COMMON DISHWASHING PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
Do not place silver next to or touching
stainless steel utensils in dishwasher silverware basket. This can cause pitting of stainless steel blades. (Most silver knives have stainless steel blades. Do not let blades touch other stainless steel utensils during wash cycle.)
Tarnish on silver plate occurs when worn
down to the base metal and turns a bronze color when exposed to hot water and detergent. Remove bronzing by soaking item in vinegar for 10 minutes or use a silver polish. For permanent protection, have silver replated.
Silver tarnish can be caused by prolonged
contact with air or with foods containing sulphur like eggs, mayonnaise, or seafood. Contact with undissolved detergent can also cause tarnish. To prevent this, rinse silver soon after use. Use care not to pour detergent directly onto silver. Remove tarnish with a silver polish.
Discoloration of stainless steel—
Food soil can create a film or discoloration. To avoid, rinse stainless items promptly. Food soil films can be removed with a stainless steel cleanser or mild cleanser. Rinse thoroughly.
Pitting of stainless steel is caused by
prolonged contact with detergent granules and foods like salt, mayonnaise, fruits, butter or milk. To prevent, rinse soon after use. Do not allow detergent to fall directly onto stainless steel items.
Discoloration of aluminum—Anodized
(colored) aluminum cannot withstand machine washing. Resulting loss of color is permanent. Other aluminum may darken when machine washed. To decrease chance of discoloration, do not place aluminum directly beneath detergent dispenser. To brighten darkened items, scour with soap filled steel wool pads. For severely darkened pans, simmer an acidic food or a solution of
2 teaspoons (10 ml) cream of tartar per quart
(1 L) of water for 1/2 hour. Scour with soap filled steel wool pad, rinse and dry.
Knife handles become loose when the
cement is exposed to very hot water. Test wash a single knife for several weeks. Damaged knives should be professionally
Troubleshooting
Before calling for service, review this list. It may save you both time and expense. This list includes common experiences that are not the result of defective workmanship or material.
Noise problems?
It is normal to hear swishing and pulsating sounds.
These sounds mean that water is circulating through the dishwasher.
It is normal to hear motor sounds before water enters tub.
Loud ticking usually means something is hitting wash arm. See Preparing and Loading Dishes.
Vibrating or rattling sounds can mean dishes are touching each other. See Preparing and Loading
Dishes.
Operating problems?
Be sure door is firmly closed. It is normal for dishwasher to pause between cycles.
Leaking?
Check for items sticking out of dishwasher that could prevent door from closing and sealing properly. Use only fresh dishwashing detergent to avoid oversudsing.
Water coming through door vents? When a dish is added after starting dishwasher, wait a few seconds before latching door. This permits entering cold air to expand
slowly inside dishwasher.
Dishes not dry?
Check to see if rinse aid dispenser needs refilling.
Hot water temperature may be too low (min. 120°F 49°C). If COOL DRY option is being used, additional
drying time may be required with door open.
Water in tub?
A small amount of water in bottom of tub is normal. It keeps water seal lubricated.
Detergent left in cup?
Detergent may be too old. Discard old detergent.Use fresh detergent. Dishes may not be loaded properly. Be sure items do not protrude from front of bottom rack preventing detergent cup from opening.
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