Maytag MDB6657AWB - Manual (Page 6)

5
Hot Water
For optimal cleaning and drying
results, hot water is necessary. The
incoming water temperature should be
120–140° 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 120° F (49° C), have a qualified per-
son raise the water heater thermostat set-
ting. 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 automatic 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 dry-
ing. Too much detergent can cause per-
manent etching/cloudiness.
The amount of detergent to use is deter-
mined by the hardness of the water and
soil level of the load. Refer to the following
chart for detergent usage recommenda-
tions.
Do not use detergent with Rinse Only.
Leave the detergent lid open when running
Rinse Only.
In extremely hard water conditions (13
grains per gallon or more*), it is difficult to
achieve good results with any dishwasher.
A mechanical water softener may be nec-
essary to improve water quality, detergent
effectiveness, and protect the dishwasher
parts from the damage that hard water can
cause.
DISHWASHING ESSENTIALS
Rinse Aid
Regular use of a rinse aid improves
drying, reduces spotting and filming,
and reduces moisture left on the dish-
washer interior.
An automatic rinse aid dispenser is locat-
ed next to the detergent cups. The win-
dow next to the dispenser cap indicates
when the rinse aid reservoir needs to be
refilled. When the level of rinse aid is
below the indicator marks and the window
is nearly clear, it is time to refill the dis-
penser. Check the dispenser monthly.
To add rinse aid to the dispenser, turn the
cap counterclockwise 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 clock-
wise to close.
Water Hardness* Soil Level Detergent Amount**
Soft (0-4 gpg) Light Soil 5 teaspoons
Normal Soil 6 teaspoons
Heavy Soil 8 teaspoons
Medium (5-9 gpg) Light Soil 7 teaspoons
Normal Soil 8 teaspoons
Heavy Soil 10 teaspoons
Hard (10-12 gpg) Light Soil 9 teaspoons
Normal Soil 10 teaspoons
Heavy Soil 12 teaspoons
*Your local water utility or state universi-
ty extension service can tell you the
degree of water hardness in your area.
** Add recommended amount of deter-
gent to either side of the Main Wash
compartment.