26
S O L V I N G C O M M O N D I S H W A S H I N G P R O B L E M S
PROBLEM
Spotting and
filming
(continued)
Dishes do not
dry completely
Silica film or
etching
(silica film is a
white iridescent
deposit; etching
is a cloudy film)
Black or gray
marks on dishes
White spots on
cookware with
non-stick finish
CAUSE
Incorrect amount
of detergent
Use of ineffective
detergents
Insufficient fill due to
low water pressure
Dishes do not drain
properly
Plastics
Water chemical
reaction with certain
types of glassware –
usually caused by
some combination of
soft or softened water,
alkaline washing
solutions, insufficient
rinsing, overloading the
dishwasher, and heat
of drying.
Aluminum items
touching dishes
Seasoning removed by
dishwasher detergents
SOLUTION
Follow recommendations for amount. Heavy
soil and/or hard water generally require
extra detergent.
Use fresh detergent. Store detergent
tightly closed in a cool, dry place. Discard
lumpy detergent.
Home water pressure should be 20 to 120
psi (138 to 828 kPa) for proper dishwasher
fill. A booster pump on the water supply may
be necessary if pressure is too low.
Dishes must have proper water drainage.
Do not overload. See the “Loading Your
Dishwasher” section. Use a liquid rinse
agent to speed draining.
Some plastics, due to material, may need to
be towel dried.
It may not be possible to prevent problem,
except by hand washing. To slow this
process, use a minimum amount of deter-
gent but not less than 1 tablespoon per
load. Use a liquid rinse agent and underload
the dishwasher to allow thorough rinsing.
Silica film and etching are permanent and
cannot be removed. Use the Air Dry option.
Load aluminum items so that they will not
rub against dishes during washing. Do not
wash throwaway aluminum items in the
dishwasher because they may break down
and cause marking. Remove aluminum
markings by using a mild abrasive cleanser.
Reseason cookware after dishwasher
washing.
