1. Water hardness
In order to achieve good dishwashing results, the dishwasher needs soft water (water with low mineral
content). Hard water leaves a white coating on dishes and the dishwasher.
Checking water hardness
Water hardness is specified using the German water hardness scale (°dH) or the French water
hardness scale (°fH).
A water supply with a water hardness in excess of 6°dH (9°fH) must be softened. This is done
automatically with the aid of the built-in water softener. In order for the water softener to function
optimally, it must be adjusted to the hardness of the water supply. Once you have adjusted the water
softener, use detergent and rinse aid doses suitable for soft water.
Contact the local waterworks to check the water hardness in your area.
Make a note of the water hardness:____________
Recommended setting
French water hardness scale
German water hardness scale
0
0-9°fH
0-5°dH
1
10-14°fH
6-8°dH
2
15-20°fH
9-11°dH
3
21-25°fH
12-14°dH
4
26-34°fH
15-19°dH
5
35-43°fH
22-24°dH
6
44-52°fH
25-29°dH
7
53-70°fH
30-39°dH
8
71-88°fH
40-49°dH
9
89°fH
50°dH
If the water hardness exceeds 50°dH (89°fH), we recommend connecting an external water softener.
Increased consumption during regeneration
The dishwasher's built-in water softener is regularly regenerated to maintain its function. Regeneration
extends the dishwashing program and increases energy and water consumption. Just how often
the dishwasher's water softener is regenerated depends on the selected setting.
Example: If the Ecoprogram is run with a water hardness of 14 °dH (25 °fH), the water softener is
regenerated at regular intervals (after 6 dishwashing cycles), energy consumption increases by
0.015 kWh and water consumption increases by 2.3 litres while the program time is extended by 3
minutes. Regeneration occurs during the program's main wash.
WARNING!
Hard water leaves a white coating on dishes and inside the dishwasher. It is therefore important
that you select the right setting for the water softener! See Water hardness.
Never run the dishwasher with an empty salt compartment if the water supply has a water hardness
in excess of 6°dH (9°fH).
6
Before washing for the first time
