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©2002 Maytag Appliance Sales Company 16021814 Rev. 0 D-7
5
Hot water
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
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
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 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.
Do not use detergent with the
Rinse Only
cycle. 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
necessary to improve water quality,
detergent effectiveness, and protect the
dishwasher parts from the damage that
hard water can cause.
Dishwashing essentials
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
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.
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
*Your local water utility or state
university extension 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.