SOLVING COMMON DISHWASHING PROBLEMS
PROBLEM CAUSE
SOLUTION
Spotting and
filming
(continued)
Incorrect amount
of detergent
Use of ineffective
detergents
Insufficient fill due to
low water pressure
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 for proper dishwasher fill. A booster
pump on the water supply may be neces
sary if pressure is too low.
Cycle takes
extremely
long time
Water temperature
is too low
If needed, turn home water heater up to
ensure water entering dishwasher is 120°F
(49°C) minimum. See the "To check water
temperature” section.
Dishes do not
dry completely
Dishes do not drain
properly
Plastics
Dishes must have proper water drainage.
Do not overload. Follow instructions for
loading dishwasher. Use a liquid rinse agent
to speed drying.
Some plastics, due to material, may need to
be towel dried.
Silica film or
etching
(silica film is a
white iridescent
deposit: etching
is a cloudy film)
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.
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 under
load the dishwasher to allow thorough
rinsing. Silica film and etching are perma
nent and cannot be removed. Use the Air
Dry option.
Black or gray
marks on
dishes
Aluminum items
touching dishes
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.
White spots on
cookware with
non-stick finish
Seasoning removed by
dishwasher detergents
Reseason cookware after dishwasher
washing.
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