Dishwasher Use
Hot Water
For optimal cleaning and drying results, hot water is necessary. The incoming water temperature should be 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 thermometer in the glass and check the temperature once it has stopped rising.
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).
Recommended Amount
Too little detergent results in poor cleaning, hard water filming/spotting and poor drying. Too much detergent can cause permanent etching/cloudiness.
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.
WATER | SOIL | MAIN WASH | ||
HARDNESS* | LEVEL | DETERGENT | DETERGENT | |
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Soft | Light Soil | 2 tsp | 6 tsp | |
Normal Soil | 4 tsp | 6 tsp | ||
| Heavy Soil | 4 tsp | 7 tsp | |
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Medium | Light Soil | 4 tsp | 6 tsp | |
Normal Soil | 4 tsp | 6 tsp | ||
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| Heavy Soil | 5 tsp | 7 tsp | |
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Hard | All Levels | 5 tsp | 8 tsp | |
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*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.
Add recommended amount of detergent to each cup as shown and close the detergent lid.
Do not use detergent with the Rinse Only (select models) cycle. Leave the detergent lid open when running Rinse Only (select models).
Rinse Aid
Regular use of a rinse aid improves drying, reduces spotting and filming, and reduces moisture left on the dishwasher interior.
An automatic rinse aid dispenser is located next to the detergent cup.
The window next to the dispenser cap indicates when the rinse aid reservoir needs to be refilled. When the level of rinse aid is below the indicator marks and the window is nearly clear, it is time to refill the dispenser. Check the dispenser monthly.
To add rinse aid to the dispenser, turn the cap counterclockwise to open. Remove the cap and pour liquid rinse aid into the opening. The amount of rinse aid dispensed during
the cycle is adjustable by moving the lever inside the reservoir area. For most water conditions use the manufacturer recommended setting of “2”. Adjust it up to the “MAX” setting for hard water. Set the lever anywhere between these amounts as needed to get the best results. Replace the cap and turn it clockwise to close.
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