Water hardness, Wash temperature, Energy saving tips – Viking 450 User Manual
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Hardness of Water
Water has a different “hardness,” or mineral content, in
different locations. The hardness is measured in grains per
gallon (gpg). Find out your water’s hardness by asking your
local water department, county extension agent, or water
softening company. Ask how many “grains” of hardness are in
your water.
The harder the water is, the more detergent you need. For the
detergent amounts recommended for use in your location with
your water, follow the guidelines in the chart. With hard water,
you need more detergent to get dishes clean. With soft water,
you need less.
Too much detergent with soft water can cause “etching,” a
permanent cloudiness of glassware. If you have hard water, the
dishes as well as the dishwasher itself may accumulate a gray
deposit after some time. This deposit can be remedied by
using a mild citric acid solution instead of detergent in the
heavy wash program.
How Much Detergent to Use?
The amount of detergent you use depends on the hardness of
the water and on the cycle you select. Generally, only one
tablespoon (per cup) of detergent is needed for a normal load.
NOTE: Line level on detergent dispenser represents 2
tablespoons.
Water Hardness
Water hardness
Amount of detergent
(grains per gallon)
(powder or liquid)
Soft water
1 tablespoon
0-3 gpg
(15ml)
Medium hard water
2 tablespoons
4-8 gpg
(30ml)
Hard water
3 tablespoons
9-above gpg
(45ml)
Wash Temperature
Hot water dissolves and activates dishwashing detergents,
dissolves grease on dishes, and helps glasses dry spot free. If
the incoming water is extremely cold due to unusually cold
temperatures outside, if you have recently done laundry or
run hot water for showers, or if your water travels a long
distance from the hot water heater to the dishwasher, the
running time of the dishwasher may be longer to heat the
water to the required temperature.
Checking the Wash Temperature
An incoming water temperature of 120°F (49°C) is
recommended. However, the Sure Temp Water Heating
System will ensure the water temperatures are correct for the
cycle/options selected.
• Only start a wash when the machine is completely full.
• Select “ECONODRY.”
• Do not prewash dishes. Simply scrape, load, and wash.
• Use the POTS/PANS program only for heavily soiled dishes.
• Connect the dishwasher to a cold water supply (cycle times
will be longer).
Energy Saving Tips
• A blue light will illuminate from the bottom right corner of
the dishwasher kickplate when a cycle is running.
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