TonySak- I'm going to chime back in here since I started the thread, and although I can't believe it, it has been almost a year since I've had the dishwasher! This dishwasher rarely cleaned right for me, and oftentimes, cleaned even worse on the top rack. There were many times when I have had to hand wash much of what was on top. It has appeared to get worse over time. First, as dixiedarlin1 said, the dishwasher is much drier now, and has been for a long time. I still use the heated dry cycle. The soppy days are gone. Second, I have had GE service personnel over twice, once primarily for the soppiness, and also for the sporadic cleaning. I use ONLY Cascade with Dawn action pacs now, and they work almost flawlessly WHEN the dishwasher decides to clean. The second very recent GE call was for the worsening washing action on the top rack. NOTHING was coming clean, and small particles were dried all over all my glasses and plates (despite the Cascade). ANSWER: (believe it or not)... When GE shipped these dishwashers (model PDWT580RSS), they apparently omitted an O-ring ("gasket") from the back of the top rack tube that makes a seal against the back wall tube where the water comes in and goes through the top of the DW. There was a recess where the O-ring should be, but no O-ring. That O-ring apparently provides the seal and ensuing pressure needed to really blast that water up around the top rack. Boy was I skeptical!!! I thought they were crazy when they told me that was most likely the problem. Well lo and behold, the parts came to the house and I took it upon myself to open up the O-ring and put it on myself. Well, I feel like I have a new dishwasher. I don't think it was just a coincidence. I have washed 5 loads successfully since installing that skinny little ring. The silverware doesn't usually come out perfect...always at least 2 or 3 pieces that need to be rewashed...but the difference is the top rack washing is remarkable. This doesn't change the fact that I still feel that the silverware basket was a terrible design, and the tines on the racks are terribly spaced, making many items (especially cereal and soup bowls) continually fall over. It has been maddening, to say the least. The GE company, however, has been WONDERFUL. Due to what I've gone through with my DW, they have extended my warranty by one full year for free. All things considered, I would never buy another GE dishwasher, although I realize that there are complaints with every manufacturer's dishwashers. I've just gone through too much with this one. My sister is still thrilled with her Bosch; never had a moment's problem with it- except when the water wouldn't drain and it turned out it wasn't her DW...it was the pipes. Who knows? Maybe she just got lucky with the Bosch.

I did a brief write-up on these machines on my blog. I sent an email to GE with a few questions, but didn't really get all that much of a resposne. They did confirm that the problem they had with the boot tearing has been resolved. The SmartDispense system is entirely optional, and you must have the pedestals to use the system. However, just because you purchase the pedstals does not mean you have to use the SmartDispense system. There is a drawer on the machine above the control panel if you choose not to use the automatic dispenser. Yes, the components do need to be disassembled and cleaned periodically. GE did not specify how often, although I would think it would have to be twice a year, at the least. Doing this would not require pulling out the machines as the tubs for the additives are stored in the drawer, which can be removed. I have noticed some online retailers are selling these, although they may just be taking advance orders. GE was not able to tell me when they would be widely available. Here is a link that might be useful: New GE Profile frontloaders

Icky smells are not from forgeting laundry in the machine,unless you leave it there for days. It is combination of things. Luck of use of HOT water, improper dosing on detergents. Not properly rinsed laundry.Detergent choice didn't cause me any trouble either.Powder or liquid,cheap or expensive. The only diference I saw was inthe cleaning power.Now I'm using Persil only, hot cycles and sanitizing only. I never use tub clean or bleach and I don't wipe the rubber seal,I just check it sometimes b/c little lint builds up there. No mildew,no smell. I leave the door open in between washing and I clean pump filter. That's all. I've been using FL for over 30 years without smell.

Suebot, Is this the GE Profile top loader without the agitator in the middle? If so, I just got the Maytag Bravos, which is a similar machine after 8 years with the original Whirlpool duet frontloader and so far it seems ok. The one problem I have with it is how wrinkled the clothes come out of the washer without the agitator, but the wrinkles do come out in the dryer. If yours is the GE Profile formerly known as the Harmony, I have heard good things about it. Do a search on the forum for GE Harmony and read the posts. As far as front loaders go, they use less water and are gentle on your clothes. If you have a second floor laundry room, go with the top loader or use the front loader without the pedestal stands or you will have too much vibration. The only other negative I experienced with the frontloader was that mildew collects in the rubber seal, so you have to be careful to keep the door open when not in use and clean it with clorox every so often. Also, I needed the pedestals as it hurt my back to bend so low to take the wet laundry out of the front loader. With the pedestals, it's fine, but the pedestals caused more vibrations and shaking. Sounds like whatever you choose, you have been blessed by the mix up! Which washer were you expecting for $497?