How Much Detergent to Use
Too little detergent results in poor cleaning, hard water filming/spotting and
poor drying. Too much detergent can cause permanent etching/cloudiness.
Use a detergent designed specifically for use in an automatic dishwasher.
Other types (laundry, hand soap, etc.,) will cause oversudsing. Be sure to use
fresh detergent and store it in a cool, dry place (not under the sink). The
amount of detergent to use depends on the water hardness measured in
grains per gallon* (gpg) and the amount of soil on the dishes. Generally
detergent amounts should be increased for harder water and heavier soil. Refer
to the following chart for detergent usage recommendations.
If the water hardness is 13 gpg or harder, it is difficult to achieve good results
with any dishwasher. The solution is a mechanical water softener to improve
water quality, detergent effectiveness, and to protect the dishwasher parts from
the damage that hard water deposits may cause.
Water Hardness*
Soft
(0-4 gpg)
Medium
(5-9 gpg)
Hard
(10-12 gpg)
*
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 both compartments for
Pots and Pans or Normal wash cycles, and to the main cup only for the
Light wash cycle.
Water, Detergents and Rinse Aids
Detergent amount**
Soil Residue
Light Soil
Normal Soil
Heavy Soil
Light Soil
Normal Soil
Heavy Soil
Light Soil
Normal Soil
Heavy Soil
Your dishwasher features an
automatic rinse aid dispenser located
near the detergent cups in the door.
The clear window in the center of the
dispenser cap allows you to see if
there is rinse aid in the reservoir.
When the window is colored, there is
rinse aid in the dispenser. 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
(teaspoons)
aid into the opening. Replace the cap
5
and turn it clockwise.
6
8
7
8
10
9
10
12
Check the water temperature by
turning on the hot water faucet
nearest the dishwasher and letting 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 it is below 120°F
have a qualified person raise the
water heater setting.
If the outside temperature is
unusually low, or if your water travels
a long distance from the water heater
to the dishwasher, you may want to
turn on the hot water faucet at the
sink and allow it to run until the water
is hot. This assures that the initial fill
of water is hot.
7
Rinse Aids
Regular use of a rinse aid
improves drying, reduces
spotting and filming, and
reduces moisture left on
the dishwasher interior.
Hot Water
For best results, the
incoming water
temperature should
be 120140°F.