Frigidaire FGCD2444SA, Use & Care Manual

CAUTION

The use of industrial grade detergent can 

damage the heating coil and other parts of 

the dishwasher leading to damage to the 

unit and surrounding property.  Use only 

household grade automatic dishwasher 

detergents.

How much Detergent to use

The amount of detergent to use depends 

on the water hardness.  Water hardness is 

measured in grains per gallon.  Using too little 

detergent can result in poor cleaning and hard 

water filming or spotting.  Using too much 

detergent in soft water can cause etching 

to some glassware which is surface damage 

that appears like a film but cannot be wiped 

off.  Your local water company, water softener 

company or county extension agent can tell 

you the water hardness in your area.

Detergent Usage Chart

Cycle

Soft Water

(0-3 grains)

Medium Hard Water
       

 (4-8 grains)

       Hard Water
      

 (9-12 grains)

      Very Hard Water
       

 (Over 12 grains)

Heavy Clean  

         or 
Normal Clean

Top Rack

 Rinse Only

2 teaspoons

(each cup-
1/4 full)

2 teaspoons

(Main Wash 

cup-
1/4 full)

No Detergent

No Detergent

No Detergent

No Detergent

(water softener 

recommended)

5 teaspoons

(each cup- fill 

to line above 

“Regular”)

5 teaspoons

(each cup- fill 

to line above 

“Regular”)

8 teaspoons

(each cup- 

completely full)

8 teaspoons

(Main Wash 

cup- completely 

full)

Each Cup-

Completely 

Full

 (water 

softener 

recommended)

Main 

Wash Cup-

Completely Full

(water softener 

recommended)

11

DISHWASHER DISPENSER & DETERGENTS

The detergent dispenser has one covered 

and one uncovered cup.  Detergent in the 

uncovered cup falls into the dishwasher when 

the door is closed.  The covered cup opens 

automatically to release detergent.
• 

Use only fresh automatic dishwashing 

detergent.  Other detergents may cause 

oversudsing.

• 

When using automatic dishwashing 

detergent tabs, place one tab in main 

wash cup and close.

• 

Add detergent just before starting cycle.

• 

Store detergent in a cool, dry location.  

Moist or caked detergent may not dissolve 

properly.

Filing the Detergent Dispenser

As a rule, use 1 teaspoon for each grain above 12.  For very hard water, detergent alone 

may not be enough and then a water softener is recommended to improve water quality and 

dishwashing performance.

If the cover is closed on the Main Wash Cup 

open by pressing the Cover Latch.

Cover

Main Wash 

Cup

Cover 

Latch

Pre-Wash 

Cup