12
Common Dishwashing Problems and Solutions
Dishes not clean
—Check pages 4 to 8 for
information on correct wash cycle, proper loading,
water temperature, water pressure, hard water,
amount of detergent, old and ineffective detergent,
and dish placement.
Dishes not drying
can be greatly improved
by using a rinse aid and hot water. Hot water
raises temperature of dishes to speed up drying.
When loading, invert cups and bowls so that water
can run off. Avoid nesting of articles. If dishes are
not completely dry at end of cycle (which may
occur when COOL DRY setting is used), open
door, roll out racks, and allow dishes to air dry.
Spotting
—Spots form when hard water
droplets evaporate leaving a deposit. Low
phosphate detergents increase the problem in hard
water. To prevent, use hot water and a detergent
with a higher level of phosphates (preferably 8.7%
or higher), or use more of a low phosphate
detergent. Be sure to use a rinse aid. If water is
very hard, it may be necessary to install a water
softener. Load glasses and plates so they have
minimum contact with racks and pins. Avoid
overloading. Spotting will occur where dishes and
glasses touch.
Cloudy films and streaking
are usually
caused by a combination of hard water and an
insufficient amount of detergent. Low phosphate
detergents are also a factor. To correct, increase
amount of detergent, check water temperature and
always use a rinse aid. If water is very hard, it may
be necessary to install a water softener.
Etched film on glassware
is caused by
using too much detergent in soft or softened water.
This film cannot be removed. It is more likely to
occur on soft leaded glass or expensive crystal.
An early warning of this condition is a cloudy
iridescent appearance on glasses. To prevent, be
sure dishwasher is getting a full fill of water. Water
should reach base of heating element. If water
level is low, have water pressure checked by a
plumber. Use less detergent and make sure water
temperature is not higher than 150°F (66°C).
Underload to assure thorough rinsing. Use the
COOL DRY Option.
Chipped dishes and glasses
can result
from rough handling and improper loading. Do not
put glasses in direct contact with other items.
Place glasses securely against pins.
Crazing of older china and pottery
happens when items are subjected to very hot
water. Once crazing (fine cracks in the glaze)
appears, it cannot be removed. Do not machine
wash again or condition may worsen.
Coffee and tea stains
can occur when
water contains traces of iron. To avoid stains, rinse
cups out immediately after use. Increase amount of
detergent and use a rinse aid. Water temperature
should be approximately 140°F (60°C). If problem
persists, install a water softener with an iron
removal unit. To remove stains, hand wash cups in
solution of 1/2 cup (120 ml) bleach and a quart
(1 L) of warm water. Rinse thoroughly.
Gray-black stains on dishes
are caused
by manganese in water supply. To correct, install a
manganese filtering system into house water
supply.
Reddish-brown stains on dishes,
glasses and interior
are caused by iron in
water. To avoid iron stain, increase detergent, use
water heated to approximately 140°F (60°C) and a
rinse aid. It may be necessary to install a water
softener with an iron removal unit. To improve
appearance, use a commercial rust and lime scale
remover.
Plastic items
can lose their shape due to high
temperatures of automatic dishwashing. Read
labels before washing. Place washable items in top
rack away from heating element.
Discoloration of plasticware
by some
foods, such as tomato sauce, can stain
plasticware. If stained, soak item in solution of 1
tablespoon dishwasher detergent and a quart of hot
water or in a solution of 1/2 cup (120 ml) bleach
and a quart (1 L) of hot water.
Fading of patterns and metallic trim
is due to many washings, detergent and hot water.
Most of today’s china is dishwasher safe. Antique,
handpainted china, and handpainted pottery should
be washed by hand.
