Dishwasher Efficiency Tips, Rinse Aid Dispenser

Where to fill

Top of 3rd step (9 tsp or 45 mL)

Top of 2nd step (6 tsp or 30 mL)

Top of 1st step (3 tsp or 15 mL)

Soft to Medium Water (0-6 grains per U.S. gallon)

[typical water softener water and some city water]

Soil Level	Main Wash	Pre-Wash

Lightly soiled/Pre-	3 tsp (15 mL)	3 tsp (15 mL)
rinsed dish loads	[top of 1st step]	[top of 1st step]

Normally soiled	6 tsp (30 mL)	6 tsp (30 mL)
dish loads	[top of 2nd step]	[top of 2nd step]

Heavily soiled	9 tsp (45 mL)	6 tsp (30 mL)
dish loads	[top of 3rd step]	[top of 2nd step]

Medium to Hard Water (7-12 grains per U.S. gallon)

[well water and some city water]

Soil Level	Main Wash	Pre-Wash

All soil types	9 tsp (45 mL)	6 tsp (30 mL)
	[top of 3rd step]	[top of 2nd step]

Filling the dispenser

The rinse aid dispenser holds 6 oz (175 mL) of rinse aid. Under normal conditions, this will last for about 3 months. You do not have to wait until the dispenser is empty to refill it. Try to keep it full, but be sure not to overfill it.

1.Make sure the dishwasher door is completely open.

2.Remove the fill indicator cap.

3.Add rinse aid. Fill to the smallest opening in the lower part of the dispenser. Overfilling can cause the rinse aid to leak out, and could cause oversudsing.

4.Clean up any spilled rinse aid with a damp cloth.

5.Replace the fill indicator cap. Close tightly.

Dishwasher Efficiency Tips

Hot water dissolves and activates the dishwashing detergent. Hot water also dissolves grease on dishes and helps glasses dry spot-free. For best dishwashing results, water should be 120°F (49°C) as it enters the dishwasher. Loads may not wash as well if the water temperature is too low. Water that is too hot can make some soils harder to remove and cause certain detergent ingredients not to function. If your water heater is located far from the dishwasher, it may be necessary to run the hot water at the faucet closest to the dishwasher to minimize the amount of cold water in the water line.

To check water temperature

NOTE: Fill amounts shown are for standard powdered detergent. Amounts may vary if you use liquid or concentrated powdered detergent. Tablet detergents should be placed in the main wash section of the detergent dispenser with the cover closed. Follow instructions on the package when using liquid dishwasher detergent, concentrated powdered detergent or tablet detergent.

IMPORTANT: See “Cycle Selection Charts” for which detergent dispenser sections to use with each cycle.

1.Run hot water at the faucet closest to your dishwasher for at least 1 minute.

2.Place a candy or meat thermometer in a glass measuring cup.

Rinse Aid Dispenser

Rinse aids prevent water from forming droplets that can dry as spots or streaks. They also improve drying by allowing water to drain off of the dishes during the final rinse by releasing a small amount of the rinse aid into the rinse water. Your dishwasher is designed to use a liquid rinse aid. Do not use a solid or bar-type.

Checking the dispenser

Check the center of the fill indicator cap. Clear means it needs filling.

Or you can remove the fill indicator cap. If an “E” is visible, the dispenser is empty.

3.Check the temperature on the thermometer as the water is running into the cup.

■To save water, energy and time, do not rinse dishes before putting them into the dishwasher.

■Use a low energy, quick, or short cycle whenever possible. These cycles use less hot water and energy than a normal cycle.

■Use a delay feature (on some models) to run your dishwasher during off-peak hours. Local utilities recommend avoiding heavy usage of energy at certain times of day.

■During the summer, run your dishwasher at night. This reduces daytime heat buildup in the kitchen.

■Use the energy-saving dry option whenever possible. Allow longer drying times (overnight) when using these options. Use a rinse aid to improve drying.