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