, a qualified person should disconnect service by turning off electrical power and water supply, then draining water from the inlet valve and pump. To restore service, reconnect power and water, fill the detergent cup, and run a HEAVY cycle, checking for leaks.
Error Codes:
The status window displays error codes (e.g., i10, i20, i30, i50, i60, iC0) to indicate specific problems like low fill, clogged filters, leaks, or motor/heating/control system issues. Solutions range from checking water supply and cleaning filters to contacting service if the problem persists after basic troubleshooting (pressing cancel or turning off power).