Dishwashing Essentials; Hot Water; Detergent; Rinse Aid - Maytag MDB7100AWS User Manual

For optimal cleaning and drying
results, hot water is necessary. The
incoming water temperature should be
120-140° F (49-60o 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 1200F (490C), have a qualified per-
son raise the water heater thermostat set-
ting.
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.
Use a detergent designed specifically for
use in an automatic dishwasher. Be sure it
is fresh and stored in a cool, dry place (not
under the sink).
RECOMMENDED AMOUNT
Too little detergent resultsin poor cleaning,
hard water filming/spotting and poor dry-
ing. Too much detergent can cause per-
manent etching/cloudiness.
The amount of detergent to use is deter-
mined by the hardness of the water and
soil level of the load. Refer to the following
chart for detergent usage recommenda-
tions.
Do not use detergent with Rinse Only.
Leave the detergent lid open when running
Rinse Only.
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 nec-
essary to improve water quality, detergent
effectiveness, and protect the dishwasher
parts from the damage that hard water can
cause.
Soft (0-4 gpg) Light Soil 5 teaspoons
Normal Soil 6 teaspoons
Heavy Soil 8 teaspoons
Medium (5-9 gpg) Light Soil 7 teaspoons
Normal Soil 8 teaspoons
Heavy Soil 10 teaspoons
Hard (10-12 gpg) Light Soil 9 teaspoons
Normal Soil 10 teaspoons
Heavy Soil 12 teaspoons
*Your local water utility or state uni-
versity extension service can tell you
the degree of water hardness in your
area.
** Add recommended amount of
detergent to both compartments for
AutoClean, Heavy or Normal wash
cycles, and to the main cup only for
the Light wash cycle.
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Regular use of a rinse aid improves
drying, reduces spotting and filming,
and reduces moisture left on the dish-
washer interior,
Your dishwasher features an automatic
rinse aid dispenser located near the deter-
gent cups in the door.
The clear window in the center of the dis-
penser 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 counterclockwise to open. Remove
the cap and pour liquid rinse aid into the
opening. Replace the cap and turn it clock-
wise.
Use the LESS setting for soft water and
the MORE setting for hard water. Set the
cap anywhere between these amounts as
needed.
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