Maytag MDB-5 Dishwasher User Manual


 
6
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.
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 cycle.
Leave the detergent 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.
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.
*Your local water utility or state university extension service can tell
you the degree of water hardness in your area.
Dishwasher Use
6 tsp
6 tsp
7 tsp
6 tsp
6 tsp
7 tsp
8 tsp
Light Soil
Normal Soil
Heavy Soil
Light Soil
Normal Soil
Heavy Soil
All Levels
2 tsp
4 tsp
4 tsp
4 tsp
4 tsp
5 tsp
5 tsp
WATER
HARDNESS*
SOIL
LEVEL
PRE-WASH
DETERGENT
MAIN WASH
DETERGENT
Soft (0-4 gpg)
Medium (5-9 gpg)
Hard (10-12 gpg)