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How to Fix Water Settings in a Whirlpool Dishwasher

Hard water, simply put, is water with high levels of natural minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Appliances operating in hard water areas tend to develop calcium carbonate concretions faster than those in soft water areas. Using rinse aid in your dishwasher helps prevent spots from appearing on glassware as a result of hard water. The harder the water, the more rinse aid you will need. Adjusting the level of rinse aid used in each wash based on the hardness of the water supply is not complicated.

Things You'll Need

  • Flathead screwdriver
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Instructions

    • 1

      Open the dishwasher door and locate the rinse aid cap located beside the detergent dispenser.

    • 2

      Turn the cap to the position marked "Refill" and lift it open.

    • 3

      Turn the arrow adjuster inside the dispenser with a flathead screwdriver to the right to increase the amount of rinse aid used in each wash. Turn it counterclockwise to use less rinse aid.

    • 4

      Run a wash that includes some glassware. Move the arrow a little further clockwise if spots continue to appear once the cycle has ended. It may take several tries until you find the correct setting for your particular water supply.