New here and in need of a little help.

[rp2813]

I'm not understanding where the "crud/rust" area is.  Can you be more specific?  Pictures would definitely help.

 

Also, in my previous post I wasn't referring to the door gaskets, I was directing you to the bottom of the door itself where there is no gasket, just an overlapping section that keeps the water inside the tub.  It's that overlapping lip at the bottom of the door that accumulates residue and should be wiped clean periodically.

 

[retropia]

Our local GFS still carries Cascade Institutional/Foodservice powder with phosphates, and it works great.

 

[qsd-dan]

Also, in my previous post I wasn't referring to the door gaskets, I was directing you to the bottom of the door itself where there is no gasket, just an overlapping section that keeps the water inside the tub. It's that overlapping lip at the bottom of the door that accumulates residue and should be wiped clean periodically.

Actually, some Kitchenaid models came with a lower door seal gasket. Both of my KDS-18's had one, but the 19 didn't.

 

[jend]

Here is where the hard stuck on crud that I can not get off.

 

[stevet]

No big deal!

That staining looks like it is from water that stayed in the sump and evaporated leaving behind all the minerals and other stuff in the water. Remove the washarm, and the filters and use some soft scrub or cerama bryte and it should come off. Also, with the commercial Cascade, it should help it come off too.
I hope you enjoy this machine as it will do a fine job for you.
I also see that it lacks the sump heater..Builders model deletion! That would help explain the fast cycle time. No water heating delay.
You will have to make sure that your water is up around 140-150 degrees or so for the detergent to work correctly. Can you provide a picture of the right rear corner so we can see what type of drying system it has, and how about the control panel close-up?
Thanks

 

[jend]

Sure let me go take some more pics for you.

 

[jend]

Inside

 

[jend]

Panel at a distance

 

[jend]

Sorry for some reason the pics are way small now. I can't seem to get my cellphone to cooperate with me.

I can't delete so trying to add another picture of up close

 

[jend]

Right side

 

[jend]

I took the tap water temp and it is at 133 degrees but I can bump it up a notch.

 

[stevet]

Thanks!

for the pics. At least you have the heated air dryer. That machine has the 3 most desired cycles and very often, the light/china cycle will get your dishes clean.With the lack of a tank heater, you will probably have to use the heated dry to get the dishes dry and it is a good idea to do that insulation blanket you spoke about previously. I usually double wrap my machines to help keep the heat in. And some noise out.

 

[jend]

So far I am absolutely in love. I am using up the cascade tablets that I had and water temp is 133 and stuff is coming out great. The first load had a few stuck on spots but those were gross spoons that were rock hard stuff. I have used the normal load option only. I am hoping in the next few loads to use the light and see how well it cleans.

 

[rp2813]

No need to add anything to what Steve-the-Hobart-SME has stated above.

 

You can't get more simple and straight-forward than this with a KitchenAid dishwasher!

 

Interesting how the timer has an "Off" position between Rinse/Hold and Normal cycles.  Saved them a selector button and related wiring.  Truly unusual and the most BOL model offered, but still an entirely capable machine.

 

Congratulations Jen!  You should get many years of trouble-free service from your "new" KitchenAid!

 

P.S.

 

See you back here when your modern clothes washer fails.  ;-)

[this post was last edited: 8/31/2012-04:07]

 

[volvoguy87]

HOT water.

In my house, I am re-doing the water heating system and most of the plumbing. I am debating the best way to get really hot water. I want my primary hot water to be 120 degrees. This will feed all the taps, showers, and the back spigot (mixing valve spigots are GREAT!). I want 150 degrees or so to go to all the washing machines and dishwashers. I've got 2 options.

Option 1, have a small tankless water heater to boost the temperature of the hot water for my appliances (30 degree temperature rise won't require a big one).

Option 2 is to have the water heater set to 150 all the time and then use a thermostatic mixing valve to temper the water down to 120 for the taps. A thermostatic mixing valve mixes cold water into hot water to make warm water. It can also extend the capacity of a tank-style water heater because the tank of water is kept at a higher temperature, but less of it is used to make a given volume of tempered water. In my system, the 120 degree tempered water would supply most of the plumbing, but I would install a T fitting to supply un-tempered 150 degree water to my appliances.

My water heating system will be highly efficient, and it will be less expensive to heat water via water heater than via heaters in individual appliances. It will also reduce wear and tear on the appliances by reducing the time spent in a heating delay.

Clear as mud?
Dave

 

[jend]

rp2813 LOL too funny about the washer. I was telling hubby that I would honestly cry like a little girl when my washer dies. Isn't it a shame that a BOL vintage is way better than a new DW from today? The older I get the more I find I want simplicity. I don't want to think my way through complication.

Dave - Yep clear as mud. Now my hubby will understand

 

[retropia]

Would a little vinegar or LimeAway in the sump on top of those mineral deposits also work to remove them? I often use vinegar to dissolve the mineral deposits that build up on our faucet spouts and aerators.

 

[rp2813]

And Jen, for now you're running the tap at the sink until the water is at its hottest before starting the dishwasher, right?

 

Also, I don't know what the rest of your kitchen looks like, but are you aware that you can still get the stainless steel door and access panel inserts for your KDB21 through Sears parts?

 

 

 

[qsd-dan]

I took the tap water temp and it is at 133 degrees but I can bump it up a notch.

Yeah, bump it up to at least 140F.

I found a night and day difference in cleaning from my old reverse rack Maytag by simply increasing the tap temp from 140F to 150F. This is the reason behind my 150F recommendation.

 

[jend]

No I haven't been running the tap first. Honestly I load it and turn it on and come back an hour later to beautifully cleaned dishes. I'll try the tips and see how much better we can get it