Solving Common Dishwashing Problems
Following is a convenient checklist for handling minor performance problems. Go over this list before calling for service. If you are unable to solve your dishwasher’s problem, turn to the “Troubleshooting” section for service information.
Solution chart
PROBLEM | CAUSE | SOLUTION |
Food soil left | Improper loading | Follow loading instructions. |
on dishes | Water temperature | If needed, turn home water heater up to ensure |
| ||
| too low | water entering dishwasher is 120°F (49°C) |
|
| minimum. See the “Saving Energy” section. |
| Use of incorrect, too | Use recommended dishwasher detergents |
| little, or ineffective | only. See the “Using the Dispensers” section. |
| detergent | Never use less than 1 tablespoon per load. |
|
| Detergent must be fresh to be effective. |
|
| Always store detergent tightly closed in a |
|
| cool, dry place. |
| Detergent cakes in | Use fresh detergent only. Do not allow deter- |
| dispenser | gent to sit for several hours in a wet dispenser. |
|
| Check dispenser for caked detergent. Clean |
|
| dispenser when caked detergent is present. |
| Insufficient fill due to | Home water pressure should be 20 to 120 |
| low water pressure | pounds per square inch (psi) (138 to 828 kPa) |
|
| for proper dishwasher fill. A booster pump on |
|
| the water supply may be necessary if pressure |
|
| is too low. |
| Slowdown of wash | Never use soap or laundry detergents. Use |
| arm due to high suds | recommended dishwasher detergents only. |
|
|
|
Spotting | Hard water or high | Use rinse agent to help prevent spotting |
and filming | mineral content in | and filming. See the “Using the Dispensers” |
| water | section. To remove hard water film, see |
|
| “Removing spots and film” at the end of this |
|
| section. |
| Water temperature | If needed, turn home water heater up to ensure |
| too low | water entering dishwasher is 120°F (49°C) |
|
| minimum. |
| Use of incorrect | Use recommended dishwasher |
| detergents | detergents only. |
|
|
|
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