Dishes do not dry completely

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.

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 are not dry

Did you load your dishwasher to allow proper water drainage? Do not overload. Refer to the “Loading Your Dishwasher” 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.

Dishes are damaged during a cycle

■Chipping of dishes

Did you load the dishwasher properly? Load the dishes and glasses so they are stable and do not strike together from washing action. Minimize chipping by moving the rack in and out slowly.

NOTE: Antiques, feather-edged crystal, and similar types of china and glassware might be too delicate for automatic dishwashing. Wash by hand.