Maytag MDB5600AW Dishwasher User Manual


 
©2002 Maytag Appliance Sales Company 16021814 Rev. 0 B-7
H
OT
W
ATER
For optimal cleaning and drying
results, hot water is necessary. The
incoming water temperature should
be 120–140° F (49-60° 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. If the temperature is
below 120° F (49° C), 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.
D
ETERGENT
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 results in poor clean-
ing, hard water filming/spotting and poor
drying. 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 follow-
ing chart for detergent usage recommen-
dations.
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.
Water Hardness* Soil Level Detergent Amount**
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
R
INSE
A
ID
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 cups. 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 manufacturers rec-
ommended setting of “3”. 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.
D
ISHWASHING
E
SSENTIALS
*Your local water utility or state university exten-
sion service can tell you the degree of water
hardness in your area.
** Add recommended amount of detergent to
either side of the Main Wash compartment.