Common Dishwashing Problems
Continued
Dishes not washing clean Water is not hot enough
Water temperature should be at least 140°F (60%). Set water heater thermostat to a higher setting. Run water at sink until hot before starting.
Improper loading
Make sure dishes and glassware are loaded so spray reaches all surfaces and items drain properly. Do not overload. Do not nest items.
Make sure large items do not block spray from reaching detergent dispensers.
Spray arm not rotating freely
Check spray arm to make sure it turns freely after loading. Be sure a utensrl is not sticking out the bottom of the silverware basket and blocking the spray arm from turning.
Not enough detergent or improper detergent
Use more dishwasher detergent. Use detergent with highest available phosphorus content.. especially with hard water.
“Old” detergent
Use only fresh dishwasher detergent. Store tightly closed container, in cool, dry place. Discard old detergent. Do not fill dispensers until ready to start dishwasher.
Water pressure may be low, dishwasher is not filling properly
If water pressure is low, do not use water for other purposes while dishwasher is running (to assure correct fills).
Cloudy film on glassware, etching - permanent corrosion
Too much detergent in soft water
Check for rainbow hue on glasses. A rainbow
hue is the first sign of etching (corrosion of glass). Reduce the amount of dishwasher detergent.
Use a detergent with a lower phosphorus content.
Inadequate rinsing
If water pressure is low do not use water for other purposes while dishwasher is running (to assure correct water fills). Make sure dishes and glass- ware are loaded properly to assure adequate rinsing and draining. Do not overload.
Dishes 8 interior of dishwasher yellow or brown
Iron or manganese in water Temporary remedy:
I. Set empty dishwasher for a “onewash” cycle.
2.Start dishwasher and unlatch door to stop it when it has filled for 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 filter or water softener to home water supply.
Rust spots on stainless steel - OR - Dark spots on flatware: stainless steel, silver plate, or sterling
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 (use the Rinse & Hold Cycle). Clean stained items with silver polish and
Undissolved detergent coming in contact with flatware
Remove spots with silver polish. Avoid spilling concentrated detergent on wet flatware.
Bronze tarnish on silverplate
Silverplate is worn off. Exposed base metal takes on a bronzed hue
Remove tarnish with silver polish. Have silver replated.
Water left in bottom of dishwasher above grate
Dishwasher cycle not completed
Allow dishwasher to complete cycle. Some remaining water 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 usually located above the sink or on the top of the counter near the dishwasher to prevent the possibility of water backing up from the drain into the dishwasher due to a plugged drain. The drain air gap is not a
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