Maytag MDB4949SHB Owners Manual - Page 6

Dishwasher Use STEP 1 STEP 2 Prepare and Load the Dishwasher IMPORTANT: Remove leftover food, bones, toothpicks, and other hard items from the dishes. Remove labels from containers before washing. Add Detergent Premeasured Detergents High-quality premeasured tablets are recommended for improved for performance. Upper rack Lower rack Rack may vary by models. ■■ Check that nothing blocks the upper or lower spray arm. Items in rack can block the spray arms. ■■ Check that when the dishwasher door is closed, no items are blocking the detergent dispenser. ■■ Tough soiled items should be loaded with soiled surfaces facing down and inward to the spray. This will improve cleaning and drying results. ■■ Avoid overlapping items like bowls or plates that may trap food. ■■ Place plastics, small plates, and glasses in the upper rack. Wash only plastic items marked "dishwasher safe." ■■ To avoid thumping/clattering noises during operation, load dishes so they do not touch one another. Make sure lightweight load items are secured in the racks. ■■ When loading silverware, always place sharp items pointing down. If you remove the slotted covers from the silverware basket, mix items in each section of the basket with some pointing up and some down to avoid nesting. Spray cannot reach nested items. ■■ Use slots in the covers and suggested loading patterns to keep your silverware separated for optimum wash. Quality tablets and packs have been proven better than powder, liquid, or gel detergents at reducing filming on dishes. Using tablets and packs over time will start to reduce or eliminate white film. They are suitable for all hardness and soil levels. Also, by using a rinse aid, you can minimize repeat buildup of white film (not all packs and tablets contain rinse aid). Always place premeasured detergents in main compartment and close the lid. NOTE: Follow instructions on the package when using other dishwasher detergent types or use the chart below for standard powdered detergents. ■■ Use automatic dishwasher detergent only. Add detergent just before starting a cycle. ■■ Fresh automatic dishwasher detergent results in better cleaning. Store tightly closed detergent container in a cool dry place. To close lid To open lid SLIDE SLIDE Place selected detergent in the dispenser. Place finger, as shown, and slide lid closed. Press firmly until it clicks. Push OPEN, as shown, and the lid will slide open. Powders and Gels Water Hardness Soft (0-4 grains per U.S. gallon) Medium (5-9 grains per U.S. gallon) Hard (1014 grains per U.S. gallon) Soil Level Light Normal Heavy Light Normal Heavy Light Normal Heavy Prewash Compartment* None None Full None Full Full Main Wash Compartment "Soft" fill line "Soft" fill line "Soft" fill line "Soft" fill line Full** Full** Full Full** Full Full** Full Full** *The prewash compartment is on top of the sliding door of the dispenser. **A full main wash compartment contains 2 Tbsp (30 ml). 6