Help Library

Rewash the dishes, check for proper loading of dishes and check to see the water temperature is no cooler than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Use the proper amount of detergent. Always use fresh detergent.

Cloudiness that doesn’t come off with a vinegar wash is the early stages of etching on the glass. Etching is a permanent condition that cannot be reversed. It is not completely understood by the glass or automatic dishwashing industry. It appears to result from an unusual combination of factors including soft water, high heat, type of glass, and how the glass was manufactured. It can occur in all dishwasher types regardless of the brand of detergent being used.

To slow or prevent etching, match amount of detergent with your water hardness level and use no less than one tablespoon of detergent. Do not overload the dishwasher, make sure the water temperature is no higher than 130-degree Fahrenheit, and use the heat off or energy saver option.

Not all items are safe to wash in the dishwasher. Check the manufacturer’s instructions first to be sure the items are recommended dishwasher safe. Aluminum items can darken due to minerals in the water and alkalinity of the detergent. Cast iron utensils will lose their “seasoned” finish and rusting can result. Pewter or pewter-like materials may streak, discolor, or pit.

Rinse agents improve the drying process especially in the new dishwashers with plastic (polypropylene) tubs. Rinse agents will also reduce spotting and filming. We also recommend this in hard water areas to help prevent spotting and filming.

Check the manufacturer’s instructions. Plastic items marked “dishwasher safe” are best placed in the upper racks of your dishwasher. Preferably keep plastic items away from the heating element under the bottom rack.

Check the manufacturer’s instructions. Almost all items are marked “dishwasher safe” that can be safely washed in your dishwasher. For silverware and other utensils, never mix metals. Position items in the silverware basket so stainless, silver plate, or sterling do not touch each other. Electrolytic action between silverplate and stainless steel can cause pitting in the metal (this damage is permanent).

If dishes are permitted to sit in the dishwasher for two or three days (to accumulate a full load), run the Rinse-Hold cycle at least once a day until the load accumulates.

Using a rinse agent will improve drying. Be sure the water temperature is correct. Run the hot water faucet closest to the dishwasher before starting your machine to ensure you have hot water at the beginning of the wash cycle.

Check to make sure you are using the correct water temperature (at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit). Use the correct amount of detergent. Load dishes properly. Use a rinse agent. Occasionally run a vinegar clean-out to remove hard water filming. Pour two cups of vinegar in a bowl, place in bottom rack of the dishwasher and run dishwasher through wash cycle without detergent. Do not complete the drying portion of the cycle.

Glasses or dishes with spots or film can remain in the dishwasher; however, all metal items must be removed. The acid in the vinegar can harm the metal. Dispenser cup malfunctioning and/or a change in the water supply can also cause spots/film.

For yellow or brown buildup (caused by high iron or manganese content in water) do periodic cleanouts with a product designed to remove lime deposits or with citric acid crystal. Citric acid crystals are available from a druggist or in a hardware store. Remove all items from the dishwasher, put one cup of the crystals in the bottom of the dishwasher and run it through a normal cycle without dishes. Follow with a full cycle detergent wash and an empty dishwasher. Using the recommended amount of granular Cascade will retard staining.