Maytag 6 915928 A Dishwashing Essentials, Hot Water, Detergent, Rinse Aid, Recommended Amount

Dishwashing Essentials

Hot Water

For optimal cleaning and drying results, hot water is necessary. The incoming water temperature should be 120–140º F (49-60° C) to properly acti- vate 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 thermometer in the glass and check the temperature once it has stopped rising. If the temperature is below 120º F (49º C), have a qualified person raise the water heater thermostat setting.

Before starting the dishwasher, turn on the hot water faucet and let it run until the water is hot. This assures that the initial fill of water is hot.

Detergent

Use a detergent designed specifically for use in an auto- matic dishwasher. Be sure it is fresh and stored in a cool, dry place (not under the sink).

Recommended Amount

The amount of detergent to use depends on the water hardness* (measured in grains per gallon –– gpg) and the amount of soil on the dishes. Too little detergent results in poor cleaning, hard water filming/spotting and poor drying. Too much detergent can cause permanent etching/cloudiness.

As a rule, use 1 teaspoon of detergent per grain of water hardness. In soft water, a minimum of 3 teaspoons is rec- ommended.

Water Hardness*	Detergent Amount per Cup
Soft (0-3 gpg)	3 teaspoons
Medium (4-9 gpg)	4-9 teaspoons
Hard (10-12 gpg)	10-12 teaspoons

*Your local water utility or state university extension service can tell you the degree of water hardness in your area.

For water hardness of 13-14 gpg add more detergent (1 teaspoon for each gpg above 12) to the beginning of the main wash portion of the cycle. Unlatch the door, open it slowly and add detergent to the bottom of the tub.

If water hardness is 15 gpg or harder, it is difficult to achieve good results with any dishwasher. The solution is a mechanical water softener to improve water quality, detergent effectiveness, and protect the dishwasher parts from the damage that hard water deposits can cause.

Detergent Placement

The recommended amount of detergent is the per cup dosage. Do not divide this amount between cups. Each

line in the detergent cup represents 3 teaspoons. Add detergent and close the cover just before starting the cycle. The detergent automatically dispenses.

For Auto Clean, place the recommended amount of detergent in both the PREWASH and MAIN WASH cups when dishes are not prerinsed. If dishes ARE prerinsed place detergent in the MAIN WASH cup only.

For Heavy or Normal Wash, place the recommended amount of detergent in both the PRE WASH and MAIN WASH cups.

Light Wash requires detergent in the MAIN WASH cup only.

Do not use detergent with Rinse Only. Leave the deter- gent cup lid open when running Rinse Only.

Rinse Aid

Regular use of a rinse aid improves drying, reduces spotting and filming, and reduces moisture left on the dishwasher interior.

Your dishwasher features an automatic rinse aid dis- penser located near the detergent cups in the door.

The clear window in the center of the dispenser cap allows you to see if there is rinse aid in the reservoir. When the window is colored, there is rinse aid in the dis- penser. When the window becomes clear, it is time to refill the dispenser. Check the dispenser monthly.

To add rinse aid to the dispenser, turn the cap counter- clockwise to open. Remove the cap and pour liquid rinse aid into the opening. Replace the cap and turn it clockwise.

Use the LESS setting for soft water and the MORE set- ting for hard water. Set the cap anywhere between these amounts as needed.

5