Whirlpool 8400 Series - Manual (Page 9)

Adding Detergent
What kind of detergent to use
Use automatic dishwasher detergent only.
Other detergents are too mild and much too sudsy
to work in the dishwasher.
Different brands of dishwasher detergent have
different amounts of phosphorus for softening
water. If water is hard and phosphorus content is
low (6.0% or less), you may need to use more
detergent or use a brand with a higher phosphorus
content (8.7% or higher).
Do not add detergent until you are ready to
wash Fresh automatic dishwasher detergent
is necessary for best washing results.
Store detergent tightly closed in a cool, dry place.
Cover Cover Latch
Normal Wash Cycle
The detergent dispenser
The detergent dispenser has one section with a
cover and one without.
• Put detergent in both sections for cycles with
two washes.
• Put detergent in the covered section only for
cycles with one wash.
• Push the cover down until it is latched.
Detergent in the open section falls into the dish­
washer when the door is closed. The covered
section opens automatically when the main
wash starts.
NOTE: It is normal for cover to open partially
when dispensing detergent. The cover will open
fully when the door is opened.
How much detergent to use
The amount of detergent to use depends on the
hardness of your water. If too little is used, dishes
won't be clean. However, if too much is used in
soft water, glassware will begin to etch.
Find out your water’s hardness by asking your
local water department, water softener company
or county extension agent.
• HARD - Fill 1 or both sections to top line if water
hardness is 8 or more grains per gallon, or 136 or
more parts per million.
• MEDIUM - Fill 1 or both sections to middle line if
water hardness is 5 to 7 grains per gallon, or 85
to 119 parts per million.
• SOFT - Fill 1 or both sections to bottom line if
water hardness is 0 to.4 grains per gallon, or 0 to
68 parts per million.