Dishes are not completely clean

■Food soil left on the dishes

Is the dishwasher loaded correctly? Refer to the “Dishwasher Loading” section.

Is the water temperature too low? If needed, turn home water heater up to ensure water entering dishwasher is at least 120°F (49°C). Refer to the “Dishwasher Efficiency Tips” section.

Did you use the correct amount of fresh detergent? Use recommended dishwasher detergents only. Refer to the “Detergent Dispenser” section. Never use less than 1 tb (15 g) per load. Detergent must be fresh to be effective. Store detergent in a cool, dry area. Heavy soil and/or hard water generally require extra detergent.

Is detergent caked in dispenser? Use fresh detergent only. Do not allow detergent to sit for several hours in a wet dispenser. Clean dispenser when caked detergent is present.

Is the pump or spray arm clogged by labels from bottles and cans? Remove labels before washing bottles and cans or wash by hand.

Is the home water pressure high enough for proper dishwasher filling? Home water pressure should be 20 to 120 psi (138 to 828 kPa) for proper dishwasher fill. A booster pump on the water supply can be added if pressure is too low.

Are high suds slowing the wash arm? Never use soap or laundry detergents. Use recommended dishwasher detergents only.

■Dishwasher door will not close

Is the bottom rack in backwards? The rack bumpers must face the dishwasher door.

Spots and stains on dishes

■Spotting and filming on dishes

Is your water hard or is there a high mineral content in your water? Conditioning the final rinse water with a liquid rinse aid helps eliminate spotting and filming. Keep the rinse aid dispenser filled.

Is the water temperature too low? If needed, turn home water heater up to ensure water entering dishwasher is at least 120°F (49°C). Refer to the “Dishwasher Efficiency Tips” section.

Did you use the correct amount of effective detergent? Use recommended dishwasher detergents only. Refer to the “Detergent Dispenser” section. Never use less than 1 tb (15 g) per load. Detergent must be fresh to be effective. Store detergent in a cool, dry area. Heavy soil and/or hard water generally require extra detergent.

NOTE: To remove spots and film from dishes, try a white vinegar rinse. This procedure is intended for occasional use only. Vinegar is an acid and using it too often could damage your dishwasher.

1.Wash and rinse dishes. Use an air-dry or an energy- saving dry option. Remove all silverware or metal items.

2.Put 2 cups (473 mL) white vinegar in a glass or dishwasher-safe measuring cup on the bottom rack.

3.Run the dishwasher through a complete washing cycle using an air-dry or an energy-saving dry option. Do not use detergent. Vinegar will mix with the wash water.

■Silica film or etching (silica film is a milky, rainbow- colored deposit; etching is a cloudy film)

Sometimes there is a water/chemical reaction with certain types of glassware. This is usually caused by some combination of soft or softened water, alkaline washing solutions, insufficient rinsing, overloading the dishwasher, and the heat of drying. It might not be possible to prevent the problem, except by hand washing.

To slow this process use a minimum amount of detergent but not less than 1 tb (15 g) per load. Use a liquid rinse aid and underload the dishwasher to allow thorough rinsing. Silica film and etching are permanent and cannot be removed. Do not use heated drying.

■White spots on cookware with non-stick finish

Has the dishwasher detergent removed cookware seasoning? Reseason cookware after washing in the dishwasher.

■Brown stains on dishes and dishwasher interior

Does your water have high iron content? Rewash dishes using 1-3 tsp (5-15 mL) of citric acid crystals added to the covered section of the detergent dispenser. Do not use detergent. Follow with a Normal wash cycle with detergent. If treatment is needed more often than every other month, the installation of an iron removal unit is recommended.

■Black or gray marks on dishes

Are aluminum items rubbing dishes during washing? Disposable aluminum items can break down in the dishwasher and cause marking. Hand wash these items. Remove aluminum markings by using a mild abrasive cleaner.

■Orange stains on plastic dishes or dishwasher interior

Are large amounts of tomato-based foods on dishes placed in the dishwasher? Stains can gradually fade over time. Regular use of heated drying will slow fading. Stains will not affect dishwasher performance. Regular use of a rinse cycle and an air-dry or energy-saving dry option will reduce the likelihood of staining.

Dishes do not dry completely

■Dishes are not dry

Did you load your dishwasher to allow proper water drainage? Do not overload. Refer to the “Dishwasher Loading” section. Use a liquid rinse aid to speed drying.

Are the plastics wet? Plastics often need towel drying.

Is the rinse aid dispenser empty? Refer to the “Rinse Aid Dispenser” section.

Did you use an air-dry or energy-saving dry option? Use a heated drying option for dryer dishes.