Maytag MDB6650AWW - Manual (Page 6)

5
Dishwashing Essentials
Hot Water
For optimal cleaning and drying results, hot water
is necessary. The incoming water temperature
should be 120-140º F (49-60° C) to properly acti-
vate 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 120º F (49º 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 auto-
matic 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.
For food soils requiring the Heavy or Normal cycles
and/or hard water* conditions, fill both sides of the Main
Wash detergent cup. For food soils requiring the Light
cycle and/or soft water* conditions, fill the Light side of
the detergent cup only.
Do not use detergent with Rinse Only. Leave the deter-
gent lid open when running Rinse Only.
In extremely hard water conditions (15 grains per gallon
or more*), it is difficult to achieve good results with any
dishwasher. A mechanical water softener may be neces-
sary to improve water quality, detergent effectiveness,
and protect the dishwasher parts from the damage that
hard water can cause.
Water Hardness*
Soft (0-3 gpg) Medium (4-9 gpg) Hard (10-12 gpg)
*Your local water utility or state university extension ser-
vice can tell you the degree of water hardness in your area.
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 cups. 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 indi-
cator 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 counter-
clockwise to open. Remove the cap and pour liquid
rinse aid into the opening. The amount of rinse aid dis-
pensed during the cycle is adjustable by moving the
lever inside the reservoir area. Use setting “1” for soft
water. Adjust it up to the “MAX” setting for hard water.
Set the lever anywhere between these amounts as
needed. Replace the cap and turn it clockwise to close.