8
Operating Your Dishwasher
Filling the Detergent Dispenser
caution
•
Do not use hand dishwashing detergents.
They will create excessive foaming that
interferes with proper operation.
•
Using too much dishwashing detergent, can
cause a permanent film called etching.
important
•
Do not use detergent that is clumped or has
been wet. Store dry detergent in a cool dry
place to prevent caking.
•
Fill the detergent dispenser just prior to
starting your dishwasher. Detergent will
harden if it sits too long. Also check the
package for detergent that is expired.
•
Dacor recommends granular (powdered),
unscented automatic dish washing detergent.
“All-in-one”, “multi-purpose” or “complete” dish
washing detergents are not recommended.
•
If the detergent dispenser lid is closed, press the
(left) release button to open it.
•
The detergent dispenser has two compartments;
the smaller pre-wash compartment, and the
main wash compartment (see diagram at
right). The pre-wash compartment empties into
the dishwasher when the door is closed. The
main wash compartment releases detergent
automatically during the main wash cycle.
NOTE:
When running the
Quick Wash
cycle,
Dacor recommends that you do not add
detergent to the pre-wash compartment.
•
See the
Detergent Usage Table
for the amount
of detergent recommended. The recommended
amounts shown are intended to provide properly
cleaned dishes, free of film and spotting for the
water hardness in your area. You may need to
adjust the detergent by small amounts until you
get the best results. Harder water requires more
detergent.
Detergent Usage Table
Water Hardness
(gpg)
Amount of Detergent
Soft (0-3)
Pre-wash: 1 teaspoon
Main wash:
1 - 1½ tablespoons
Medium (4-8)
Pre-wash: 1 teaspoon
Main wash: 1 - 2 tablespoons
Hard (9 and over)
Pre-wash: 1 teaspoon
Main wash:
2 - 3 tablespoons
Detergent
Dispenser lid
Pre-wash compartment
Main wash compartment
•
Water hardness is measured in grains per gallon
(gpg). Contact your water company for the water
hardness in your area. 12 gpg and higher is
extremely hard water and detergent alone may
not be enough. You may need to use a water
softener to maximize dishwasher performance
at a water hardness above 12 gpg. Also, in
areas with 9 gpg and higher water hardness,
you may need to wash at a lower temperature to
prevent hard water deposits from forming in the
dishwasher.
•
Different brands of dishwasher detergent have
different amounts of phosphorous for softening
water. In some areas with hard water, you may
need to use more detergent if it has less than
an 8.7% phosphorous content or change to
a granular (powdered) detergent with more
phosphorus.
•
After loading both compartments according to the
table below, close the detergent dispenser lid.
Release button
