DETERGENT DISPENSER
ASKO dishwashers are designed to be energy efficient. Because the machine uses less water than conventional dishwashers, you also use less detergent and rinse aid. Generally, only one tablespoon of detergent is needed for a normal wash load. The amount of detergent needed for your dishes, however, could be more, depending on the hardness of the water in your area. (See below.) Also, more heavily soiled items need more detergent.
Measure and place detergent for the main wash into the large detergent compartment. The detergent for prewash goes into the small compartment to the right of the main wash compartment. You should use
Always add the detergent just before starting the dishwasher, otherwise it could get damp and won’t dissolve properly.
Prewash Detergent
Compartment
Dispenser Lid | Rinse Aid |
Lever | Level Indicator |
Main Wash
Detergent
Compartment
Rinse Aid
Compartment
Detergent
Compartment Lid
WARNING! Dishwasher detergent is corrosive! Take care to keep it out of reach of children.
NOTE: We recommend that you do not add prewash detergent for the Delicate or Quick wash programs.
DISHWASHING DETERGENT
We recommend that you use only unscented, granular automatic dishwashing detergent. Using the wrong detergent could cause flooding and/or damage your dishwasher. Do not use detergent that has been wet and is clumped. Also, check the expiration date on the container.
The amount of detergent needed can vary due to differences in water hardness. To determine the water hardness in your area, contact your local water utility or area water softening company. The harder the water, the more detergent you may need. Refer to the chart below for the recommended detergent amounts based on water hardness. Remember, you should adjust the amount of detergent you use by small amounts until you find the correct amount.
NOTE: Model D3251FIWS has a water softener container. See page 6 for more details.
NOTE: We recommend that you do not add prewash detergent for the Delicate or Quick wash programs.
NOTE: If you use a dishwashing detergent with a rinse aid additive, you should not fill the rinse aid dispenser. This could cause a film on your dishes.
Twelve grains and higher is extremely hard water and detergent alone may not be enough. You may need to use a water softener to maximize the performance of your dishwasher. (Model D3251FIWS is equipped with an internal water softener. See page 6 for details.)
In areas with extremely hard water (9+) you may need to wash at lower temperatures to prevent hard water deposits from forming in the tank and wash system. Also, both the dishes and the machine can develop a white or gray film after a while. This can be removed by replacing the prewash detergent with two tablespoons of citric acid. If the water is very hard, use a rinse aid that contains citric acid.
Different brands of dishwasher detergent have different amounts of phosphorous for softening water. If you have hard water and use a detergent with less than 8.7% phosphorous content, you may need to use more detergent or use a detergent with more than 8.7% phosphorous content.
RECOMMENDED DETERGENT AMOUNTS
BASED ON WATER HARDNESS
WATER HARDNESS | DETERGENT AMOUNTS | ||
Soft | Prewash | 1 | teaspoon |
Main wash | 1 | to | |
Medium | Prewash | 1 | teaspoon |
Main wash | 1 | to 2 tablespoons | |
Hard | Prewash | 1 | teaspoons |
(9+ grains*) | Main wash | 2 | to 3 tablespoons |
* 12 grains and higher is extremely hard water.
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