Maytag MDD8000AWS Owners Manual - Page 3

1 Prepare and load dishwasher. Quick Steps 3 Select a cycle and option. 2 Add detergent for cleaning and rinse aid for drying. 4 Start dishwasher. Dishwasher Use STEP 1 Prepare and Load the Dishwasher IMPORTANT: Remove leftover food, bones, toothpicks and other hard items from the dishes. Remove labels from containers before washing. STEP 2 Add Detergent NOTE: If you do not plan to run a wash cycle soon, run a rinse cycle. Do not use detergent. ■ Use automatic dishwasher detergent only. Add powder or liquid detergent just before starting a cycle. ■ Fresh automatic dishwasher detergent results in better cleaning. Store tightly closed detergent container in a A cool, dry place. B C ■ Make sure nothing keeps spray arm(s) from spinning freely. It is important for the water spray to reach all soiled surfaces. ■ Make sure that when the dishwasher drawer is closed no items are blocking the detergent dispenser. ■ Items should be loaded with soiled surfaces facing down and inward to the spray as shown. 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 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 and avoid "nesting" as shown. A. Pre-Wash section B. Main Wash section C. Cover latch ■ The amount of detergent to use depends on: How much soil remains on the items - Heavily soiled loads require more detergent. The hardness of the water - If you use too little in hard water, dishes won't be clean. If you use too much in soft water, glassware will etch. Soft to Medium Water (0-6 grains per U.S. gallon) [typical water softener water and some city water] Medium to Hard Water (7-12 grains per U.S. gallon) [well water and some city water] ■ Depending on your water hardness, fill the Main Wash section of the dispenser as shown. Fill the Pre-Wash section to the level shown, if needed. NOTE: Fill amounts shown are for standard powdered detergent. Follow instructions on the package when using other dishwasher detergent. Hard Water Soft Water Pre-Wash Hard Water Soft Water Main Wash ■ Powdered detergent is recommended for use in the drawer dishwasher. Add Rinse Aid ■ Your dishwasher is designed to use rinse aid for good drying performance. Without rinse aid, your dishes and dishwasher interior will have excessive moisture. 3