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Common
Dishwashing
Problems
and Solutions
Dishes not
clean--check
pages 5 to 9 for
information
on correct
wash cycle, proper loading,
water temperature,
water pressure,
hard water,
amount
of detergent,
old and ineffective
detergent,
and dish placement.
Dishes not drying
can be greatly
improved
by using a rinse aid and very 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 NO HEAT DRY setting
is used), open
door, roll out racks, and allow dishes to air dry.
Spotting--spots
form when hard water
droplets
evaporate
leaving a deposit.
Low
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 NO HEAT DRY option.
Chipped
dishes and glasses
can result
from rough handling
and improper
loading.
Do not
put glasses
in direct contact with other items.
Place glasses
securely
against
pins.
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.
Reddish-brown
stains on dishes,
glasses
and interior
are caused
by iron in
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 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.
13
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