Dishwasher Use 15
HOT WATER
For optimal cleaning and drying results, hot water is necessary. The incoming water temperature should be at least 120° F (49° C) to properly activate the detergent and melt greasy food soils.
To check the incoming water temperature, turn on the hot water faucet nearest the dishwasher and let it run into a glass in the sink. Place a candy or meat thermometer in the glass and check the temperature once it has stopped rising. If temperature is below 120° F (49° C), have a qualified person raise the water heater thermostat setting.
DETERGENT
Use a detergent designed specifically for use in an automatic dishwasher. Be sure it is fresh. Store granular detergent in a cool, dry place (not under the sink) out of reach of children.
Recommended Amount
Too little detergent results in poor cleaning, hard water filming/spotting and poor drying. Too much detergent can cause permanent etching/cloudiness.
Suds can cause the dishwasher to overflow. Measure the detergent carefully and use only detergents designed for use in a dishwasher. Less detergent is needed in soft water. Try another brand of detergent if sudsing continues.
Water | Soil |
| Main Detergent |
Hardness* | Level | Detergent |
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Soft | Light Soil | 2 tsp | 6 tsp |
| Normal Soil | 4 tsp | 6 tsp |
| Heavy Soil | 4 tsp | 7 tsp |
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Medium | Light Soil | 4 tsp | 6 tsp |
| Normal Soil | 4 tsp | 6 tsp |
| Heavy Soil | 5 tsp | 7 tsp |
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Hard | All Levels | 5 tsp | 8 tsp |
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The amount of detergent to use is determined by the hardness of the water and soil level of the load. Refer to the following chart for detergent usage recommendations.
*Your local water utility or state university extension service can tell you the degree of water hardness in your area.
In extremely hard water conditions (13 grains per gallon or more*), it is difficult to achieve good results with any dishwasher. A mechanical water softener may be necessary to improve water quality, detergent effectiveness, and protect the dishwasher parts from the damage that hard water can cause.