Compactors Troubleshooting/FAQ

• Why won't my compactor operate?
• How does my compactor work?
• Why won't the drawer open on my trash compactor?
• How do I clean my trash compactor?
• How do I load the compactor?
• Why won't the bottles break in my trash compactor break?
• What is the correct way to remove and install a compactor bag?
• How do I change the air filter or air freshener in my compactor?

Did you press On before pressing Start?

• Press On before pressing Start (on some models). For additional information, review your specific Use and Care Guide.

Is the power supply cord unplugged?

• Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.

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.

Is the key-knob turned all the way to Start?

• Turn the key-knob (key-switch) fully to Start and release (on some models).

Is the drawer completely closed?

• Firmly close the drawer and start the compactor again. During compaction, certain loaded items could be forced towards the front of the door which could cause the door to open slightly. If you cannot get the door fully closed, you may need to contact our Service Department for assistance.

How your compactor works

• The compacting ram is the part of the compactor which compresses the trash. The compacting ram does not go to the bottom of the drawer. You will not see compacting of trash the first few times you load the compactor.

NOTE: The compactor drawer should be more than half full before the compactor can begin to compress the load. You may hear a noise when glass breaks. Strong glass bottles may not break at all. The trash in a full compactor bag will be about one quarter the size of its original bulk.

• Load bulky trash, bottles, and cans in the center of the drawer. Bottles or cans not placed in the center may become caught between the ram and the drawer. The Drawer Monitor Switch then senses a “misload” and causes the ram to return to the “up” position without compacting.

If the drawer won't open, check the following.

Is the ram all the way up?

• Drawer will open only when ram is fully raised.

To raise the ram on models with a key-knob (or key-switch):

• Turn the key-knob (key-switch) to Start and release. See “Starting your compactor” in your Use and Care Guide.

To raise the ram on models with push button controls:

• Press Off, and then press On. See “Starting your compactor” in your Use and Care Guide.

Is the Solid Cycle engaged?

• Drawer remains Locked until you reset by lifting up the foot pedal. If you still have a problem with your appliance, you may need an authorized service technician to assist you.

Cleaning the compactor

• Before cleaning the compactor, turn the key-knob (or key-dwitch) to the Off & Lock position, and remove it.

To clean exterior stainless steel surfaces:

• Wash surfaces with warm, soapy water using liquid detergent or an all-purpose cleaner and a nonabrasive sponge. Always rub evenly in the direction of the grain.


• Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.


• To restore its luster, apply a layer of stainless steel polish; follow the recommendations and directions on the label. Wipe excess polish and use special care to avoid contact with any plastic parts, trim pieces or rubber door gaskets. If the polish does contact any of these plastic parts, clean them with a nonabrasive sponge and mild detergent in warm water. Thoroughly dry the area with a soft cloth.


• Use a clean, dry towel to polish the surface in the direction of the grain until it shines.

To clean painted metal surfaces: 

• Wash exterior surfaces with a clean sponge or soft cloth and a mild detergent in warm water. Do not use abrasive or harsh cleaners.


• Rinse and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.


• To keep your painted appliance surfaces looking like new use appliance polish and cleaner regularly. This wax-based cleaner and polish goes on easy to remove unwanted grime and dirt and leaves behind a sparkling shine.

To clean inside the drawer:

NOTE: You may want to wear protective gloves since there may be bits of glass in the drawer.

• Remove the bag.


• Press down on the lever-action lock (or side-lock latch).


• Hold the lever-action lock down and tilt the side of the drawer out until the lock clears the drawer front.

• Wash the interior of the drawer with a clean sponge or soft cloth and a mild detergent in warm water. Rinse and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.


• If the drawer side was removed, slide it back into the tilted position.


• Press down the lever-action lock (or side-lock latch) while pushing the drawer side to the upright position.


• Latch the drawer side by pushing up the lever-action lock (or side-lock latch).

To clean inside the cabinet:

NOTE: You may want to wear protective gloves since there may be bits of glass in the cabinet.

• Pull out the drawer until it stops.

NOTE: Look to see how the drawer rollers move in the tracks. It will be easier to replace the drawer after you have finished cleaning.

• Lift the front of the drawer to clear the stops.


• Grasp the drawer on the sides and pull it out the rest of the way. Gently set down the drawer.


• Vacuum the inside of the cabinet. Liquid spills or wet trash should be cleaned by hand, or by using a vacuum designed to pick up liquids.


• Wash the inside of the cabinet with a clean sponge or soft cloth and a mild detergent in warm water. Rinse and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.


• To replace the drawer, grasp it by the sides and insert the rollers onto the tracks.


• Lift the front of the drawer and push it in fully, past the stops.

To clean the ram:

NOTE: You may want to wear protective gloves since there may be bits of glass on the ram cover.,/p>

• Wipe glass particles off of the ram cover with a cloth or paper towel.
  Remove foods with a clean sponge or soft cloth and a mild detergent in warm water. Rinse and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

To load the compactor:

IMPORTANT: Do not push items down into compactor with hands or feet.

NOTE: You will not see compacting of trash the first few times you load the compactor. The compactor drawer should be about half full before the compactor can begin to compress the load.

• Open the drawer. Lift and pull the handle or press the toe bar to open the drawer.

• Place trash in compactor.


• Wrap or cover wet or messy trash.


• Do not compact items that may develop offensive odors such as raw meat, fish, grapefruit rinds, disposable diapers or personal hygiene items.


• Load bottles or cans on their sides in the center of the drawer. Do not load bottles in an upright position.


• Close the drawer.

• Bottles will not break every time. The thickness of the bottle’s glass and the content of the trash load below it may keep the bottle from breaking.


• Understanding how your compactor works and properly loading it will help ensure that it works the way you want. The following information should be of help.

*See "How does my compactor work?" for more information.
**See also "How do I load the compactor?" for tips on loading your compactor.

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• When the trash is compacted to the top of the drawer, remove the bag. If the bag is too heavy, compact less trash before emptying the compactor in the future.

To remove the filled bag:

• Pull the drawer completely open.


• Remove the top of the bag from the bag retainer buttons. Pull up all four bag cuffs. Close the bag with the twist tie provided.


• Push down the side-lock latch and tilt the drawer side open.


• Lift out the bag.

To install a new bag:

NOTE: Do not use any kind of bag other than those designed especially for use in your compactor.

• Purchasing replacement compactor bags is as easy as clicking on the link below.
  

IMPORTANT: Before installing a new bag, make sure:

• The drawer side is securely locked.


• The container is clean and free of debris.


• Place the folded bag into the drawer. Open the bag and pull the top edges over the drawer top.


• Lock the bag in place by pulling the four pre-punched holes over the bag retainer buttons. Holes will expand over the buttons without damaging the bag.


• For a smooth fit, press the inside of the bag against the drawer bottom, sides and corners.

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• It is recommended that you use either the charcoal air filter or the air freshener in the filter compartment. The solid air freshener system is an alternative to the air filter and is designed to control odors that might develop in the trash.

To change the air filter or air freshener:

• Insert fingertips into the air filter cover and pull until the side tabs release. Then, lift the cover to release the bottom tabs.


• Remove the air filter by pulling the top edge of the filter. The filter should pull out easily. Throw away used filter. OR Remove the air freshener by simply lifting it out of the filter compartment. Throw away used freshener.


• To replace the air filter, push the replacement filter into place. OR To replace the air freshener, place the replacement in the filter compartment.


• Insert the bottom tabs of the air filter cover and push in until the side tabs snap into place.