Maytag

How Can A Trash Compactor Help?

Have you taken out the trash enough times over the years to have walked to Zimbabwe and back? Well, here’s something to consider: A trash compactor could cut your trash volume in half. That means fewer rendezvous with the dumpster or the garbage can. And fewer bags to haul, too. Check out these reasons why a trash compactor just might make sense for you:

Using a trash compactor …

• Fits two to three times as much trash into the same size bag you normally use.

• Saves storage space because you produce fewer bulky trash bags.

• Saves time and effort because you take out the trash less often — about a third to half as often as you would without a compactor.

• Is energy-efficient — the electricity needed to run a trash compactor costs only pocket change each year. (They’re low-maintenance, too.)

• Reduces the amount of space consumed by garbage (therefore stretching landfill capacity and enabling trucks to pick up more trash — potentially saving transportation costs, time, fuel and pollution).


So, what should you look for when you buy a trash compactor?

• What type do you need?
They can be built-in or freestanding.

• Is safety a concern?
Look for models with safety locks and/or controls — especially if you have small children. Basically, anything that goes in will be crushed, so you’ll want to protect those precious fingers. And Daddy’s watch. And the remote control. And your car keys. And so on.

• How much ram pressure do you want?
This is the amount of pressure used to compact the trash. The more pressure, the more trash you’ll be able to compact — but that means the bag will be heavier, too. Sure, you only want to take out the trash once a week … but you don’t want to have to pump iron every day to be able to do it.

• How easy is it to clean?
This is something you’ll have to do on a semi-regular basis, so you might as well get a model that makes cleaning as quick and easy as possible. Look for compactors that let you tilt, lift or remove the drawer for better access.

• What features do you want?
We’re talking about things like odour control (air fresheners, deodourizing sprays or filters) or a toe-bar door opener for when your hands are full. Some compactors also have an extra-compacting cycle to compact more trash than a normal cycle (see note about ram pressure).

Selecting the Right Detergent for Your Dishwasher

There are two forms of dishwasher detergents available - granular and liquid/gel.

Granular detergents are the more traditional form. They should be kept tightly closed and stored in a dry place (not under the sink since it is usually too warm and damp.) Old or caked detergent will not clean as well and can leave a sandy deposit on dishes.

Liquid or gel dishwasher detergents do not cake or clump as easily, however they can separate as they age. They can cause excessive sudsing in soft water. If this happens, switch to a granular detergent.

Consumers should experiment with different brands and types of detergent to find one best suited for local water conditions.


Amount to Use
The proper amount of detergent is essential to the performance of a dishwasher. The amount will vary with the hardness of the water.

A guideline is: one teaspoon of detergent per grain of water hardness with 3 teaspoons as a minimum.

For example, if the water hardness is 6 grains per gallon (gpg), use 6 teaspoons of detergent. For a Normal or longer cycle place 6 teaspoons of detergent in both detergent cups. For shorter cycles place 6 teaspoons of detergent in the Main Wash cup only.

In a sensor operated dishwasher (e.g. Maytag IntelliSense™ dishwasher), place detergent in both cups for unrinsed dishes and in the Main Wash cup only for prerinsed dishes.

When using a concentrated dishwashing detergent, use approximately half as much detergent as recommended in these guidelines.


Rinse Aids
Rinse aids such as Jet-Dry* and Cascade Crystal Clear* are wetting agents that allow water to "sheet off" glassware instead of clinging and leaving spots. Rinse aids also improve drying, resulting in less spotting and filming.

There are two popular forms - liquid and solid. Some dishwashers have a rinse aid dispenser which automatically dispenses a measured amount of liquid rinse aid into the final rinse. For dishwashers without a rinse aid dispenser, use one of the solid forms.

*Brand names are trademarks of the respective manufacturers.

Preventing & Removing Cloudy Glassware Stains

The colour change to blue, purple, pink or brown is an indication that etching has begun. This is a permanent film that occurs in unusual circumstances and causes glassware to pit or erode. In advanced stages, the glasses will appear frosted, spotted or cloudy.

To Identify
To verify that the film is etching, soak the glass approximately 5 minutes in undiluted white vinegar. Rinse and dry. If the film is not removed, it is etching. If the film is removed, it is possibly hard water filming. (See Dishwasher - Hard Water Filming)

Causes
Certain types of glassware will etch in any dishwasher with the combination of:

• Soft water (0-3 grains per gallon)

• Excessive detergent

• Excessive water temperature

• Pre-rinsing of items There is no way to predict what glassware may be affected by etching as there is no relationship to the cost or quality of the glass.

To Prevent

• Since etching usually happens in soft water (0-3 grains), adjust the amount of detergent to match the hardness of the water. Your local water utility or a water quality company such as Culligan or Kinetico can tell you the water hardness for your area.

• As a general rule, one teaspoon of detergent is needed per grain of water hardness with a minimum of three teaspoons. However, when using a concentrated dishwashing detergent, decrease this amount by half.
For a normal cycle place the recommended amount of detergent in each detergent cup. For shorter cycles place the recommended amount of detergent in the MAIN WASH cup only.


• Lower the water temperature so that it enters the dishwasher at approximately 130-140° F. Check the water temperature by placing a food thermometer in a glass and letting it fill with water from the hot water faucet. Let the water run until the temperature stops rising. If it is over 140 ° F., lower the water heater setting.

• Use water heating options on your dishwasher when incoming hot water is 120° F. or lower.

• Do not manually prerinse dishes before loading in the dishwasher. This will aggravate etching.

To Remove

There is no way to remove the filmy appearance caused by etching - the damage is permanent. However, by following the previous recommendations, future damage may be prevented.

Why doesn't my dishwasher clean as well as it should?

When poor cleaning occurs, it is usually related to water conditions, detergent usage and/or loading conditions. To achieve optimum results, we suggest reviewing the following:

Temperature
Proper water temperature is needed to activate the dishwasher detergent, dissolve greasy food soils and warm the interior for good drying results.

The water heater should be set at 140° F. if water heating options on your dishwasher are not available or not selected. If water heating options are used, the water heater may be set to deliver a minimum of 120°F water to the dishwasher. (To check the water temperature, place a thermometer in a glass and set it in the sink below the faucet, allow hot water to run into the glass until the temperature stabilizes and take a reading).

To ensure that the dishwasher is filling with the hottest water possible, do the following:
• Before starting the dishwasher, let the faucet at the nearest sink run until the water is hot.
• Avoid running the dishwasher while hot water is being used for other activities like showers.

Detergent
The amount of detergent used depends on the water hardness and amount of soil on the dishes. When very soiled or greasy pans are washed, extra detergent will be needed. In addition, if the detergent is caked or clumped from absorbing moisture, it may not dissolve and activate properly. Purchase fresh detergent and store it in a dry place (not under the kitchen sink).

As a general guide, use one teaspoon of detergent for each grain of water hardness, with a minimum of three teaspoons in soft water. However, when using a concentrated dishwashing detergent, decrease the amount by half.

For example, if the water is 10 grains per gallon hard use 10 teaspoons of detergent. For a normal or longer cycle place 10 teaspoons of detergent in each detergent cup. For shorter cycles place the 10 teaspoons of detergent in the Main Wash cup.
Soft (0-3 grains) 3 Teaspoons (fill to the first line)
Medium (4-9 grains) 4-9 Teaspoons (fill to the second or third line)
Hard (10-12 grains) 10-12 Teaspoons (fill to the third line or above)
If the water is over 15 grains, a mechanical water softener may be the only permanent solution. Do not use packaged water softeners such as Calgon or Spring Rain*. They create excessive suds.

Cycle Selection
The proper cycle needed depends on the amount of food soil. Selecting a short cycle will save water and energy. However, it may not provide adequate cleaning for heavily soiled dishes. If foods remain on dishes, a longer cycle may be required. Check the User's Guide for cycle recommendations.

Loading
For specific placement of dishes, glasses and flatware, refer to your User's Guide. However, here are some additional loading guidelines:
• As a general rule, place all items in the racks so they are separated and face the centre of the dishwasher to ensure the water spray will reach the soiled surfaces.
• Make sure the movement of the upper and lower spray arms are not blocked by items extending above or below the racks.
• The centre wash tower provides wash action for the middle of the dishwasher. Avoid placing large items over the wash tower.
• Load the dishwasher so large items do not shield small items from the washing action.
• Place glasses in any row of the racks for proper cleaning and rinsing.
• Do not load glasses over the tines.
• Carefully load the dishwasher by placing only one item between each set of tines.
• If flatware is nested, water cannot reach all surfaces. Load flatware with some handles up and some down to prevent nesting.

* Brand names are trademarks of the respective manufacturers.

Cleaning Cooktop Drip Bowls*

First, it is important to know if the bowls are chrome or porcelain. Both types of drip bowls are available in the market.

It is important to understand the purpose of drip bowls and how they function. Drip bowls have two main functions. They are required for safety reasons, and they catch spillovers during cooking for easier clean-up. While performing these two functions, harsh conditions exist including: • Extreme heat reaching temperatures as high as 1,000° F.

• Thermal shock when a cooler liquid is spilled on the drip bowl during a boilover.

• Spillovers that burn on if not cleaned up promptly. These conditions can occur in everyday use and may result in discolouration and damage over time. Oversized cookware (canners, stock pots, etc.) trap heat in the drip bowl area. Drip bowls will become discoloured or craze from this extreme heat. To prevent this from happening, use the canning element accessory. It elevates oversized pots slightly that reduces trapped heat. This canning element may be purchased through your dealer. It is not recommended to cover drip bowls with aluminum foil. Lining drip bowls with foil may result in risk of electric shock and increases the chance of chrome bowls rusting.

Chrome Drip Bowls
If your bowls are chrome, there are two types of discolouration:

• Brown stains caused by food spills and improper cleaning methods.

• Blue/gold stains caused by too much heat. To Remove or Minimize Discolouration
It is not recommended to wash chrome drip bowls in a dishwasher. Dulling and discolouration caused by the dishwasher detergent may occur. Brown food stains can usually be removed by washing the drip bowls frequently in warm sudsy water. If heavily soiled, place an ammonia soaked paper towel on the stains to loosen soil, then gently scrub with a plastic scouring pad.

Food stains left on the bowl become cooked on with heat and are more difficult to remove. A nonabrasive cleanser such as Soft Scrub or Bon Ami* can be used to remove these stubborn stains. However, in some instances these food stains may be impossible to remove.

Blue/gold heat stains caused by overheating generally cannot be removed, but can be minimized if certain guidelines are followed:

• Use pans that do not extend more than two inches beyond the surface element. When an oversized pan or canner is used, the air flow is blocked and heat is trapped under the pan. If you want to use very large pans, the canning element accessory should be purchased. Contact your dealer.

• Use flat bottom pans. Warped or ridged pans cause heat to be transferred to the drip bowl rather than the bottom of the pan.

• Avoid excessive use of the high heat setting. Use it only when starting to cook foods, then lower the heat setting to finish cooking. Using lower heat settings also improves overall cooking results.

• Use grey Metal Polish*. Flitz is a nonabrasive cleaner that can be used to remove or lighten mild heat discolouration on chrome drip bowls. Flitz is available in many automotive supply and hardware stores. To Avoid Food Stains In Chrome Bowls

• Wipe out spillovers as soon as the element has cooled.

• Use a pan large enough for the amount of food being cooked to avoid boilovers.

• Use lower heat settings when cooking to help prevent boilovers and splatters.

Porcelain Drip Bowls

Porcelain bowls can be different colours - black, light gray, almond or white. Porcelain bowls, like chrome bowls, need to be washed frequently in warm sudsy water to prevent soil build-up. However, porcelain bowls can be washed in a dishwasher without discolouration.

Table Settings

The rules for the table are bendable these days. You know the basics: Elbows off the table, work in from the outside. That’s about it. But some of us want to learn more because it’s a pleasant custom. It creates a certain formal elegance and conveys good manners. Not to mention telling people that a meal is to be lingered over and enjoyed — not snarfed in the car while hooking up with the office on the cell phone.

So, what goes on the table? It depends on the courses and the foods you’re serving. Each piece should have a definite function for the meal. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Plan your places.
First, make sure everything is clean and pressed, spotless and shining. When possible, place settings should be 12 inches apart, directly across from one another for easy conversation.

2. Start with the plates.
• Service Plates — For a very formal dinner, you’ll want to use a large service plate at each setting (upon which the appetizer or soup will be placed). For less formal meals, you can set the appetizer/soup on the dinner plate or serve them on other smaller service plates/saucers. (Sounds like a lot of dishwashing after the party, but hey, this isn’t about efficiency.)
*Tip: The main dinner/service plates and flatware go about one inch from the edge of the table (that makes it harder for clumsy people to knock things off).
• Bread Plates — Set at the upper left edge of the plate. Butter spreaders are placed on the bread plate, parallel to the table edge, with the handle to the right. (A bread plate is not required if you find you’ve already got so many dishes on the table, you can’t see the tablecloth — and your dinner plates are big enough for guests to put bread at the side of the plate with the meal.)
• Salad Plates — If salad will be served at the same time as the main course, place the plate to the upper left of the dinner plate — or to the left and slightly below the bread plate if there is one.
• Coffee Cup and Saucer — These go to the right of the spoon (or the outermost piece of flatware at the right).
3. Bring out the silverware. • Silverware should be laid out according to the order it will be used, with the first utensils set furthest away from the plate.
• Knives and spoons go to the right of the plate and forks to the left.


EXCEPTIONS:
– When there is no knife, place the fork on the right.
– An oyster fork is either placed on the right or on the plate under the oyster.
• All pieces face up (the tines of forks and the bowls of spoons turn up).
• Cutting edges of knives are turned toward the plate. Spoons go to the right of the knives.
• Dessert forks and spoons can be on the table, placed above the plate with the fork handle pointing to the left and the spoon handle to the right (with the spoon above the fork). Or, these utensils can be brought in upon the dessert plate.
• The teaspoon for coffee or tea is placed on the saucer. 4. Now for napkins. • Place napkin at the left of the forks, or in the centre of the service plate when you use one. (It can also go on the plate at lunch or breakfast.)
• When the napkin is folded in a rectangle, it should be placed with the crease toward the plate (and the open edges at the lower left).
• You can also fold the napkin into a triangle or pentagon for lunch settings.
• Try a fancy fold (fans, birds, little space shuttles … you name it) and place in the empty water glass or on the plate.


5. Set out glasses and enjoy! • Water/Milk Glasses — These go to the upper right edge of the dinner plate, at the tip of the knife.
• Wine Glasses — If you’re serving wine, put the wineglass to the right and slightly lower than the water glass.
– If you’ll be serving two wines, set the three glasses (two wineglasses and one water glass) in a triangle, with the white wine closest.
– If three or more wines will be served, no one will care where the glasses go — and you’d probably better follow up with black coffee!

Cleaning Gas Cooktop Surfaces*

The burners are sealed into the cooktop and cannot be removed. This prevents spills from seeping underneath the cooktop and actually helps in cleaning. However, the burners themselves should be cleaned frequently. Be sure to allow the burner to cool before cleaning. (Cleaning a hot burner may cause the porcelain burner head to craze or chip.)

If food boils over while cooking, remove the pan to another burner to continue cooking. Allow the soiled burner to cool and then clean, following these guidelines:


• Use only a damp, not wet, cloth for cleaning. This will prevent water from entering the gas tube opening.
• When cleaning the surface burner, use care around the ignitor. (See diagram above.) If a cleaning cloth should catch the ignitor, it could damage it. The burner may not light if the ignitor is damaged, soiled or wet.
• Remove stubborn soil from the burner head of the sealed burner by using a plastic scouring pad and a nonabrasive cleaner such as Bon Ami* or Cooktop Cleaning Creme* (Part No. 20000001). Try to prevent the cleanser from seeping into the gas ports. If this happens, the gas ports may become blocked and it may affect the flame.
• To clean the gas ports, use a straight pin rather than a toothpick. A toothpick may break off and clog the ports. Do not enlarge or distort the ports. Be especially aware of the gas port beneath the ignitor. If this port is blocked, the burner may not light.
• If the burner head has a removable cap or if there is a drip pan in the area under the burner, follow the grate cleaning recommendations for these items. Cleaning the grates of a gas cooking surface
Burner grates have a durable porcelain enamel finish for easy cleaning. However, the burners should not be operated without a pan on the grate to absorb the heat. Without a pan, the porcelain finish may chip.

Grates need to be cleaned frequently with hot soapy water. Grease and food spatters will be difficult to remove if the grate is not cleaned prior to heating.

For stubborn soils, use a plastic scouring pad and a nonabrasive cleaner such as Bon Ami* or Cooktop Cleaning Crème*(Part No. 20000001). If soil is not removed, reapply Cooktop Cleaning Creme. Cover with damp paper towels and let stand 30 minutes. Scrub again. Rinse and dry.

To clean burned on soils, follow these steps:
• Remove the grates from the cooktop and place in a large plastic bag or on newspapers.
• Very carefully spray the grates with commercial oven cleaner. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Do not allow spray to contact any surface outside of the plastic bag or newspapers. Permanent damage will occur if oven cleaner is sprayed on any material other than porcelain.
• Allow grates to soak for several hours or overnight.
• Wearing rubber gloves, wash grates in hot soapy water. Rinse, dry and return grates to the cooktop.

Recommendations for cleaning gas cooktop surfaces
Cooktops are typically made of chip- and stain-resistant porcelain enamel, tempered glass, brushed chrome or stainless steel. Cooktops with sealed burners do not lift-up because spillovers are contained in the contoured wells around the burners.

Be sure to wait and clean the cooktop when it is cool. It is suggested that it be cleaned after each use. Clean with soap and water, mild liquid sprays such as Fantastik* or Formula 409* or mild abrasive cleaners such as Bon Ami*, Soft Scrub* or baking soda. Do not use abrasive cleaning agents such as steel wool pads or powdered cleaning agents. These products will scratch cooktop surfaces.

For specific cooktop finishes, follow these guidelines:

Cleaning Your Glass-Ceramic Cooktop

Before using your cooktop for the first time, apply a cooktop cleaning product specially formulated for glass-ceramic cooktops. Apply with a non-abrasive pad, paper towel or clean cloth. This helps make future cleaning easier.

Various soil levels require different cleaning methods:

Light to Moderate Soil: Apply cooktop cleaner with a non-abrasive pad, paper towel or clean cloth. Hand dishwashing detergent and water or a baking soda paste can also be used if cooktop is rinsed thoroughly and completely dried.

Heavy Soil, Metal Markings, Brown/Grey Stains from Hard Water: Gently scrub with cooktop cleaner using a clean cloth or paper towel. Reapply cleaner. Cover with damp paper towels to keep cleaner moist. Let stand for 30-45 minutes. Scrub to remove remaining stain. Do not use abrasive powders or pads since they may scratch the surface.

Burned On, Crusty Soils: Hold a razor blade scraper at 30° angle and very carefully scrape off soil. Clean remaining soil with cooktop cleaner.

If plastic, sugar or foods with a high sugar content melt onto a hot cooktop, remove immediately. (If not removed, permanent damage may occur.) Scrape from hot surface using a razor blade scraper held carefully with a potholder or use a wood handled stainless steel spatula. Clean residue with cooktop cleaner when surface has cooled.

DO NOT use the following cleaning agents:
• Abrasives (metal scouring pads, cleansing powders, scouring cleaners or pads) will scratch the cooktop.
• Chemicals (oven cleaners, chlorine bleaches or ammonia) may damage the finish of the cooktop.
• Glass cleaners that contain ammonia may discolour the cooktop.
• Soiled cloths or sponges leave a film on the cooktop. Grit and soil in these items may also scratch the surface.

Keeping Compactors & Food Waste Disposers Fresh

We firmly believe the smells that come from the kitchen should be good ones. That’s why we’ve scouted out these hints for keeping trash compactors and food waste disposals smelling fresh and clean:

Trash Compactors

1. Don’t throw stinky things in there in the first place. (You think one dirty diaper is bad — just imagine a week’s worth compacted into a square foot of space!) Things to avoid putting in the compactor include meat, fish and any other food waste that’s strong-smelling or prone to spoilage.

2. Check the air freshener or deodorant and replace it when necessary (see your owner’s manual — it typically needs to be replaced every four to six weeks). If the compactor has a charcoal air filter feature, make sure it is turned on and the fan is operating properly (you may also need to replace the filter).

3. If your compactor’s deodourizing system uses an aerosol spray nozzle for dispensing deodorant, make sure it isn’t clogged. (You can check this by placing a newspaper on top of the trash and then opening and closing the door a few times. If you see drops of moisture on the paper, the spray nozzle is working properly.) If the nozzle is clogged, clean it out using thin wire.

4. Change the bag.

5. Keep spills and leaks wiped up. If necessary, clean the unit with warm, sudsy water (consult your owner’s manual for specific directions).


Food Waste disposals

6. Whenever you have citrus peelings to toss out, don’t put them in the garbage — grind them up in your disposal for a fresh scent.

7. Once a month, grind a tray of ice cubes along with a chopped lemon or lime. The ice will sharpen the blades, and the citrus will deodorize the disposal.

8. Make vinegar ice cubes and grind them, then run cold water through the disposal. (This gives you two benefits in one step — the vinegar freshens, and because it’s frozen into cubes, it also sharpens. However, if you prefer, you can simply pour a cup of vinegar down the disposal and flush with water.)

9. Put a few drops of lemon-scented dishwashing liquid and some baking soda in the disposal, then scrub thoroughly around the inside and under the rubber opening with a brush. When finished, turn on the disposal and flush with plenty of cold water.

10. Run plenty of water before, during and after grinding waste to prevent stoppages.

Let's Talk Trash

Have you taken out the trash enough times over the years to have walked to Zimbabwe and back? Well, here’s something to consider: A trash compactor could cut your trash volume in half. That means fewer rendezvous with the dumpster or the garbage can. And fewer bags to haul, too. Check out these reasons why a trash compactor just might make sense for you:

Using a trash compactor …

• Fits two to three times as much trash into the same size bag you normally use.

• Saves storage space because you produce fewer bulky trash bags.

• Saves time and effort because you take out the trash less often — about a third to half as often as you would without a compactor.

• Is energy-efficient — the electricity needed to run a trash compactor costs only pocket change each year. (They’re low-maintenance, too.)

• Reduces the amount of space consumed by garbage (therefore stretching landfill capacity and enabling trucks to pick up more trash — potentially saving transportation costs, time, fuel and pollution).

So, what should you look for when you buy a trash compactor?

• What type do you need?
They can be built-in or freestanding.

• Is safety a concern?
Look for models with safety locks and/or controls — especially if you have small children. Basically, anything that goes in will be crushed, so you’ll want to protect those precious fingers. And Daddy’s watch. And the remote control. And your car keys. And so on.

• How much ram pressure do you want?
This is the amount of pressure used to compact the trash. The more pressure, the more trash you’ll be able to compact — but that means the bag will be heavier, too. Sure, you only want to take out the trash once a week … but you don’t want to have to pump iron every day to be able to do it.

• How easy is it to clean?
This is something you’ll have to do on a semi-regular basis, so you might as well get a model that makes cleaning as quick and easy as possible. Look for compactors that let you tilt, lift or remove the drawer for better access.

• What features do you want?
We’re talking about things like odour control (air fresheners, deodourizing sprays or filters) or a toe-bar door opener for when your hands are full. Some compactors also have an extra-compacting cycle to compact more trash than a normal cycle (see note about ram pressure).

Removing Rust Stains From Inside Your Dishwasher

Rust stains are usually caused by iron or manganese in the water supply. It can also come from a rusty water heater or rusty water lines. Have your water tested for iron or manganese content. This can be done by a local water utility or water quality company, such as Culligan or Kinetico.

It is possible to remove rust stains. Try using a rust remover, such as RoVer Rust Remover*.

RoVer is available from Maytag Appliance dealers (part # 057961) and should be used according to the following directions.

WARNING
Read all cautions on the bottle before using RoVer Rust Remover. Injurious to skin and eyes. Harmful if swallowed. Vapors can be harmful. Keep out of the reach of children. Follow all instructions carefully.

In The Dishwasher
Do not use RoVer with dishwashing detergent. To remove rust staining from the inside of the dishwasher, follow these steps:
• Fill both detergent cups with RoVer Rust Remover.
• Set the controls to complete a normal wash cycle.
• Follow with a short wash cycle using detergent.


NOTE
If after using RoVer there is a change in drying results, use a rinse aid such as Jet-Dry or Cascade Rinse Aid* to restore good drying performance.

Dishes and Glassware
RoVer can be used on most dishes and glassware. It should not be used on metal items or items with metal trim. Follow these steps:
• Load the dishwasher properly.
• Follow the same procedure as for Dishwasher Interior (Steps 1-2 above).
• Follow with a wash cycle using the recommended amount of dishwasher detergent.


NOTE
If after using RoVer there is a change in drying results, use a rinse aid such as Jet-Dry or Cascade Rinse Aid* to restore good drying performance.

If only a few items are stained, the discolouration may be removed by soaking these items in a solution of two tablespoons of RoVer in one gallon of cold water. Do not use a galvanized container for soaking as RoVer will damage galvanized iron. Soak 10 minutes, then wash and rinse thoroughly to ensure none of the dissolved rust remains, as it will reoxidize and turn brown again.

*Brand names are trademarks of the respective manufacturers.

Improving Your Dishwasher's Cleaning Results

For best results, review the following information.

Water Conditions
This is the most variable condition encountered by dishwashers. Special steps may be needed to compensate for water temperature and hardness.

Temperature
For good cleaning and drying results, hot water is necessary. The incoming water temperature should be between 120-140 ° F. to properly activate the detergent, melt greasy food soils and warm the interior for good drying results.

If for any reason the water temperature is 120 ° F. or below, select a water heating option on your dishwasher that thermostatically heats the water to the proper temperature.

To check the incoming hot water temperature, place a thermometer in a glass and set it in the sink below the faucet. Allow the water to run into the glass until the temperature stabilizes and take a reading.

To ensure the dishwasher is filling with the hottest water possible, do the following:

- Let the faucet at the kitchen sink run until the water is hot before starting the dishwasher. This is important if the dishwasher is a long distance from the water heater.
- Avoid running the dishwasher while hot water is being used for activities like showers or laundry.


Hardness
Water hardness must be considered when determining the proper amount of detergent to use. A water quality company such as Culligan or Kinetico or the local water utility can determine water hardness. This level may be stated in terms of parts per million (ppm) or grains per gallon (gpg). If water hardness is stated in ppm, divide the number by 17.1 to determine the gpg. The most commonly used table to describe water conditions is:

0-3 gpg - Soft water
4-9 gpg - Average water
Over 10 gpg - Hard water

If water is extremely hard (over 15 gpg), it is difficult to get good results in any dishwasher without mechanically softening the water. White spots or film may appear on glasses and dishes. This white deposit is due to hard water minerals remaining on items after water has evaporated. If conditions are not adjusted, the cloudy film or spots will get progressively worse and cleaning will be unsatisfactory. For information on preventing hard water filming, read "Removing Hard Water Filming on Your Dishes".

Likewise, hard water minerals may build up on the dishwasher tub and washarm(s). It can generally be removed in one of the following ways:
• Set the dishwasher for a short wash cycle. After it has filled with water, add one-third cup of RoVer Rust Remover* and let it complete the cycle. Run the dishwasher through another cycle with detergent.
• Use a dishwasher cleaner such as Glass Magic* or Glisten* according to package directions. The combination of soft water, too much detergent and excess heat can cause erosion on the surface of glassware. It is a permanent condition called etching. For more information, read "Preventing & Removing Cloudy Glassware Stains."

Rust
Iron or manganese in the water supply can affect results in several ways. The dishwasher and dishes may become yellowed or have stains that are brown, red or black. These stains may be removed from the interior and dishes using RoVer Rust Remover*. Do not use this product on metal items. To use Rover:
• Fill both detergent cups with RoVer Rust Remover.
• Set the controls to complete a normal wash cycle.
• Follow with a light wash cycle using detergent.
• Do NOT use RoVer with dishwashing detergent.

* Brand names are trademarks of the respective manufacturers.

What is the best way to clean my ceramic cooktop?

The cooking process can involve many spills and tough stains that can often take a lot of muscle to remove. Use a non-abrasive cleaner, such as affresh® Cooktop Cleaner to remove tough baked-on residue. The cleaner is safe for all glass, ceramic and porcelain cooktops. More information available at www.affresh.ca

Why is my dishwasher not cleaning my dishes as well as it should?

Over time, hard water deposits and residue can build up inside your dishwasher, affecting performance and causing an unwanted odour. affresh® Dishwasher cleaner is a unique formulation designed to power away residue, leaving your dishwasher clean and smelling fresh. Use a tablet once a month for best results.

How to Use: Place one tablet in the bottom of the dishwasher. If significant residue build-up is noticeable, add a second tablet. Close the dishwasher and start a normal wash cycle.

Visit www.affresh.ca for more information.