An air gap protects your dishwasher against waterbacking up into it if a drain clogs. The air gap is nota part of the dishwasher. It is not covered by yourwarranty. Not all plumbing codes require air gaps,so you may not have one.The air gap is easy to clean.1 Turn off the dishwasher and lift off the cover.2 Remove the plastic cap and clean witha toothpick. 11Care and cleaning. GEAppliances.comCleaning the Control PanelTo clean the control panel, use a lightly dampened softcloth. Then dry thoroughly.Does Your Dishwasher Have an Air Gap?If your dishwasher is left in an unheated place duringthe winter, ask a service technician to:1 Cut off electrical power to the dishwasher.Remove fuses or trip circuit breaker.2 Turn off the water supply and disconnect thewater inlet line from the water valve.3 Drain water from the water inlet line and watervalve. (Use a pan to catch the water.)4 Reconnect the water inlet line to the water valve.Protect Against FreezingCleaning the Exterior Door PanelBefore cleaning the front panel, make sure you knowwhat type of panel you have. Refer to the last twoletters of your model number. You can locate yourmodel number on the left-hand tub wall just insidethe door. If your model number ends with BB, CC,WW, SA or ES then you have a painted door panel. Ifyour model number ends with SS, then you have aStainless Steel Door panel. If your model number endswith II, then you have an Integrated door panel.Follow the instructions below for cleaning the doorpanel for your specific model.Painted Door Panel (model numbers ending in BB–black, CC–bisque, WW–white, SA-silver or ES-slate)Use a clean, soft, lightly dampened cloth, then drythoroughly. You may also use a good appliance waxor polish.Stainless Steel Door Panel (model numbers ending inSS)The stainless steel panels can be cleaned withStainless Steel Magic or a similar product using a clean,soft cloth. Do not use appliance wax, polish, bleach orproducts containing chlorine on Stainless Steel doors.You can order Stainless Steel Magic #WX10X15through GE Parts by calling 800.626.2002. In Canada,call 1-800-661-1616.Integrated Door Panel (model numbers ending in II)This is a custom installed door panel, and youwill need to refer to the cabinet manufacturersrecommendations for proper cleaning.Do not use scouring pads or powered cleanersbecause these products can scratch the finish.Stainless Steel Inner DoorThe stainless steel used to make the dishwasher tuband inner door provides the highest reliability availablein a GE dishwasher.If the dishwasher tub or inner door should bescratched or dented during normal use, they willnot rust or corrode. These surface blemishes willnot affect their function or durability.Check the air gap anytime your dishwasherisn’t draining well.Air gapUltra-Fine FilterTo clean the Ultra-Fine Filter,remove the bottom rack. Twist andremove the large round filter. Rinsefilter with warm soapy water anduse a sponge to carefully removeany stubborn particles. Scrubbingwith scouring pads or brushes candamage the filter. Once cleaned,replace the Ultra-Fine Filter, andtwist to lock in place.Fine FilterTo clean the Fine Filter (mesh plate), remove thebottom rack. Remove the Ultra-Fine Filter. Twisteach of the two retaining posts located toward theback bottom of the tub, and remove the Fine Filter.Rinse filter with warm soapy water. Scouring padsor brushes can damage the filter but a soft brush orsponge may be needed to remove stubborn soils orcalcium deposits caused by hard water. Once cleaned,replace the Fine Filter, the Ultra-Fine Filter, and twistthe two retaining posts into place.WARNING! The retaining posts canbe a choke hazard for small children. Keep out ofreach of children.Retaining Posts Spray ArmFineFilter Ultra-FineFilterInspect the filters periodically, every other month or so depending on usage, and clean if necessary. If there is adecrease in wash performance or dishes feel gritty, this is also an indication the filters need to be cleaned.Cleaning the Filters