Common Dishwashing Problems and Solutions
Dishes not | Chipped dishes and glasses can result |
information on correct wash cycle, proper loading, | from rough handling and improper loading. Do not |
water temperature, water pressure, hard water, | put glasses in direct contact with other items. |
amount of detergent, old and ineffective detergent, | Place glasses securely against pins. |
and dish placement. |
|
Dishes not drying can be greatly improved by using a rinse aid and hot water. Hot water
raises temperature of dishes to speed up drying. When loading, invert cups and bowls so that water can run off. Avoid nesting of articles. If dishes are not completely dry at end of cycle (which may occur when COOL DRY setting is used), open door, roll out racks, and allow dishes to air dry.
phosphate detergents increase the problem in hard water. To prevent, use hot water and a detergent with a higher level of phosphates (preferably 8.7% or higher), or use more of a low phosphate detergent. Be sure to use a rinse aid. If water is very hard, it may be necessary to install a water softener. Load glasses and plates so they have minimum contact with racks and pins. Avoid overloading. Spotting will occur where dishes and glasses touch.
Cloudy films and streaking are usually
caused by a combination of hard water and an insufficient amount of detergent. Low phosphate detergents are also a factor. To correct, increase amount of detergent, check water temperature and always use a rinse aid. If water is very hard, it may be necessary to install a water softener.
Etched film on glassware is caused by
using too much detergent in soft or softened water. This film cannot be removed. It is more likely to occur on soft leaded glass or expensive crystal. An early warning of this condition is a cloudy iridescent appearance on glasses. To prevent, be sure dishwasher is getting a full fill of water. Water should reach base of heating element. If water level is low, have water pressure checked by a plumber. Use less detergent and make sure water temperature is not higher than 150°F (66°C). Underload to assure thorough rinsing. Use the COOL DRY Option.
Crazing of older china and pottery
happens when items are subjected to very hot water. Once crazing (fine cracks in the glaze) appears, it cannot be removed. Do not machine wash again or condition may worsen.
Coffee and tea stains can occur when
water contains traces of iron. To avoid stains, rinse cups out immediately after use. Increase amount of detergent and use a rinse aid. Water temperature should be approximately 140°F (60°C). If problem persists, install a water softener with an iron removal unit. To remove stains, hand wash cups in solution of 1/2 cup (120 ml) bleach and a quart
(1 L) of warm water. Rinse thoroughly.
Gray-black stains on dishes are caused
by manganese in water supply. To correct, install a manganese filtering system into house water supply.
water. To avoid iron stain, increase detergent, use water heated to approximately 140°F (60°C) and a rinse aid. It may be necessary to install a water softener with an iron removal unit. To improve appearance, use a commercial rust and lime scale remover.
Plastic items can lose their shape due to high temperatures of automatic dishwashing. Read
labels before washing. Place washable items in top rack away from heating element.
Discoloration of plasticware by some
foods, such as tomato sauce, can stain plasticware. If stained, soak item in solution of 1 tablespoon dishwasher detergent and a quart of hot water or in a solution of 1/2 cup (120 ml) bleach and a quart (1 L) of hot water.
Fading of patterns and metallic trim
is due to many washings, detergent and hot water. Most of today’s china is dishwasher safe. Antique, handpainted china, and handpainted pottery should be washed by hand.
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