Operating Your Dishwasher

Filling the Detergent Dispenser

caution

•Do not use hand dishwashing detergents. They will create excessive foaming that interferes with proper operation.

•Using too much dishwashing detergent, can cause a permanent film called etching.

important

•Do not use detergent that is clumped or has been wet. Store dry detergent in a cool dry place to prevent caking.

•Fill the detergent dispenser just prior to starting your dishwasher. Detergent will harden if it sits too long. Also check the package for detergent that is expired.

•Dacor recommends granular (powdered), unscented automatic dish washing detergent. “All-in-one”, “multi-purpose” or “complete” dish washing detergents are not recommended.

•If the detergent dispenser lid is closed, press the (left) release button to open it.

Release button

•The detergent dispenser has two compartments; the smaller pre-wash compartment, and the main wash compartment (see diagram at right). The pre-wash compartment empties into the dishwasher when the door is closed. The main wash compartment releases detergent automatically during the main wash cycle. NOTE: When running the Quick Wash cycle, Dacor recommends that you do not add detergent to the pre-wash compartment.

•See the Detergent Usage Table for the amount of detergent recommended. The recommended amounts shown are intended to provide properly cleaned dishes, free of film and spotting for the water hardness in your area. You may need to adjust the detergent by small amounts until you get the best results. Harder water requires more detergent.

•Water hardness is measured in grains per gallon (gpg). Contact your water company for the water hardness in your area. 12 gpg and higher is extremely hard water and detergent alone may not be enough. You may need to use a water softener to maximize dishwasher performance at a water hardness above 12 gpg. Also, in areas with 9 gpg and higher water hardness, you may need to wash at a lower temperature to prevent hard water deposits from forming in the dishwasher.

•Different brands of dishwasher detergent have different amounts of phosphorous for softening water. In some areas with hard water, you may need to use more detergent if it has less than an 8.7% phosphorous content or change to

a granular (powdered) detergent with more phosphorus.

•After loading both compartments according to the table below, close the detergent dispenser lid.

Pre-wash compartment
Main wash compartment
Detergent
Dispenserlid
Detergent Usage Table
Water Hardness
Amount of Detergent
(gpg)

 

 

 

 

Pre-wash: 1 teaspoon

Soft (0-3)

Main wash:

 

1 - 1½ tablespoons

Medium (4-8)

Pre-wash: 1 teaspoon

Main wash: 1 - 2 tablespoons

 

 

Pre-wash: 1 teaspoon

Hard (9 and over)

Main wash:

 

2 - 3 tablespoons

8