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Getting the Best Drying Performance

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How to Get the Best Drying Performance From Your JennAir Dishwasher

Was rinse aid used?

Your dishwasher is designed to use rinse aid for good drying performance. Without a rinse aid, the interior of your dishes and dishwasher will be subject to excessive moisture. The Heat Dry option will not perform as well without rinse aid. Rinse aid improves drying and reduces water spots and filming. Water "sheets" off dishes rather than forming water droplets that cling and leave spots. 

CLICK HERE for more information on using rinse aid 

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Is the dishwasher new?

A new dishwasher could take up to 2 weeks of regular usage to reach optimal drying performance.  

Were the controls set correctly? Was a heated or quick dry cycle selected?

Use the Heat Dry or ProDry™ options for best drying performance. When selecting a "quick" wash or "1 Hour" wash cycle, you must ensure the Heat Dry or ProDry™ option is selected to provide a dry program. If your dishwasher has a "high temp" option, select the option for optimal drying performance.

Heat Dry will be on by default when selecting a soil cycle. To use the ProDry™ option, touch the ProDry™ button until the light turns on.

CLICK HERE for more information on drying options.

Is the water temperature too low?

To minimize cycle time, run the hot water faucet at the sink closest to the dishwasher until the water is hot; as part of normal operation, Having hot water enter the dishwasher right when the cycle begins can eliminate the need for long heating pauses, decreasing the time it takes to complete the cycle. 

Hot water dissolves and activates the dishwashing detergent. Hot water also dissolves grease on dishes and helps glasses dry spot-free. If the water temperature is too low, loads may not wash well.

CLICK HERE for more information on drying options.

Were items loaded correctly?

Loading a dishwasher is the first step to using the appliance properly and getting optimal cleaning results.

  • Top Rack: We recommend using the upper rack for bowls and cups. Cups should be placed face-down. Load items at an angle. 
  • Bottom Rack: We also recommend using the lower rack for plates, pots/pans, and utensils. Ensure all plates are slotted into the rack on their side.
  • Plastics: Load items at an angle on the top rack. Ensure all items are designated as "Dishwasher Safe). Plastics are difficult to dry because they have a porous surface and tend to collect droplets. Plastic items take longer to dry and may not dry completely in a normal dry cycle, so let them air dry.
  • Silverware: Use silverware basket lids to provide optimal spacing and best cleaning performance. If your silverware does not fit into the designated slots, open the lids or lift on the ends of the lids and pull to remove (depending on the silverware basket type). Mix silverware types to keep them separated. Load knives down forks up, and alternate spoons for best cleaning results.

CLICK HERE for tips on how to use the dishwasher features for easier loading

Is the heating element working properly?

Run a cycle with the Sani Rinse option selected. If the Sani LED is on steady (not blinking), there is no problem with the dishwasher's heating element. If the Sani LED is blinking (not on steady), there may be a problem with the dishwasher's heating element.

What type of detergent should I use? 

High-quality pre-measured tablets and packs are recommended for improved performance. 

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 water hardness and soil levels. Also, by using rinse aid, you can minimize the repeat buildup of the white film (not all packs and tablets contain rinse aid). Always place pre-measured detergents in the main compartment and close the lid. 

The Pre-Wash indicator on the dispenser lid is for customers who use powder or gel detergent and wish to add an amount of detergent to the Pre-Wash cycle. The volume of detergent added here is approximately eight cubic centimeters if filled full and level. Any detergent added here would be immediately added to the wash when the cycle starts versus detergent inside the dispenser, which is added during the main wash cycle. 

NOTE: Follow the instructions on the package when using other dishwasher detergent types.

  • Use automatic dishwasher detergent only. Add detergent just before starting a cycle. 
  • Fresh automatic dishwasher detergent results in better cleaning.
  • Store the detergent in a tightly closed container and place it in a cool, dry place. 
  • Extremely hard water mineral deposits (15 grains per U.S. gallon or more) can cause damage to your dishwasher and make it difficult to achieve good results. A water softener is recommended to avoid damage and achieve good results.