Common Dishwashing Problems
Continued
Dishes not washing clean
Water is not hot enough
Waler temperalure should be at least 140’F (6O.C). Set water heater lhermostal lo a higher selling. Run waler al sink until hol before starting.
Improper loading
Make sure dishes and glassware are loaded so spray reaches all surfaces and ilems drain properly. Do not overload. Do nol nesl items.
Make sure large ilems do nol block spray from reaching delergent dispensers.
Spray arm not rotating freely
Check spray arm lo make sure il lurns freely aller loading. Be sure a utensil is not slicking out the boltom 01 Ihe silverware baskel and blocking Ihe spray arm from turning.
Not enough detergent or improper detergent
Use more dishwasher detergenl. Use detergent with highest available phosphorus content.. especrally wilh hard water.
“Old” detergent
Use only fresh dishwasher detergent. Store tightly closed conlainer in cool, dry place. Discard old delergent. Do nol lill dispensers until ready lo start dishwasher.
Water pressure may be low, dishwasher is not filling properly
IIwaler pressure is low, do not use waler for olher purposes while dishwasher is running (lo assure correct fills).
Cloudy film on glassware, etching - permanent corrosion
Too much detergent in soft water
Check for rainbow hue on glasses. A rarnbow hue is Ihe firs1 sign of elching (corrosron of glass). Reduce the amounl of dishwasher delergent.
Use a detergenl with a lower phosphorus conlent
Inadequate rinsing
If waler pressure is low do nol use waler for olher purposes while dishwasher is running (to assure correcl waler fills). Make sure dishes and glass- ware are loaded properly to assure adequale rinsing and draining. Do not overload.
Dishes 81interior of dishwasher yellow or brown
Iron or manganese in water Temporary remedy:
1. Set empty dishwasher for a “onewash” cycle.
2.Start dishwasher and unlatch door to stop it when it has filled lor the wash part of the cycle.
3.Add ‘/4to % cup (120 to 240 mL) of citric acid crystals (usually available in drugstores).
4.Close and latch door to complete cycle.
Permanent solution: Install an iron or manganese filler or waler sottener to home water supply.
Rust spots on stainless
Allowing salty or acidic foods such as mayonnaise, vinegar, fruit juices, salad dressings, milk products to remain on flatware
Rinse flatware that is to stand for several hours before washing. Clean stained items wilh silver polish and
Undissolved detergent coming in contact with flatware
Remove spots wilh silver polish. Avoid spilling concentrated detergent on weI flatware.
Bronze tarnish on silverplate
Silverplate is worn off. Exposed base metal takes on a bronzed hue
Remove tarnish with silver polish. Have silver replaled.
Water left in bottom of dishwasher above grate
Dishwasher cycle not completed
Allow dishwasher to complele cycle. Some remaining waler is normal and keeps seals from drying.
Clogged drain air gap
Some plumbing codes require use of a drain air
gap between an undercounter dishwasher and the drain system of the house. The air gap is usu- ally located above the sink or on the lop of the counter near Ihe dishwasher to prevent the pos- sibility of waler backing up from Ihe drain into lhe dishwasher due to a plugged drain. The drain air gap is not a part of the dishwasher and is not covered by Ihe dishwasher warranty. The drain air gap should be kept clean to ensure proper drain- ing of the dishwasher.
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