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27
Water Hardness
Hardness of Water
Water has a different “hardness,” or mineral content, in different
locations. The hardness is measured in grains per gallon (gpg). Find
out your water’s hardness by asking your local water department,
county extension agent, or water softening company. Ask how many
“grains” of hardness are in your water.
The harder the water is, the more detergent you need. For the
detergent amounts recommended for use in your location with your
water, follow the guidelines in the chart. With hard water, you need
more detergent to get dishes clean. With soft water, you need less.
Too much detergent with soft water can cause “etching,” a permanent
cloudiness of glassware. If you have hard water, the dishes as well as
the dishwasher itself may accumulate a gray deposit after some time.
This deposit can be remedied by using a mild citric acid solution
instead of detergent in the heavy wash program.
How Much Detergent to Use?
The amount of detergent you use depends on the hardness of the
water and on the cycle you select. Generally, only one tablespoon of
detergent (per cup) is needed for a normal load.
Note: Line level on detergent dispenser represents 2 tablespoons
Note: In areas with hard water above 12 grains, a water
softener is recommended.
26
Operation
Wash Temperature
Hot water dissolves and activates dishwashing detergents, dissolves
grease on dishes, and helps glasses dry spot free. If the incoming
water is extremely cold due to unusually cold temperatures outside, if
you have recently done laundry or run hot water for showers, or if your
water travels a long distance from the hot water heater to the
dishwasher, the running time of the dishwasher may be longer to heat
the water to the required temperature.
Checking the Wash Temperature
An incoming water temperature of 120°F (49˚C) is recommended.
However, the Sure Temp Water Heating System will ensure the water
temperatures are correct for the cycle/options selected.
Energy Saving Tips
• Only start a wash when the machine is completely full.
• Do not prewash dishes. Simply scrape, load, and wash.
• Use the POTS/PANS program only for heavily soiled dishes.
• Select NORMAL CYCLE.
Water hardness
(
grains per gallon)
Amount of detergent
(powder or liquid)
Soft water
0-3 gpg
1 tablespoon per cup
(15ml)
Medium hard water
4-8 gpg
2 tablespoons per cup
(30ml)
Hard water
9-above gpg
3 tablespoons per cup
(45ml)