ASKO 1653 - Manual (Page 8)

The importance of hot water
Hot water dissolves and activates dishwashing detergent, dissolves grease on dishes and helps glasses dry
spot-free. Your dishwasher has a 1400 watt heating element to heat the water to the designated settings of HI
(150 degrees) and LO (130 degrees).
To obtain proper washing results, a varying temperature of the water is necessary. Extremely hot water is good
for normal to heavily soiled dishes, pots and pans. Washing lightly soiled items, such as glasses and pre-rinsed
dishes. It requires a tower water temperature to do an adequate job. Since extremely high temperatures can
damage fine china or delicate crystal, use the tower temperature settings for these items.
If the incoming water is extremely cold, due to unusually cold temperatures outside, if you've recently done
laundry or run hot water for showers, or if your water travels a tong distance from the water heater to the dish­
washer, the running time of the dishwasher may be longer to allow for a heating-up period for the water.
Checking the wash temperature
To get the best possible result, the water should be warm enough. It does not matter if the temperature of the
incoming water is tow since the machine has an element which heats the water to the required temperature.
You can, however, check that the temperature of the incoming water is not too high as follows:
1. Turn on the water faucet to the highest temperature possible and let the water run into the sink.
2. Place a dish or other object in the sink and let the water fill it and run over for at least a minute.
3. Measure the temperature with a meat thermometer or similar device. The temperature should not be higher
than 140°F (60°C).
4. If the temperature is too high, adjust the setting on the hot water heater.
Dishwasher detergents
Use only dishwasher detergents
Use only a detergent designed for an automatic dishwash­
er. Never use soap, laundry detergent or hand washing
detergent in your dishwasher, as they are too mild and will
cause severe over sudsing and possible leaking. The foam
produced prevents the machine from working properly.
Warning!
Dishwasher detergent is corrosive.
Keep out of the reach of children.
If swallowed, drink plenty of milk or water.
Do not induce vomiting.
Seek medical advice without delay.
If dishwasher detergent gets into the eyes, rinse
immediately with plenty of water.
How much Detergent to Use
The amount of detergent you use depends on
the hardness of the water and on the cyotfi
you select.
Hardness of water
Water hardness
Grains per Gallon Amount of detergent
(Powder or Liquid)
Soft water
0-4 gpg
1 tablespoon
Med. hard water
4-8 gpg
1-2 1/2 tablespoons
Hard water
8-above gpg
2 1/2-4 tablespoons
Water has a different "hardness", or mineral content, in different locations. The hardness is measured in grains
per gallon (gpg). Find out your waters' 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 recommended detergent amounts to use with
your water, follow the guidelines on :he above chart. With hard water, you need more detergent to get dishes
clean. With soil water, you need less detergent.
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 machine itself may accumulate a grey deposit after some
time. This deposit can be remedied by using a mild citric acid solution instead of detergent in the heavy wash
program. (See also "Poor dishwashing results?" pages 19 to 22).