Using Rinse Agent
Keep rinse agent dispenser filled for best drying results
Keep the rinse agent dispenser filled with a liquid rinse agent. A rinse agent greatly improves the drying of dishes by helping water flow off of them during the last rinse. A rinse agent also keeps water from forming droplets and drying as spots. A small amount of rinse agent is automatically released into the rinse water during the final rinse of each cycle.
For best drying results, check the dispenser periodically to see if it needs refilling. The center of the Fill Indicator Cap will be clear when dispenser needs refilling. An “E”will also be visible inside the dispenser when the cap is removed and the dispenser is empty.
The dispenser will hold 6 ounces of rinse agent. Under normal conditions, this will last about 3 months. You do not have to wait until the dispenser is empty to refill it, but do not overfill it.
Make sure the dishwasher door is fully open when filling the dispenser. Do not fill past the smallest opening in the lower part of the dispenser. If you overfill, excess rinse agent can come out. This will not harm the dishwasher, but could cause over-sudsing. Clean up any spilled rinse agent with a damp cloth. Replace the Fill Indicator Cap and keep it tightly closed.
NOTE: Because your dishwasher is designed to use a liquid rinse agent, you do not need to use a solid or bar-type rinse agent.
For Best Results
Hot water is a must
For best cleaning and drying results, water should be at least 140°F (60°C). To have a reliable hot water supply:
Maintain 140°F (60°C) water supply at central water heater. To check water temperature, turn on hot water faucet nearest the dishwasher. Let water run until it is as hot as possible, then check with a candy or meat thermometer. If the temperature at the faucet is below 135°F (57”C), have a qualified person raise the water heater thermostat setting.
Quiet operating tips
To avoid thumping and clattering noises during operation:
. Make sure lightweight load items are secured in the rack.
lMake sure pot lids and handles, pizza pans, cookie sheets, etc. do not touch interior walls or interfere with the spray arm’s rotation or cover the spray tower.
. Load dishes so they don’t touch one another.
NOTE: Keep sink drain plugs inserted during dishwasher operation to prevent noise transfer through drains.
Special tips on dishwasher use
Use your dishwasher only for the job it was designed to do. Some items are not dishwasher safe or may require special care. Read these special tips for the following items:
Aluminum: Aluminum loses its bright, shiny appearance and darkens in color due to minerals in the water and the alkalinity of the dishwasher detergent. Colored aluminum may fade.
TIPS: If washed in the dishwasher avoid placing directly in front of detergent dispenser where it could be sprinkled with undissolved detergent, causing spotting, pitting, and discoloration. Follow utensil manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
China: Check with manufacturer for cleaning instructions. Hand-painted, metal- trimmed, and antique china fade due to high water temperatures and alkaline detergent solution in the dishwasher.
NOTE: Delicate, antique items should not be washed in the dishwasher.
TIPS: Load china carefully. Do not allow pieces to touch each other. Test one piece by washing it daily in the dishwasher for several weeks. Then compare it with the rest of the set to see if colors have changed.
Crystal and decorative glasses: Crystal can break from sudden exposure to high water temperature. Metal trim and colorful decoration on glass will fade in time when washed in the dishwasher.
NOTE: Delicate, antique items should not be washed in the dishwasher.
TIPS: Load crystal carefully in top rack only. Be sure to load a few larger items in the bottom rack to reduce amount of force of water spray reaching glassware from lower spray arm. Use the shortest cycle.
Flatware: Salty and acidic foods may tarnish silver and stainless flatware if allowed to remain on the utensils. A film may form on sterling silver and silver plate items washed in a dishwasher. This film is caused by a reaction of silver with chlorine in the detergent. Gold flatware is not dishwasher safe. The adhesive used in some flatware with hollow handles is not heat resistant, causing the handles to come off in the dishwasher. Wash by hand.
TIPS: Rinse flatware as soon as possible, especially if it is not to be washed right away. Dishwasher detergent may remove antique finishes. Wash by hand. Tarnish and film build-up can be removed with silver polish.
Cast iron utensils: The seasoned finish will be removed in the dishwasher. Rusting will result.
TIPS: Wash by hand. To re-season, coat with unsalted fat and heat in a slow oven for an hour or two.
Plastics: Many plastics will have “Dishwasher Safe” written on them. Some plastics are heat sensitive and may melt or warp.
TIPS: If in doubt, try one piece. Place in upper rack only. Drying without heat provides additional protection.
Non-stick finish utensils: Most can be washed in the dishwasher.
TIPS: Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
Wood: Many wooden items will crack and warp or lose their finish.
TIPS: Do not wash cutting boards, wooden salad bowls or knives with wooden handles in the dishwasher.
Pewter or pewter-like materials: May streak, discolor, and pit.
TIPS: To keep pewter at its very best, hand wash with mild detergent.
