If you have recently purchased or inherited a kitchen appliance, having the correct Indesit Dishwasher Manual is essential for ensuring longevity and peak performance. This guide serves as a practical, easy-to-digest companion to the official manufacturer instructions, helping you navigate everything from installation to complex troubleshooting with confidence.
Understanding your indesit dishwasher manual
While every model varies slightly, the core functionality across the Indesit range remains consistent. This section breaks down the critical components you will interact with daily, demystifying the technical jargon found in the official Indesit Dishwasher Manual.
The control panel symbols
Modern Indesit interfaces use universal symbols to communicate status and errors. Recognizing these immediately can save you from a service call.
- The “S” Icon (Salt Reservoir): This light indicates low salt levels. You must refill the reservoir to prevent limescale buildup, which can damage the heating element.
- The “Snowflake” Icon (Rinse Aid): This signals that the rinse aid dispenser is empty. Refilling this ensures your glassware dries without streaks.
- The “Tap” Symbol: A critical warning light indicating the machine is not receiving water. This often points to a kinked hose or a closed supply valve.
- Program Symbols: These typically include an “Eco” leaf (energy saving), a pot with steam (intensive), and a clock (delayed start).
Installation guide and setup
Proper installation is the foundation of a leak-free experience. If you are setting up the machine yourself, pay close attention to the drainage and leveling instructions.
Drainage hose and water connection
The drainage hose is the most critical component to prevent flooding.
- Height Matters: The hose must be looped up and secured at a height between 40cm and 100cm from the floor. If it is too low, the machine may siphon water out while trying to fill (a fault often mistaken for a leak).
- Secure Connections: Ensure the inlet hose is screwed tightly onto the water supply tap (3/4 inch thread). Hand-tighten properly to avoid stripping the plastic threads.
- No Kinks: Push the machine back into place carefully, ensuring neither the inlet nor drainage hose is crushed against the wall.
First-Time Use: Salt and rinse aid
Before running your first cycle, you must prepare the water softening system.
- Salt Reservoir: Located on the floor of the dishwasher interior. Unscrew the cap, place the funnel (usually provided), and pour in approximately 1kg of dishwasher salt. Crucial: For the very first use only, fill the reservoir with water before adding salt. Stir it to dissolve.
- Rinse Aid: Open the dispenser flap next to the detergent compartment. Pour liquid in until the indicator turns dark (max 110ml). Adjust the dosage setting if you notice blue streaks (too much) or water drops (too little) on your dishes.
Wash cycles and daily operation
Selecting the right cycle is vital for energy efficiency and cleaning performance. The Indesit Dishwasher Manual typically outlines the following standard wash cycles:
- Eco Cycle (50°C): The standard cycle for energy rating. It takes longer (3-4 hours) but uses the least water and electricity. Perfect for mixed loads.
- Intensive (65°C): Designed for heavily soiled pans with burnt-on food. The higher temperature ensures hygiene and grease removal.
- Fast & Clean / Rapid 40’: A quick cycle for lightly soiled dishes that don’t have dried-on residue. Note: This cycle usually skips the drying phase.
- Push & Go: A simplified feature on newer models that starts a daily wash cycle with a single button press, ideal for non-tech-savvy users.
Detergent dispenser best practices
The detergent dispenser has two compartments: one for the main wash and a smaller indentation for pre-wash detergent (if required).
- Tablets vs. Powder: If you use “All-in-One” tablets, press the “Tab” button on your console (if available) to adjust the cycle duration and salt usage.
- Loading: Ensure the dispenser lid is not blocked by a tall plate or cutlery in the lower basket, or the tablet will fail to release.
Care and maintenance
Routine maintenance is the secret to avoiding error codes. Neglecting these small tasks is the number one cause of pump failures.
Filter maintenance
Your dishwasher has a three-part filter system located at the bottom of the tub.
- Remove: Twist the cylindrical filter anti-clockwise and lift it out.
- Clean: Separate the cylindrical filter from the fine mesh stainless steel filter. Rinse all parts under running water. Use a soft brush to remove clear gelatinous fat or debris.
- Reassemble: Put the filters back and twist to lock. Warning: Never run the dishwasher without filters; food particles will enter the pump and cause a blockage.
Cleaning the spray arms
Occasionally, the holes in the rotating spray arms get clogged with seeds or limescale.
- Unscrew the upper arm and pull off the lower arm (usually a simple click mechanism).
- Run water through the inlet and use a toothpick to poke out any debris from the spray nozzles.
Troubleshooting and error codes
When your machine stops working, it will often communicate the problem via an error code on the display (e.g., F05) or a specific combination of flashing LED lights.
Common error codes
- F05 (Drain Fault): The machine cannot empty the water.
- Fix: Check filter maintenance; the filter is likely clogged. If clear, check the drainage hose for blockages or kinks under the sink.
- F12 (Communication Error): The main board cannot “talk” to the display.
- Fix: Unplug the machine from the mains for 5 minutes to reset the electronics. If it persists, the control board may need replacing.
- F01 (Anti-Flooding): Water has leaked into the base of the machine.
- Fix: Tilt the machine backward (with a towel ready) to drain excess water. Check connections.
- F02 (Filling Fault): Water is not entering the machine correctly.
- Fix: Check the water supply tap and the inlet hose mesh filter.
Troubleshooting table
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Dishes are not dry | Low Rinse Aid | Refill the Rinse aid reservoir or increase the dosage setting. |
| White film on glasses | Salt issue | Ensure the Salt reservoir cap is tight; check water hardness settings. |
| Water remains in bottom | Blocked drainage | Clean filters and check the sink spigot where the drainage hose connects. |
| Noises during wash | Spray arm hitting items | Rearrange tall items; spin the arms by hand before starting to check clearance. |
User instructions for safe operation
To ensure safety and efficiency, adhere to these user instructions:
- Sharp Items: Always load knives with the blade pointing down in the cutlery basket, or lie them flat on the top rack shelves.
- Plastics: Only wash dishwasher-safe plastics and place them on the top shelf to keep them away from the heating element at the bottom.
- Door Lock: The door lock mechanism can be stiff on new machines. Push firmly until you hear a distinct “click” before pressing start.
Model number identification
If you need to order spare parts like a new cutlery basket or a drainage hose, you must know your specific model number. This is found on a sticker located on the side of the door (visible only when the door is open). It typically starts with letters like “DFG,” “DIF,” or “Dfp.”
Conclusion
Owning an Indesit dishwasher can significantly reduce your household chores, provided you respect the maintenance requirements. By keeping the filters clean, ensuring the salt reservoir is topped up, and understanding the basic error codes, your appliance will serve you efficiently for years. Keep this guide bookmarked as a quick reference to your Indesit Dishwasher Manual whenever a symbol flashes or a cycle stalls.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the “S” symbol light still on after I added salt?
The “S” light indicates low salt levels in the reservoir. If you have just refilled it, the light may stay on for a few cycles until the salt concentration reaches the required level. Ensure you have stirred the salt and water mixture during the initial setup and that the cap is screwed on tightly.
What does the F05 error code mean and how can I fix it?
An F05 error signifies a drainage fault, meaning the machine cannot empty the water. To fix this, first check the three-part filter at the bottom of the dishwasher for clogs. If the filters are clean, inspect the drainage hose for any kinks or blockages, and ensure it is positioned at the correct height (between 40cm and 100cm from the floor).
Can I use multi-action detergent tablets in my Indesit dishwasher?
Yes, you can use “All-in-One” tablets. However, for the best results, check if your control panel has a “Tab” button; pressing this adjusts the cycle to account for the salt and rinse aid contained within the tablet. Also, ensure that no large plates are blocking the detergent dispenser door from opening during the cycle.
Why are my glasses coming out cloudy or with white streaks?
Cloudy glassware is often caused by a lack of salt in the reservoir or an incorrect water hardness setting. If you see white streaks or a “film,” check that the salt reservoir cap is secure. If you notice blue-tinted streaks, this usually indicates that the rinse aid dosage is set too high and needs to be adjusted downward.
Why is there still water at the bottom of the tub after the wash ends?
If a significant amount of water remains, it is likely due to a blocked filter or a restricted drain hose. Clean the cylindrical and mesh filters thoroughly under running water. If the problem persists, check the sink connection where the drainage hose attaches to ensure no food waste is blocking the flow.