15
Dishwasher Use

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.
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.

Water

Hardness* Soil

Level Pre-Wash

Detergent Main Detergent

Soft (0-4 gpg) Light Soil
Normal Soil
Heavy Soil
2 tsp
4 tsp
4 tsp
6 tsp
6 tsp
7 tsp
Medium (5-9 gpg) Light Soil
Normal Soil
Heavy Soil
4 tsp
4 tsp
5 tsp
6 tsp
6 tsp
7 tsp
Hard (10-12 gpg) All Levels 5 tsp 8 tsp