Maytag MDB4160 Dishwashing Essentials, Hot Water, Detergent, Rinse Aid, Recommended Amount

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 just before starting the cycle and close the cover. The detergent automatically dispenses.

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.

Removable Utensil Basket

(Design varies by model)

For best cleaning results, prevent items from nesting together by placing some items in the basket with handles up and some with handles down. Load knives, handles up, through the slots in the covered section (when closed).

Be sure that thin, finely pointed items do not extend through the basket. This could block the lower wash arm.

Small, lightweight items like baby spoons and plastic measuring spoons should be placed in the cov- ered section of the basket for washing.

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 Detergent Placement 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		For Heavy or Normal Wash, place the recommended
Use a detergent designed specifically for use in an auto-		amount of detergent in both the PRE WASH and MAIN
		WASH cups.
matic dishwasher. Be sure it is fresh and stored in a cool,
		Light Wash requires detergent in the MAIN WASH cup
dry place (not under the sink).
Recommended Amount		only.
		Do not use detergent with Rinse Only. Leave the deter-
The amount of detergent to use depends on the water
		gent cup lid open when running Rinse Only.
hardness* (measured in grains per gallon –– gpg) and		Rinse Aid
the amount of soil on the dishes. Too little detergent
results in poor cleaning, hard water filming/spotting and
		Regular use of a rinse aid improves drying, reduces
poor drying. Too much detergent can cause permanent
		spotting and filming, and reduces moisture left on
etching/cloudiness.
		the dishwasher interior.
As a rule, use 1 teaspoon of detergent per grain of water
		Your dishwasher features an automatic rinse aid dis-
hardness. In soft water, a minimum of 3 teaspoons is
recommended.		penser located near the detergent cups in the door.
Water Hardness*	Detergent Amount per Cup	The clear window in the center of the dispenser cap
Soft (0-3 gpg)	3 teaspoons	allows you to see if there is rinse aid in the reservoir.
Medium (4-9 gpg)	4-9 teaspoons	When the window is colored, there is rinse aid in the dis-
Hard (10-12 gpg)	10-12 teaspoons	penser. When the window becomes clear, it is time to
		refill the dispenser. Check the dispenser monthly.

*Your local water utility or state university extension service

can tell you the degree of water hardness in your area.	To add rinse aid to the dispenser, turn the cap counter-
	clockwise to open. Remove the cap and pour liquid rinse
	4 aid into the opening. Replace the cap and turn it clockwise.